The Los Angeles Rams earned the privilege to host a playoff game in the upcoming 2025 NFL postseason by securing the NFC West division title against the Seattle Seahawks.

However, their first playoff game won’t be at their usual SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Instead, they will compete at a rival’s home stadium as the Los Angeles Fire Department battles severe wildfires that have impacted the area over the past week.

This match between the Rams and the Minnesota Vikings marks the first NFL playoff game to be moved from its original location since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966.

Here’s what you need to know about the Rams vs. Vikings wild card game and its new location.

Where is the Rams vs. Vikings game taking place?

• Venue: State Farm Stadium
• Location: Glendale, Arizona

The Rams vs. Vikings matchup is set to take place at State Farm Stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. While this stadium is primarily home to the Arizona Cardinals, it will be used temporarily by the Rams for their wild card game against the Vikings.

State Farm Stadium has a history of aiding teams during times of need. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Francisco 49ers utilized the stadium because they couldn’t play at home due to local restrictions in Santa Clara County, California.

Additionally, back in the 2003 NFL season, the Cardinals hosted a game between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins due to wildfires in the San Diego area when Arizona was playing at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

Why is the Rams vs. Vikings game in Arizona?

The reason for the Rams vs. Vikings game being played in Arizona is due to the severe wildfires currently affecting Los Angeles County.

The fires ignited on Tuesday, with the Palisades Fire already marking a record-setting destruction, consuming over 23,000 acres, according to reporters Susan Miller, Josh Peter, Adrianna Rodriguez, and Thao Nguyen from YSL News. As of Monday, the Palisades Fire was only 14% contained, and the toll has reached 24 lives lost, with California Governor Gavin Newsom indicating that this number might rise.

Given the severity of the situation, the NFL made the decision to move the game to Arizona on Thursday “for the sake of public safety.”

In an official statement, the league noted, “This choice was made after discussions with public officials, the teams involved, and the NFL Players Association.”

The Cardinals welcomed the Rams to State Farm Stadium enthusiastically. The organization collaborated with the Rams’ staff to prepare locker rooms and procured the necessary paint to redesign the field and end zones to match Rams colors, along with other arrangements.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill mentioned, per NFL.com, “I spoke to the team that morning and said, ‘If this is going to happen, let’s prepare for it.’ We should start planning for everything we’ll need to ensure this runs smoothly.”

“It’s always a good moment to do the right thing,” he added. “If we can assist in any way… maybe this is our chance. Let’s channel our efforts into making this a positive experience for everyone involved, whether it’s the players, their families, or the coaching staff.”

These thoughtful details will help create a familiar atmosphere for the Rams as they aim to secure a spot in the divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles.