NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league made a last-second decision to move the Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., to State Farm Stadium in Arizona, reason for wildfires in southern California.
This decision was made at short notice since the decision was made on Thursday. Because the game was being played Monday instead of the weekend, teams had an extra day to pack up, get out of dodge and head south to play the game as emergency officials rushed to put out the lights. underworld in the Los Angeles area.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, talks with referee John Hussey before an NFL playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale , in Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Goodell spoke about the unprecedented move in an interview with ESPN.
“What the people of Los Angeles are going through, the devastation, the loss, the grief that we all feel for them, we knew the game couldn’t be played there by Thursday,” he said. “Public safety and any compromise was not something we did. And we wanted to make sure the first responders were focused on taking care of the people who are struggling so much out there.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looks on before an NFL playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“When we made this decision, the league came together. We have preparations or what we call contingency plans that include two stadiums every week, and that was a perfect fit in terms of where the fans would be placed. Los Angeles Rams, and I’m proud to say that 45,000 of them have made the trip here, which is just amazing. Everyone has come together and Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals are in. head of list.
Rams fans have indeed made this trip to Glendale, Arizona. The organization even had the field painted in the colors of the Rams and the large Los Angeles logo in the middle of the field.
Before the game, the Rams were among 12 teams in the Los Angeles and Anaheim area that announced a combined $8 million donation to those affected by the wildfires.
Los Angeles Rams fans hold a sign before an NFL playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The money will be used to support the victims and those fighting the fires. The American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and several other local community organizations animal rescue were designated as recipients of the donation.
