Those familiar with the large-scale events across the city have been asking themselves the same question in recent days amid the catastrophic wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County: How to proceed under these conditions?
The NFL responded last Thursday by moving a scheduled playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Arizona. Kickoff will be in two hours at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the Rams organization has confirmed Hollywood Reporter How the current (ongoing) fires and tragedy will play into this event.
First, retired Rams star and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, who spent five years with the team after 11 with the Cincinnati Bengals, will address fans live inside State Farm Stadium with a “special message to Los Angeles.” He will then cede the spotlight to singer Rachel Platten, who will perform her anthem “Fight Song” on the field. As she sings, a 200-foot “LA Together” banner will be projected onto the sideline as her backdrop before the players are introduced. Platten will remain at the microphone to sing the national anthem. Both shows will be broadcast live. (The game will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes as well as locally on ABC7.)
The sidelines will also be well represented with first responders honored. Rams players, coaches and staff will wear custom Los Angeles Fire Department jerseys and hats complete with the LA Rams logo. Custom merchandise will be available for sale at State Farm Stadium and connected All profits will go to support the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross. Rams insiders sent Rams-branded “LA Together” T-shirts to shootings at base camps in Los Angeles.
Other Highlights: Game-worn jerseys and select footballs will be auctioned off at the NFL Auction with proceeds going to the American Red Cross; A 50/50 raffle, half of which would normally benefit the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, will be donated to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross; The Arizona Cardinals Flag Crew will join the Rams Rampage mascot to run out onto the field with “LA Together” flags; “Thank you Firefighters and First Responders” signs will be raised in the south end zone; Concession stands will offer a donation opportunity for fans to donate $5, $10 and $20 to the American Red Cross.
In other entertainment news for the game, Los Angeles hip-hop star Xzibit will perform at halftime alongside Rams fans, while Warren G will take the court for a special third quarter performance.
“The safety of the Los Angeles community is the Rams’ top priority, and the organization’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area. The team is grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect the city and community as well as the individuals who continue to help,” the Rams said in a statement. Neighbors in need.”
