THE Los Angeles Rams have confirmed their NFL Wildcard game with the Minnesota Vikings will be moved from SoFi Stadium.
Wildfires have torn across Los Angeles in recent days, burning down 10,000 homes and killing 10.
The Rams confirmed on Thursday that the playoff game will still take place.
“The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority,” the team wrote in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area.
‘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.”
The organization later clarified that the game would be moved away from the city “for the interest of public safety.”
Monday’s game will now take place at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
“The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA,” the Rams confirmed.
The game will begin at 5pm PT, with ticket holders for the game “receiving either a refund or a credit towards their season tickets next season.”
Those wishing to buy a ticket to watch the game live in Arizona can do so from 10 a.m. PT Friday morning for Rams Season Ticket Members and Noon PT to the general public.
This isn’t the first time Arizona has been a location for another California team to play due to wildfires.
Sun Devil Stadium hosted the then-San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins in a regular-season matchup in 2003.
The Rams practised in LA on Thursday, with smoke seen billowing over their facility in Woodland Hills.
Players were also able to skip media obligations so they could get back to their homes after a new fire broke out, per the NFL Network.
“Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said.
“It’s one of those deals that almost doesn’t feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected.
GettyState Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, will now host Monday’s showdown[/caption]'War zone' LA feels 'broken' as fires still ravage the city - but we will rebuild
EVERY year Los Angeles braces itself for wildfires. It is not uncommon to see flames torching the hills and even houses burning to the ground.
But many residents have never witnessed anything as devastating as this week. And it’s nowhere near over.
I spent time near Pacific Palisades, where thick smoke filled the air, and saw desperate families fleeing the city while others begged police to give them access to their properties as roads were blocked off.
“Everything is gone” was heard many times, as thousands of people were left homeless and with few possessions.
I was lucky to only have the power go out in my home, but I’ll never forget what I witnessed traveling throughout the city.
It was like a war zone.
During a visit to a shelter, I spoke with a resident who has lived in his home for almost 30 years and is battling cancer. He stayed long after he was told to pack up and go.
It was only when flames began leaping around his building that he finally gathered his belongings and ran out.
I reported from Altadena, where buildings were still engulfed in flames, and few fire trucks were in sight as emergency services were overwhelmed.
Cars and school buses were completely torched, and heartbroken families stood around in shock, not being able to process what had happened.
As the sun went down, I drove back home towards the city center, which I felt was safe, until I saw orange flames leaping behind buildings just minutes from my house.
I felt sick. I’ve never known wildfires so close to Hollywood, and suddenly, phones were blaring with emergency notifications to evacuate the area.
Traffic lights and street lamps were out, and areas filled with fallen trees from the strong winds became gridlocked.
I feel extremely lucky I live minutes outside of the evacuation zone, but friends panicked and fled their homes.
Although many worldwide will merely shrug when they hear wealthy people have lost their homes, the reality is very different.
The city as a whole feels broken, everyone from single mothers to elderly people have been through hell.
And people are angry.
Dozens have spoken of their insurance policies being canceled just months before the fires, while others are reeling over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
They may be angry. But they are also hopeful. The people of Los Angeles are made of strong stuff.
We will get through this. And we will rebuild.
“Praying that as many people are OK, and you just see the amount of people that are affected and it’s one of those deals that it gives you perspective.
“Hopefully, they get this stuff under control. It’s been a unique week.”
The Rams enter the playoffs in strong form after a 10-7 regular season.
They went 5-1 through December but will face a tough challenge against the 14-3 Vikings.
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