NFL plans for Rams to host Vikings Monday but may shift to Arizona due to L.A. County fires

Update:
5:44 p.m. Jan. 9, 2025: The NFL has moved the Rams’ NFC wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Five days before the Rams host the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC wild-card playoff game, the NFL said it was keeping an eye on the wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County since Tuesday.

The league said it currently plans for the No. 4-seeded Rams to host the No. 5 Vikings during their playoff game Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which is south of where fires burned on Wednesday, but it has a contingency plan if the fires adversely impact the ability to host the game.

"As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed," the NFL said in a statement. "In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz."

In a statement Thursday morning, the Rams said they still hope to have the game at SoFi Stadium but "will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with local officials, the NFL and NFLPA." If the location is changed to Glendale, the team said, ticket holders will be contacted by email with information on "what that means for their current tickets."

Wind gusts reaching nearly 100 mph have fueled the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley fires and were responsible for at least five deaths and have burned more than 2,000 buildings as of Thursday morning.

Read more: 10 dead, more than 9,000 homes, structures damaged or destroyed in L.A. County fires

"The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area," the Rams said in their statement. "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."

"We hope you all are somewhere safe and we hope to see you Monday night," said the Rams, who are practicing Thursday as scheduled at their Woodland Hills facility.

Star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were among the Rams players who posted similar sentiments.

"Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances," Kupp wrote.

Read more: L.A. County fires postponed Kings' game at Crypto.com Arena — and now Thursday's Lakers game

Nacua added: "God bless the families impacted!"

The No. 5 Chargers, who also play their home games at SoFi Stadium but are opening the AFC playoffs on the road Saturday against the No. 4 Houston Texans, will donate $200,000 in wildfire relief efforts, the team announced Wednesday. The money will be split across the American Red Cross, the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations sheltering animals displaced by the fires.

Returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, the Chargers adjusted their practice routine Wednesday to limit players’ time outside at the El Segundo practice facility. Offensive players and defensive scout team members alternated on-field sessions with defensive players and offensive scout team members and some coaches and team personnel were wearing face masks on the field.

While most Chargers players and coaches live near the South Bay and were outside of immediate danger, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal and his family had to evacuate from their Calabasas home.

Read more: Chargers open playoffs and Rams close wild-card weekend as NFL announces schedule

The Chargers canceled one of their postseason fan events in Sherman Oaks, originally scheduled for Friday, but will proceed with “Charge Up to Playoffs” events in Orange, Rancho Cucamonga and Hermosa Beach while also holding supply drives for evacuation centers.

Fans attending events are asked to bring commonly requested items for an evacuation situation, including bottled water, blankets, new or gently used clothes, first aid kits, hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, saline solution, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand sanitizer), baby supplies (diapers, formula, wet wipes), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, toilet paper, portable chargers, pet food and water.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.