By Rory Carroll
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The National Football League moved Monday’s playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams to Arizona after wildfires ravaged the region surrounding the Rams’ SoFi (NASDAQ: ) stadium in Inglewood, California.
The NFL said the decision to hold the Wild Card game at the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale was made in the interest of public safety and after consultation with public officials, participating clubs and the NFL Players Association.
Rams quarterback Matt Stafford said the team will be proud to represent Los Angeles wherever it plays.
“Every time we suit up, we’re the Los Angeles Rams,” Stafford said.
“We play for the people in this community, the people who support us, and this week will be another example of that.”
Earlier, the NBA postponed Thursday’s game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets in Los Angeles due to the natural disaster that is still ongoing.
Two massive wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County were burning without containment Thursday, two days after they ignited and sparked the worst wildfire in the state’s history.
At least seven people have died, thousands of homes and businesses have been burned, and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, while another 200,000 are under an evacuation alert, officials said.
“We are heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most.”
The compensation date for the match has not yet been announced.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles in a fire, ESPN reported Thursday.
‘IT CAN’T BE REAL’
New Zealand women’s soccer captain Ali Riley, who plays for NWSL Angel City FC, said her home was one of those burned in the Palisades fire.
“This was our home. How real is this. It can’t be real,” Riley posted on X alongside a photo of the decimated neighborhood.
Three-time U.S. Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. managed to escape the Palisades fire with his dog Puddles, insulin and a few personal belongings before his rental home went up in flames.
“He also most likely lost his ten Olympic medals, but nothing can take away the spirit that won those medals,” said a GoFundMe page set up for him.
Santa Anita Park has postponed Friday’s racing program until Jan. 16 due to poor air quality forecast for the San Gabriel Valley, the horse racing venue said.
“While Santa Anita remains outside of any active fire areas, wildfire smoke is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s general manager.
“We also want to honor the impact this tragedy has had on the many members of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires.”
The Palisades shoot between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and Eaton (NYSE:) The wildfires to the east near Pasadena are the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 31,000 hectares (12,500 acres) — or about 48 square miles (125 square kilometers) — and turning entire neighborhoods to ash.
