NFL Monitors Wildfires, May Move Playoff Game to Arizona

LOS ANGELES — The NFL is closely monitoring the impact of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which have forced thousands to evacuate and significantly degraded air quality. The league has contingency plans to relocate Monday night’s wild-card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if necessary.

Three major wildfires are currently burning across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. Over 70,000 residents have been evacuated, with the number fluctuating as new evacuation orders are issued. The fires have claimed at least five lives and destroyed hundreds of homes, straining firefighting resources and water supplies.

In a statement, the NFL emphasized that preparations for the game at SoFi Stadium are ongoing, but the league is prepared to move the game to Arizona if conditions worsen. “As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed,” the league said. This would not be the first time the NFL has relocated a game due to wildfires; in 2003, a Monday night game between the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers was moved to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

The Rams, who had a scheduled day off on Wednesday, are monitoring the situation closely. A team official confirmed that no players or staff have been directly affected by the fires. The team’s headquarters in Woodland Hills, located about 13 miles north of the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades, remains operational. Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp expressed his support for those affected, writing on social media, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires. Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.”

The Los Angeles Chargers, who are set to face the Houston Texans in a wild-card playoff game on Saturday, adjusted their practice schedule to limit players’ exposure to poor air quality. The air quality index in the region ranged from 150 to over 300 on Wednesday, with levels above 150 considered “very unhealthy.” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh split offensive and defensive units during practice to minimize time spent outdoors. The team also announced a $200,000 donation to organizations aiding wildfire relief efforts, including the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation.

Wildfires in California have become increasingly common and severe due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change. While the state’s wildfire season typically runs from June through October, January wildfires are not unprecedented. According to Cal Fire, there were 10 wildfires in January 2021 and one in January 2022.

The NHL also took action in response to the wildfires, postponing the Los Angeles Kings‘ home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. The league expressed solidarity with those affected, stating, “The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans, and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time.”

As the situation evolves, the NFL remains in close contact with local officials, teams, and the NFL Players Association to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. The league has not yet announced a final decision on the game’s location but is prepared to act swiftly if conditions necessitate a change.