Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams: Monday’s game set for SoFi Stadium despite fires, but back-up plan in place | NFL news
The Minnesota Vikings with a wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams is still scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in California, but there is a contingency plan in place due to the numerous wildfires ongoing around LA.
If the backup plan must go ahead, Monday night’s game will be played at the Arizona Cardinals’ home field, State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
At least five wildfires are raging in Los Angeles, fueled by strong winds of up to 160 km/h, in which five people have died and 130,000 people have been asked to evacuate their homes.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the NFL said in a statement.
“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders. Our hearts go out to Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
“We are continuing to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled on Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in place in case a location change is necessary. In this case, the game would be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both the clubs and the NFLPA.”
The Rams and Los Angeles Chargers practice in areas not at risk from wildfires, but both teams are monitoring air quality and the potential impact on their practices.
The Chargers changed their practice schedule on Wednesday to minimize their players being outdoors in coastal El Segundo, while the Rams don’t resume practice until Thursday.
The Chargers are on the road against the Houston Texans in the wild-card round on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that the organization would provide $200,000 (£162,840) in targeted funding to help those affected by the fires.
