The NFL playoffs start this weekend – overshadowed by the fires in Los Angeles. The Rams have to move to Arizona.
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area are shaking up scheduling in the most important US sports leagues. As those responsible for the NFL football league announced on Friday night (January 10th, 2025/CET), the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings relocated to Arizona. The duel is scheduled to take place on Monday evening (local time).
The game was moved almost 600 kilometers away State Farm Stadiumthe home venue of the Arizona Cardinals, was “in the interest of public safety,” the NFL said. The decision was made after consultations with authorities, the clubs and the players’ association.
Lakers NBA game postponed
There was a cancellation because of the fires in basketball: The N.B.A-Game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets will now take place at a later date that has not yet been announced. “Our thoughts are with those directly affected by this unimaginable situation” the Lakers announced on X. “Our game tonight is postponed to focus on what matters most today.”
Previously was in the ice hockey league NHL already the encounter between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames been cancelled.
The fires in the greater Los Angeles area have been raging for several days and have already forced tens of thousands of people to flee. The fire caused a sharp rise in air pollution in the region.
New Training procedures with the LA Chargers
The Rams players had a day off on Wednesday and resumed practice on Thursday. According to a statement from the team, no member of the player squad or staff is currently affected by the fires. The Rams headquarters are located in Woodland Hillsaround 20 kilometers north of Pacific Palisadeswhere the fires rage particularly violently.
Those too Los Angeles Chargers have to react to the situation at the moment. The team will play an away game in the first playoff round on Saturday (January 11, 2025 / local time). Houston Texansbut preparation is affected by the fires. So the Chargers adjusted their practice schedule on Wednesday to avoid players spending too much time outside.