Fans are ripping on the NFL for announcing State Farm Stadium as their backup location for the Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings Wild Card Game if the contest cannot be held at SoFi Stadium.
The Southern California Wildfires that began on Tuesday have caused at least six deaths, according to multiple reports. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that over 5,000 structures have been destroyed, with 92 total wildfires burning over 29,000 acres.
Earlier this week, the NFL announced that the plan is still for SoFi Stadium to host the Rams-Vikings game. But if necessary, they’ll relocate the Monday night contest to State Farm Stadium, the Arizona Cardinals’ home venue.
Now, the NFL is receiving widespread criticism for using State Farm Stadium as a backup plan. That’s because as CBS MoneyWatch reports, State farm “dropped” around 1,600 policies in the Pacific Palisades and over 2,000 in multiple Los Angeles neighborhoods.
“@NFL says if the California wildfires aren’t under control by Mon the MIN/LAR wildcard game will be moved to Glendale…at State Farm Stadium…the same State Farm insurance that canceled everyone’s fire insurance policy because Cali wouldn’t let them jack up premiums. lol,” a fan wrote.
“State Farm insurance is cancelling Californians insurance and State Farm Arena in Glendale Arizona may host the LA Rams Minnesota Vikings Monday NFL playoff game. That is not going to sit well,” wrote another.
“Imagine that you live in LA, are a Rams fan, and you lost your house in a fire that State Farm revoked your coverage for, and now you have to watch your team play this weekend in State Farm Stadium,” one fan said.
“And @NFL has a contingency plan to move the playoff game to State Farm Stadium. Talk about Goodell being tone deaf,” quipped another.
And @NFL has a contingency plan to move the playoff game to State Farm Stadium. Talk about Goodell being tone deaf.
— CCV Lobo (@CCVLobo) January 9, 2025
“I’m sure the @nfl and their biggest star two qbs that do work State Farm will be giving the money back and the Arizona cardinals will drop the name of their stadium sponsor?,” a fan said.
“🤦🏽♂️ State Farm cancels LA home insurance policies…LA Rams let’s go play at STATE FARM STADIUM?,” wrote another.
“Ironic. State Farm got the rams covered after pulling coverage on the houses in the Palisades,” remarked one fan.
“State Farm cancelled tens of thousands on 1/5. Remember that every time you see them spend millions on sporting events. Horrible people,” said another.
State Farm cancelled tens of thousands on 1/5. Remember that every time you see them spend millions on sporting events. Horrible people.
— Ronnie Rizzo (@Riz23) January 8, 2025
The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and NHL’s Los Angeles Kings had home games postponed because of the wildfires. The Lakers were set to host the Charlotte Hornets tonight, and the Kings were to welcome the Calgary Flames on Wednesday evening.
State Farm Stadium Has Been Cardinals’ Home Since 2006
The Cardinals moved into their current home back in 2006 (it opened as “Cardinals Stadium” and was changed to “University of Phoenix Stadium”). State Farm Stadium acquired the naming rights on a long-term deal that runs through 2036.
State Farm Stadium played host to Super Bowls 42 (New York Giants vs. New England Patriots), Super Bowl 49 (Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks) and 57 (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles).
However, the Cardinals themselves haven’t played a home postseason game here since the 2015 Divisional Round nine years ago, when Carson Palmer hit Larry Fitzgerald for a walk-off overtime touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
