NFL drawing up Super Bowl contingency plans in case COVID forces move from Los Angeles area
The Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was one of the facilities reportedly being considered as an alternate site
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The NFL says it still plans to hold the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles in February despite reports the big game could be moved from California due to the latest coronavirus surge and the state’s restrictions.
The league said it's "standard" practice to have backup locations for all regular and postseason games, but "Super Bowl 56 [will go on] as scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement.
The stadium, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is actually located in Inglewood, California, just outside L.A. It opened in 2020 on the site of the old Hollywood Park Racetrack.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The NFL plans to hold this year's Super Bowl at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 13. (Associated Press)
CALIFORNIA EXTENDS MASK MANDATE THROUGH FEB. 15 AMID SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES
"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," he said.
California officials this week announced an extension of the state's indoor mask mandate until Feb. 15.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fans watch at the start of an NFL football game inside AT&T Stadium between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (Associated Press)
The Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was one of the facilities reportedly considered as an alternate site.
Allen Sills, chief medical officer for the NFL, speaks to reporters during the NFL football owners meeting in New York City, Oct. 26, 2021. (Associated Press)
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California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly told FOX 11 of Los Angeles that the state will work with the NFL regarding coronavirus restrictions and safety protocols for the game but he was unequivocal: "The Super Bowl is coming to LA."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.