Rivalries are a key part of what drives sports and makes them great and entertaining. But there are times when what happens on the field does not hold a candle to what goes on off of it, and rivalries must be put to the side in a dire situation. A beautiful case of this was put on display in the midst of the apocalyptic horror of these weeks of fires impeding the beauty of Los Angeles.
FROM METROPOLIS TO DESERT
Two days after the regular season finale (A 30-25 loss to division rival Seattle), the Palisades and Alta Dena fires blazed into being, threatening LA and SoFi Stadium and eventually forcing the playoff matchup to flee to the Arizona desert, where the game would be held in Glendale at State Farm Stadium.
The Los Angeles Rams had a fantastic 2024-2025 season, earning themselves not only a divisional win and a spot in the playoffs, but a chance to host their first playoff game in 3 years. The Rams would face the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 13. The fans were overjoyed to be a part of this great achievement as this game would be the capstone of a season of overcoming adversity and impossible odds. This mentality and need to overcome adversity would go on to not only define the players and coaches that make up this team, but the city the team plays in and represents week in and week out.
It was still a home game, and the blue and gold was worn with pride by the LA faithful all through the night and in the stands. The grit and determination of the city of Los Angeles were displayed masterfully on the field, as the team easily outmuscled their Viking opponents 27-9, giving Angelinos at the game in body and spirit a much-needed boost. However, a team victory doesn’t solve the plight of the thousands stranded from homes and struggling to find answers to questions about food and shelter and even clothing for the next day.
UNITY AMIDST CHAOS
40,000 acres. This is the area burned by the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County, according to Forbes Magazine. That tally will rise as multiple still loom large, powerful, and deadly across the hills of the land. The toll of this disaster has been heavy, and on Jan. 13, 12 major sports teams based in Los Angeles came together to strike back against this disaster, collaborating for a donation of 8 million dollars to LA fire relief. These teams are Angel City FC, the Los Angeles Angels, LA Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams and the Sparks.
According to CBS, this great donation includes support for the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and various local animal rescue organizations.
In addition to the monetary donation, these major teams hosted three simultaneous donation events on Friday, Jan. 17. Athletes and celebrities alike flooded to LAFC and Angel City FC’s BMO Stadium, SoFi Stadium and Dodger Stadium to distribute goods, clothing and other supplies desperately needed by those enduring the trials of these fires. LA’s teams showed out at these events, with famous faces and names to bring distraction from hard times, activities to brighten spirits and merchandise from everyone’s favorite teams to put smiles on faces.
LOOKING AHEAD
Recovering from this fire will take years of unprecedented effort. The city has the honor of hosting the Olympics in 2028 and being included in the group across North America hosting the World Cup in 2026. Questions arise about the city’s readiness for such a great economic and civil undertaking. Cities asked to host these games are expected to be in pristine condition and functioning at their highest ability as tourists and spectators from all over the world flood in to take in an event that happens only twice a decade.
This is a great city. One that has endured many, many disasters. From the riots of the 90s to countless earthquakes and fires, the people have persevered and rebuilt the lives, buildings and infrastructure of one of the world’s most iconic places. LA will rebuild, and this city’s sports teams have embodied this spirit beautifully in a time of great need.
