Los Angeles wildfires: Vikings-Rams wild-card playoff moved, Lakers game postponed as coaches, athletes are impacted by fires

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Several intense and destructive wildfires are raging in Southern California, fueled by the powerful Santa Ana winds. The evacuation orders, which include parts of the Los Angeles area, have killed 10 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 10,000 structures.

The fires, of course, are also impacting athletes and sporting events across the city.

NFL moves Rams-Vikings wild card game to Arizona

The NFL playoffs kick off with the wild-card round this weekend, and the Los Angeles Rams are set to host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. But the league announced Thursday that the game will now be played in the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium.

Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, which is about 10 miles southeast of where the Palisades fire is burning. The NFL said Thursday that the decision was made “in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA.” The game will still take place on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET.

The league had originally planned to play the game as scheduled, but created the contingency plan due to the rapid evolution of the L.A.-area fires.

Earlier on Thursday, Rams head coach Sean McVay had said he expected the game to be played at SoFi Stadium.

However, smoke could be seen from the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills, which is north of the Palisades fire, on Thursday.

The Cardinals provided jets to fly the Rams players and their families (and pets) to Arizona on Friday. The Rams have also secured buses to transport fans to Arizona for the game.

On Friday, the NFL announced a $5 million donation to relief efforts, including contributions from the Chargers, Rams, Vikings, Texans and NFL Foundation.

USWNT moves January camp to Florida in wake of fires

The U.S. women’s national team was supposed to hold its January camp in Los Angeles next week. The dual-purpose camp, which does not include any friendlies, will bring in 26 players to train with the USWNT team and an additional 24 U-23 players to train with the organization as part of a “Futures Camp.”

However, on Friday, U.S Soccer announced that the camps will be moved away from the L.A. area and instead will take…

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Source link : https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/los-angeles-wildfires-vikings-rams-wild-card-playoff-moved-lakers-game-postponed-as-coaches-athletes-are-impacted-by-fires-143550807.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2025-01-08 14:35:00

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