How the LA Rams playoff game will mark catastrophic fires

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Insiders at large-scale events across the city have been asking the same question in recent days amid catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County: How should we proceed given the circumstances?

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 a few hours at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, and the Rams organization has confirmed The Hollywood Reporter how the fires and the current (ongoing) tragedy will play a role in the event.

First, retired Rams superstar and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, who spent five years with the team after 11 with the Cincinnati Bengals, will address the crowd live inside the 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 of adversity “Fight Song” on the field. As she sings, a 200-foot “LA Together” banner will drop onto the sidelines as a backdrop before player introductions. Platten will remain at the microphone to sing the national anthem. Both of his performances will be broadcast live. (The match will be televised on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes as well as locally on ABC7.)

The sidelines will also be well represented with equipment honoring first responders. Rams players, coaches and staff will wear personalized LA Fire Department shirts and hats with the LA Rams monogram. Custom merchandise will be available for sale at State Farm Stadium and online with all proceeds benefiting the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross. Rams insiders sent Rams-branded “LA Together” shirts to burn down base camps in Los Angeles.

Other highlights: Game-worn jerseys and select footballs will be auctioned off on NFL Auction with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross; a 50/50 drawing, half of which generally benefits the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, will be donated to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross; the Arizona Cardinals Flag Crew will join Rams mascot Rampage to run on the field with “LA Together” flags; “Thank you firefighters and first responders” banners will be displayed in the south end zone; and concession stands will offer fans an opportunity to donate $5, $10 and $20 to the American Red Cross.

In other gaming entertainment news, Los Angeles hip-hop star Xzibit will perform at halftime alongside the Rams cheerleaders, while Warren G will take the field for a performance special in the third quarter.

“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 region. The team is grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders who continue to protect the city and community as well as the individuals who continue to help neighbors in need,” the Rams organization said in a statement.