As the fires rage on in LA, the Los Angeles Rams are attempting to prepare for an NFL Playoff game. They did not practice on Wednesday, and as of this writing, they do plan to carry out their normal practice schedule on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Rams practice facility in Woodland Hills is currently out of harm’s way, but the air quality is what the team needs to worry about.
This is the same issue regarding the actual game between the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night.
Inglewood, where the stadium sits, is far enough away from the current fires to be safe in that regard, but as they burn, smoke will continue to billow into the sky and rest all over the LA basin. The smoke and ash are carried throughout all of the southland and cause unsafe breathing conditions.
The NFL released a statement yesterday regarding the situation.
“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Currently, on January 9, the air quality index in Inglewood sits at 164, which is considered unhealthy but is better than yesterday’s air quality. For context, where I live in Pasadena, the air quality index is 277.
A Contingency Plan For Los Angeles Rams Vs Minnesota Vikings Has Been Revealed
In a statement later in the afternoon yesterday, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN, “the NFL says the plan remains to play the Vikings-Rams game on Monday Night at SoFi Stadium, but a contingency plan is in place should it be needed. If the game cannot be played in LA, it will be played on Monday Night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
An air quality index under 100 is generally considered safe. Inglewood is not too far from this, but if the winds pick up again and these fires are pushed south at all, the game will have to be moved for the safety of not just the players and staff, but for the fans in attendance as well.
We will continue to monitor this situation and hope that this game can be played in Los Angeles and bring hope and joy to many Los Angeles Rams fans who are hurting.
Stay safe my fellow Angelenos.