The NFL will make history on Monday as a first-round playoff game between the Rams and Minnesota Vikings has been relocated to Arizona due to the Los Angeles wildfires. This marks the first time a natural disaster has led to the NFL moving a postseason game to a neutral site. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the importance of public safety in making this decision and highlighted the collaborative efforts of teams to ensure a smooth transition.
The Rams and their entourage, including pets, were swiftly transported to Arizona within 24 hours of the relocation decision. The Cardinals went above and beyond to accommodate their guests, clearing out locker rooms and transforming the field to reflect the Rams’ colors and branding. Despite the challenges of moving a game on short notice, the teams worked together to make the transition as seamless as possible.
The Cardinals’ turf manager arranged for the field to be painted in the Rams’ royal blue and sol yellow colors, with inspiring markings to recognize the difficult times in Los Angeles and honor first responders. This relocation for a postseason game sets a new precedent, demonstrating the league’s commitment to prioritizing safety and ensuring that the game goes on despite unforeseen circumstances.
Throughout the season, teams have been competing fiercely to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Rams clinched this advantage by winning the NFC West, defeating the Cardinals in Week 17. Of the five postseason games played so far, the Washington Commanders are the only visiting team to emerge victorious.
Team executive Demoff acknowledged the triviality of discussing a football game amidst the backdrop of thousands losing their homes. He highlighted the stark contrast between having the luxury to focus on football logistics while many are forced to evacuate and face uncertainty. Nevertheless, the game must go on, serving as a brief respite amid overwhelming challenges.
The Rams have made extensive arrangements to relocate their entire operation, including players, coaches, families, and fans, to another city. Owner Stan Kroenke spared no expense to ensure a smooth transition, with the Vikings offering their support. Drawing from past experiences, such as relocating a game in 2018 due to unforeseen circumstances, the Rams are familiar with adjusting plans on short notice.
Commissioner Goodell, deeply connected to Los Angeles, expressed empathy for the community amidst the ongoing crisis. He emphasized the league’s commitment to aiding those affected and finding ways to offer assistance. Despite the difficulties faced, the focus remains on supporting and uniting in times of adversity.
Amidst the challenges, contingency plans are in place for every scheduled game, demonstrating the league’s readiness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. While the circumstances are rare and demanding, the collective efforts aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
In 2007, wildfires in San Diego forced the Chargers to relocate and prepare for a game at the Cardinals’ training facility in Tempe. Similarly, in 2020 during the pandemic, the San Francisco 49ers moved to Arizona for the final month of the season due to a ban on contact sports in Santa Clara. This time, the Rams faced a rapid decision-making process, working closely with NFL headquarters and Dawn Aponte, the league’s chief administrator of football operations. The Rams, Chargers, Vikings, and Houston Texans each donated $1 million to relief efforts, matched by the NFL. Commissioner Goodell emphasized using their platform to inspire help beyond games, highlighting the importance of communities. The game being scheduled for Monday night gave the Rams an extra day to decide on a location, ultimately moving the game to Arizona due to resource limitations caused by multiple fires. Ticketing logistics presented a challenge due to differing stadium configurations and ticket distribution systems between SoFi and State Farm Stadium.
The Rams and Cardinals had to collaborate to bring to life a game that was previously non-existent. Season-ticket holders of the Rams were quick to secure seats, with 52,000 tickets being snapped up within the first two hours of sales on a Friday. By the end of the day, the game had completely sold out, with over 90 suites and all luxury seating also taken. The Cardinals, on the other hand, managed to enlist around 4,000 game-day workers to staff the event on a challenging Monday night, including personnel for concessions, security, and other essential roles. The entertainment teams of both franchises worked tirelessly to ensure that all videoboard content and digital assets were prepared to emulate the feel of a game at SoFi Stadium.
Players of the Rams and their families were accommodated at one of the resorts that has hosted all four Super Bowls in Arizona, the most recent one being just two years ago between Philadelphia and Kansas City. A moment of prayer brought together the players from both teams after a game held at SoFi Stadium on December 28.
“We had a productive practice day on Saturday,” Demoff remarked. “Players were able to regain a sense of normalcy. For the first time this week, they could fully focus on football. Walking through the hotel, you could see people engaged in the sport, children playing around.”
This temporary reprieve comes amidst challenging times for the franchise, with two employees having lost their homes and two players having witnessed fires encroaching perilously close to their properties. Demoff, a native of Los Angeles, expressed his concerns about the emotions that may surface once the playoff run concludes. “I know there will come a point, once this playoff journey ends, where the heightened emotions of the experience will fade,” he shared. “The full impact of what transpired will likely hit us in a way it hasn’t yet. That realization will be incredibly difficult. The anticipated ‘new normal’ is something I don’t believe anyone in our city is prepared for.”
Given the current hazardous conditions, offering direct assistance is challenging. The fire zones are too risky to access, and even the Red Cross is uncertain about the specific needs at this juncture. Despite the limitations, there is a clear understanding within the team on how they can contribute. “We can strive to deliver the most captivating entertainment possible to offer a brief escape and unite the city for three hours,” Demoff emphasized.
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Originally published in the Los Angeles Times.
