The Los Angeles Rams have faced challenges as they prepare for their upcoming playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings amidst the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The team, along with their traveling party of 355 people, six dogs, and two cats, departed for Phoenix with the assistance of the Arizona Cardinals, who provided two team planes for the journey.
Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht expressed the team's dedication to playing for the community affected by the fires, aiming to provide hope and support through their performance on Monday night at the Cardinals' State Farm Stadium.
The Rams' chief operating officer, Kevin Demoff, emphasized the team's commitment to offering a sense of respite and unity to their fans and the city of Los Angeles during this challenging time.
The Rams were directly impacted by the Kenneth Fire, which broke out near their training complex in Woodland Hills, prompting evacuation orders for many players, coaches, and staff members and their families. The team had initially hoped to host the playoff game at SoFi Stadium but had to implement a contingency plan due to the escalating fires and public safety concerns.
Grateful for the Cardinals' assistance, the Rams will utilize their training complex for preparations and have arranged for State Farm Stadium to resemble a home game environment. Rams season ticket members quickly purchased 25,000 tickets for the relocated game, with transportation options being organized to facilitate fan attendance.
Players' families, including pets, are being accommodated for the trip to Arizona to ensure minimal distractions. Tight end Tyler Higbee likened the situation to 'Noah's Ark going over to Arizona,' highlighting the unpredictability and challenges posed by the wildfires.
The decision to relocate the game was deemed necessary by the league and team officials, acknowledging the larger impact of the wildfires on the community. Head coach Sean McVay and several players have previous experience with such uncertainties, having navigated similar challenges during the Woolsey Fire in 2018.
Despite the adversity, the Rams remain focused on their playoff matchup and the opportunity to provide support and inspiration to those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.
