Next Monday's night's matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs has been moved from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the Los Angeles Coliseum due to poor field conditions, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
In the press release announcing the decision, the league stated that it held discussions with the NFLPA while inspecting the field with the help of club field experts. Shortly thereafter, it was determined moving the game to Los Angeles was in best interests of the NFL and the two teams.
“We have worked extensively with our partners at Estadio Azteca for months in preparation for this game,” said NFL Executive Vice President of International Mark Waller in the press release. “Until very recently, we had no major concerns. But, the combination of a difficult rainy season and a heavy multi-event calendar of events at the stadium, have resulted in significant damage to the field that presents unnecessary risks to player safety and makes it unsuitable to host an NFL game. As a result, we have determined that moving the game is the right decision, and one that we needed to announce now in order to allow our teams and fans to make alternate arrangements.”
The issue drew headlines after a photo surfaced of the field in less than ideal conditions to play a game. There were also reports that players on both teams were seriously considering not playing in the game had the NFL elected to still hold it in Mexico City. This now eliminates potential risks of the field creating a haphazard environment that could cause injuries.
The Rams already left for Colorado to train in a higher altitude like that in Mexico City. Los Angeles is expected to remain there for practice through Saturday. Meanwhile, the Chiefs had been planning to take a similar approach this week, but those plans have now been altered.
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