Could California Wildfires Force NFL to Move Vikings vs Rams Playoff Game?

By Jack Witte |

Updated: Jan 8, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a trip to Los Angeles to face off against the Rams in a crucial Monday night Wild Card showdown. However, the game’s location could hang in the balance due to unprecedented circumstances in Los Angeles. The area is currently dealing with severe wildfires, leading to hazardous air quality and widespread evacuations.

NFL provides statement on Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams

Due to the wildfires spreading throughout California, the NFL might be forced to move Monday night’s matchup between the Vikings and Rams. The fires are rapidly spreading towards Los Angeles and this could very well have an effect on the location for Monday’s game.

Statement from the NFL regarding the Rams-Vikings playoff game scheduled to be played Monday night in Los Angeles: “The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 8, 2025

Potential solutions

Of course, that may not be the case, given how many Minnesota Vikings fans reside in Arizona. But obviously, the optimal outcome would have the Minnesota Vikings squaring off against the Los Angeles Rams in their scheduled Monday night Wild Card game in Los Angeles. Should the game need relocating, though, the NFL has officially chosen Arizona as the emergency site.

NEW YORK — Jan. 8, 2025 — The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. 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, AZ, 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.
NFL Statement on Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams game

The Arizona Cardinals, having concluded their season, have an available stadium ready to host Vikings vs Rams, if necessary. The proximity of Arizona to Los Angeles simplifies travel for fans, ensuring the game remains, in a technical sense, a home fixture for the Rams, even if played away from their usual turf.

How this could impact the Minnesota Vikings

The Palisades wildfires are a grave concern in California, far outweighing the significance of any football game. The Minnesota Vikings have issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims. Given the situation, if the game has to be relocated, it definitely could adversely affect the Vikings.

Travel and practice schedules are crucial for NFL teams on the road, and a last-minute change could disrupt any preparations. However, this scenario might also have a silver lining for the Vikings, in terms of a competitive advantage.

Should the game be moved to a new location, especially a place like Glendale, AZ, it’s almost certainly to lead to more Minnesota Vikings fans. These circumstances are beyond any person’s control, and it is important that the NFL has a contingency plan in place. We’ll keep you posted on whether or not the league is forced into such a drastic measure.

Las Vegas or Arizona seem like the most logical places to host this game if LA is unable, and they could most likely keep it at the same time. The Minnesota Vikings must be ready for any changes to be made, as the call could be made at any time.