Los Angeles wildfires: Wisconsin makes big relief gesture following USC matchup

After Saturday’s game against USC, Wisconsin is making a big relief gesture after the wildfires in Los Angeles. The Badgers will volunteer at a food bank in the area.

UW will attend the Clippers vs. Lakers game on Sunday, then head to the Westside Food Bank on Monday, according to the Big Ten Network broadcast. It’s a way for the Badgers to give back amid their West Coast swing in conference play, which includes a matchup at UCLA on Tuesday.

At least 27 people died in the fires, which sept the Los Angeles area amid the Santa Ana winds. According to CBS News, the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn, although the winds are starting to weaken and the flames are beginning to get more under control.

The sports world was also impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Both the Lakers and Clippers had to postpone games, and the Rams’ NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings moved to Arizona at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals organization stepped up in a big way to make the game happen as ownership sent two Boeing 777 planes to Los Angeles to get players, their families and even their pets.

The Rams then took out a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic after the victory over the Vikings. That sent them to the Divisional Round, and the franchise made sure to acknowledge the Bidwill family and the Cardinals for their efforts.

“In times of adversity, true integrity is shown,” the ad reads, via Mark Dalton of Cardinals media relations. “Arizona, you were there for us when we needed it most. We are grateful to the Bidwill Family, the entire Arizona Cardinals staff, and the local community who took us in without hesitation and with gracious hospitality. From all of us at the Los Angeles Rams, THANK YOU.”

The Rams played inspired football in front of their fans, picking up a 27-9 victory over the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings. Los Angeles goes on the road in the NFC Divisional Round to play the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Obviously, we were the home team,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said after the game. “We felt that from the people that came from Los Angeles, local, whoever and wherever they came from. We appreciated it big time. That support was really awesome. Great to just come out here and play aggressive, play fast, physical and get the win.”

The Los Angeles Chargers also played a playoff game amid the fires, although theirs took place in Houston against the Texans. During pregame, they honored the L.A. Fire Department for its efforts, and Jim Harbaugh personally visited first responders to thank them for their service.

Nick Geddes contriburted.