NFL exploring other stadiums to host Super Bowl LVI

The LA Rams have come through free agency, the NFL Draft, injury, the NFL Trade Deadline, and a robust spike in positive COVID-19 test results that depleted the roster for four weeks time. And all that time, one of the immutable rewards for toughing it out this season was the expectation that if the LA Rams succeeded in winning the NFC Championship Game, they would be able to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVI at their home field, SoFi Stadium.

Or will they? The LA Rams and the team’s loyal fanbase would like to know.

There have been numerous headlines recently over how the NFL is now publicly exploring contingency plans to move the game to another venue. Right now, the latest spike in COVID-19 cases in Southern California has placed some questions and concerns for the game being played at SoFi Stadium at all.

Seriously? That’s the word on the street right now, based upon a recent ESPN publication of an Associated Press article.  To get a quick summary, check out the video below.

This is not a unique set of circumstances. Because the Super Bowl is the cash cow of the NFL, nothing is left to chance.  Each year, the NFL will reach out to alternative stadiums to ensure that in a worst-case scenario, the game can move as quickly as possible to another site.

That is as far as it goes in most cases.  But circumstances are a bit unusual in California right now. The spike of COVID-19 cases has extended the State of California’s indoor mask mandate until February 15, 2022. The date set for Super Bowl LVI is February 13, 2022.

SoFi Stadium designed as open-air stadium

Thanks to the design of SoFi Stadium, with open-air access on either end of the stadium, it is classified as an open-air stadium and is not subject to the same level of restrictions as that of indoor settings. But the Super Bowl is a series of events that will take place in any number of settings, and the restrictions will certainly impact some of the festivities and events associated with the big game.

"“We plan on playing Super Bowl 56 as scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13,” “As part of our standard contingency planning process that we conduct for all regular and postseason games, we have contacted several clubs to inquire about stadium availability in the event we cannot play the Super Bowl as scheduled due to weather-related issues or unforeseen circumstances” – per NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy as quoted by ESPN"

Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances rule the day now since COVID-19 first appeared. Even as the date approaches, this is something that bears monitoring.