Minnesota Vikings-Los Angeles Rams Wild Card Game Relocated Due to Wildfires

Inglewood, California – In a significant decision for public safety, the NFL announced that the upcoming Minnesota Vikings-Los Angeles Rams wild-card game, scheduled for Monday night, has been relocated from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This change comes as Southern California continues to grapple with multiple devastating wildfires.

The league’s statement indicated that the decision was made after consulting with public officials, team representatives, and the NFL Players Association. Despite the move, the game will retain its original start time of 8 p.m. ET, and ticket sales are set to open on Friday.

Since a fire started in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, multiple wind-driven blazes have wreaked havoc across the Los Angeles area. These include the Eaton Fire affecting Altadena and Pasadena, as well as the Hurst Fire in Sylmar. The West Hills area recently saw a fire emerge close to the Rams’ practice facility.

Due to safety concerns, the Rams canceled the open locker room availability on Thursday, urging players to return home quickly as evacuation orders were issued in their vicinity. Tragically, reports indicate at least five lives have been lost, and over 130,000 residents have been placed under evacuation orders, with more than 5,000 structures burned.

Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his concern, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires.” Similarly, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh shared his empathy, noting that his daughter’s home had to be evacuated due to the threatening flames.

As the wildfires continue to disrupt the L.A. region, players from both the Rams and Chargers are taking precautions, such as wearing masks during practice due to poor air quality conditions. Harbaugh commended the bravery of first responders, expressing deep gratitude for their courageous efforts in combating the blazes.

This game marks an unusual occurrence, being the fifth instance of the NFL moving a game to the Arizona Cardinals’ home stadium, and just the third playoff game occurring at a venue not hosting the teams in regular season. The Rams will enter the playoff fight as the reigning NFC West champions, while the Vikings secured a strong season with a 14-3 record, making them fifth in the NFC playoff lineup.

Fans eager to attend can look forward to ticket sales opening at 1 p.m. ET for Rams season ticket holders, and at 3 p.m. ET for the general public, via Seatgeek.com.

The game will be televised as originally scheduled on ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. As this unprecedented situation unfolds, the league remains focused on the safety and well-being of all involved.