LA Rams take out full-page ad in Arizona Republic newspaper after Cardinals host playoff game amid wildfires

The Los Angeles Rams took out a full-page ad in the sports section of Friday’s Arizona Republic print newspaper thanking the Phoenix area and Arizona Cardinals for hosting them after last week’s wildfires in Los Angeles.

With the wildfires spreading throughout several communities in the Los Angeles area, the NFL made the decision to move the NFC Wild Card Round matchup between the Rams and Minnesota Vikings to Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Ad from @RamsNFL in today's Arizona Republic pic.twitter.com/OtIFHYVi4K

— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 17, 2025

“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.”

Rams throttle Vikings in NFC Wild Card Round

The Rams, winners of the NFC West, were originally set to host the Wild Card game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The wildfires forced a move, and Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill was more than accommodating. Bidwill made two planes available for hundreds of Rams players, coaches, staff and their families to get to Phoenix. The Cardinals opened up their team facility in Tempe for the Rams to practice at on the Saturday before the game.

“Many thanks to the Arizona Cardinals, Michael Bidwill and his family for jumping in to help ahead of Monday’s game. We could not prepare, play or move our players & families without their help,” Rams president Kevin Demoff wrote on X.

Los Angeles ordered 40 buses to take thousands of Rams fans from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium. Rams fans packed the stadium, giving the team as much of a home-field advantage as they could have hoped for under those circumstances.

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, this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

“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.”