By Reuters
January 8, 2025 – 10:36 PM PST
An NFL said Wednesday that the league is keeping tabs on the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area with respect to Monday’s NFC wild-card game involving the Minnesota Vikings and host Rams in Inglewood, Calif.
A contingency plan is in place for the contest. The game would be played in Glendale, Ariz., if the location needs to be changed.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
“We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if necessary.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Meanwhile, the NHL postponed Wednesday’s game pitting the visiting Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings. A makeup date was not announced.
“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,” the NHL said in a statement.
The Charlotte Hornets flew west on Wednesday for scheduled NBA games against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday and Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
“We are in communication with the Lakers and Hornets and continue to closely monitor the situation to determine if any scheduling adjustments are necessary related to tomorrow night’s game,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.
Multiple wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing at least five people, causing many more to leave their cars in the streets and destroying more than 1,000 structures.
“Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe,” the Rams wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
–Field Level Media