NFL announces plans to move Rams-Vikings playoff from SoFi Stadium if deadly LA fires threaten game

In light of the devastating fires ravaging the Los Angeles region, the NFL has disclosed that they are prepared to have a backup plan for Monday’s Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams playoff game.

The Rams’ SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will still host the Wild Card playoff game.

At least five people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have had to leave their homes due to the several wildfires that are still consuming southern California.

The NFL has implemented a backup plan for Monday night’s Vikings vs. Rams game as a result of the fire.

If a change of venue is necessary, the league announced that the game will be moved to the Arizona Cardinals’ home stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“The safety of the Los Angeles community is the NFL’s top priority.

Read More on NFL

NFL monitoring deadly LA fires over fears of Rams vs Vikings postponement

NFL release statement over fears playoff game postponed due to deadly LA fires

“We appreciate the first responders’ unwavering efforts.

“We send our condolences to Los Angeles and all those impacted by the flames.

“We are still getting ready for Monday night’s Vikings vs. Rams game at SoFi Stadium.

“There are backup plans in case the venue needs to be changed, just like with any other game.

“If necessary, the game in this case would take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”

Although they train in locations unaffected by the flames, the Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, another playoff club, say they will keep an eye on the situation.

The Chargers modified their practice schedule on Wednesday to restrict the players’ outside time in preparation for their Saturday game against the Houston Texans.

They have a plant at El Segundo, which is on the coast.

The Rams, whose facility is located in Woodland Hills, 13 miles north of the Pacific Palisades, which was devastated by the fire, are scheduled to practice on Thursday.

Most destructive California wildfires

Numerous destructive wildfires have destroyed over 1,000 structures in California, including four that are still burning as of January 2025. The five most damaging wildfires in the history of the state are as follows:

• 1. Camp Fire – Butte County, 2018
  • Destroying more than 18,000 structures, the Camp Fire is widely known as the most destructive in California state history. Over 153,000 acres were burned and 86 people died.
    
• 2. Tubbs Fire – Napa County and Sonoma County, 2017
  • This October 2017 fire burned more than 5,600 structures and left 36,807 acres charred. Twenty-two people died.
    
• 3. Tunnel Fire – Alameda County, 1991
  • Another October blaze, the Tunnel Fire, destroyed 2,900 structures and burned 1,600 acres in 1991. Twenty-five people died.
    
• 4. Cedar Fire – San Diego County, 2003
  • Nearly 2,900 structures were ruined and a staggering 273,246 acres were burned in this blaze that killed 15 people.
    
• 5. Valley Fire – Lake, Napa, & Sonoma Counties, 2015
  • Four people died in this September 2015 blaze that destroyed nearly 2,000 structures and left 76,067 acres charred.
    

• Destroying more than 18,000 structures, the Camp Fire is widely known as the most destructive in California state history. Over 153,000 acres were burned and 86 people died.
  

• This October 2017 fire burned more than 5,600 structures and left 36,807 acres charred. Twenty-two people died.
  

• Another October blaze, the Tunnel Fire, destroyed 2,900 structures and burned 1,600 acres in 1991. Twenty-five people died.
  

• Nearly 2,900 structures were ruined and a staggering 273,246 acres were burned in this blaze that killed 15 people.
  

• Four people died in this September 2015 blaze that destroyed nearly 2,000 structures and left 76,067 acres charred.
  

Source: KABC

“Those impacted by the Palisades wildfires and the brave responders defending our city are in our thoughts and prayers. The Rams sent a message on Tuesday, saying, “Be careful.

The team declared that neither employees nor players had been impacted by the fires.

Charities fighting the fire and rescue group will receive $200,000 in specific funding from the Chargers.