NFL's decision to relocate Rams-Vikings playoff game amid LA wildfires discussed by Roger Goodell.
The Rams and Vikings were originally slated to face off in California.
The NFL Commissioner and the league made a last-minute decision to move the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings' playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to the wildfires in Southern California.
The decision to play the game on Monday instead of the weekend gave the teams an extra day to prepare, but also meant that emergency officials had to work quickly to put out the fires in the Los Angeles area.
Goodell talked about the unprecedented move in an interview with ESPN.
He stated that the devastation, loss, and heartache experienced by the people in Los Angeles were felt by everyone, and they knew the game couldn't be played there by Thursday. Public safety and compromising it were not options, and they wanted to ensure that the first responders' focus was on taking care of those struggling out there.
"The league came together when we made that decision. We had contingency plans that included two stadiums every week, and the location for the Los Angeles Rams' fans was perfect. 45,000 fans made the trip over here, which was extraordinary. Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals were at the top of the list."
The Rams fans made a trip to Glendale, Arizona, and the organization painted the field with Rams colors and a big LA logo in the middle.
The Rams were one of the 12 Los Angeles and Anaheim area teams that made a combined $8 million donation to those affected by the wildfires prior to the game.
The funds will be used to aid victims and those battling the fires, with the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon, and other local animal rescue organizations being designated as beneficiaries of the donations.
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- NFL's decision to relocate Rams-Vikings playoff game amid LA wildfires discussed by Roger Goodell.