A controversial partnership has put the NFL at odds with its fans. Following the announcement that the Rams-Vikings game could be played at State Farm Stadium due to the fires affecting Los Angeles, fans have lashed out at the league over the recent actions of the venue’s sponsor.
The fires in the Los Angeles area were still raging out of control as of Friday. The fire has scorched 29,000 acres of forest and destroyed about 5,000 structures. The NBA had to reschedule the Lakers-Charlotte Hornets game, and the NHL did the same with the Kings-Calgary Flames match.
Meanwhile, the NFL is evaluating the situation day by day to determine whether the Los Angeles-Minnesota game can be played at SoFi Stadium or should be moved to State Farm Stadium. While that’s happening, fans are up in arms against the NFL and the controversial insurer.
Related:
Fans’ anger against State Farm
As soon as the fires began, State Farm canceled about 1,600 policies in the Pacific Palisades area and more than 2,000 in neighborhoods around Los Angeles. Needless to say, the NFL’s announcement infuriated fans.
“@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 insurance policy because Cali wouldn’t let them jack up premiums,” one angry netizen explained.
“And @NFL has a contingency plan to move the playoff game to State Farm Stadium. Talk about Roger Goodell being tone-deaf,” another noted. “State Farm cancels LA home insurance policies…LA Rams let’s go play at STATE FARM STADIUM?” claimed one more.
“Ironic. State Farm got the Rams covered after pulling coverage on the houses in Palisades,” noted another outraged fan, followed by another who explained, “State Farm canceled tens of thousands on 1/5. Remember that every time you see them spend millions on sporting events. Horrible people.”
The Rams-Vikings game
Los Angeles and Minnesota are scheduled to face off on Monday, January 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT/5:00 p.m. PT) for a spot in the NFC Divisional Round. SoFi Stadium is still scheduled to host the game, but it will all depend on how the situation in California plays out.
Fan anger is unlikely to have any effect on the NFL’s decision, so if the situation in California doesn’t improve, ticket buyers will have to pack their bags for a trip to Arizona.
