The Rams have confirmed that their Wild Card playoff game against the Vikings is still going ahead as planned – even as wildfires rip through Los Angeles. (UPDATE: The game has now been relocated)
But the team reiterated that the NFL is ready to host the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, should it need to be moved from SoFi Stadium.
On Thursday afternoon, at least five wildfires continued to rage in Los Angeles — with the largest two covering 27,000 acres — as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.
Five people have lost their lives in the unfolding disaster — with 130,000 locals ordered to evacuate and 20 square miles of territory destroyed.
It comes just a few days before the NFL playoffs begin, with the Rams slated to host the Vikings in the first round.
‘The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area,’ a Rams statement read.
Wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes
The Rams are slated to host the Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Greater Los Angeles
The game could be yet moved to State Farm Stadium – home of the Arizona Cardinals
‘We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect our city and community as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbors in need.
‘As of now, the Wild Card playoff game featuring your Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings remains scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium on Monday night at 5 PM PT.
‘As with all games, the NFL has contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed due to the tragic fires in our region.
‘If the NFL decides a change in location is needed, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
‘That is currently only a contingency plan and if that happens we will inform all ticket holders via email what that means for their current tickets.
‘We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with local officials, the NFL and NFLPA. We hope you all are somewhere safe and we hope to see you Monday night.’
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers changed their practice schedule, to minimize the time players spent outdoors in coastal El Segundo. Jim Harbaugh’s team are on the road Saturday against the Houston Texans.
The NBA has postponed Thursday night’s game between the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles.
Five people have lost their lives and 20 square miles of territory destroyed in the wildfires
A building is burned by the flames in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles
According to ESPN, Lakers coach JJ Redick is among those who have lost their home.
Redick said Wednesday that his family had already evacuated from the Pacific Palisades area, explaining: ‘Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family.’
It marked the second straight day that a game slated to be played in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed.
The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.