If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

Large-scale event insiders across the city have been asking themselves the same question in recent days amid catastrophic wildfires ripping through Los Angeles County: How to proceed given the circumstances?

The NFL answered it last Thursday by moving a scheduled playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings from Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium to Arizona. A couple hours ahead of kickoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the Rams organization confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter how the fires and the current (ongoing) tragedy would play into the game.

Rachel Platten performed her adversity anthem “Fight Song” on the field. While she sang, a 200-foot “L.A. Together” banner dropped on the sideline as her backdrop prior to player introductions. Retired Rams superstar and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, who spent five years with the team after 11 with the Cincinnati Bengals, then addressed the crowd live inside State Farm Stadium with a special message to Los Angeles.

“For the past week, our Los Angeles region has been ravaged by catastrophic wildfires,” said Whitworth to the stadium and viewers watching at home. “Over 150,00 people have been evacuated. Our friends and our neighbors have lost homes and entire communities have been devastated, and there’s still more work to do. The courage and bravery of our firefighters and first responders prove that real-life heroes live among us. But I believe in the people of Los Angeles. We are strong! We will not be defined by this devastation. We will rebuild L.A. — hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes, we will build it together.”

"We will rebuild LA. Hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes. We will build it together. Los Angeles, I love you. We love you and we are with you.” pic.twitter.com/5EfllG4ESt

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2025

Platten then returned to the microphone to sing the National Anthem. The broadcast aired on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes, as well as locally on ABC7, and included numerous call-outs about the fire, along with details on how to donate to the Red Cross.

During a commercial break shortly after kickoff, ESPN aired a digital segment that featured some Hollywood celebrities paying their respects and offering gratitude to firefighters and those on the front lines of the catastrophic blazes. Appearing in somber, self-recorded clips were Anne Hathaway and Bryan Cranston, while Jimmy Kimmel joined L.A. superstar Snoop Dogg in a studio for a special message.

“Stay strong, L.A.,” offered Kimmel with the rapper adding, “Thanks to everyone who’s helping us get through this terrible tragedy. We in this together.”

During the game, the sidelines were well represented with gear honoring the first responders. Rams players, coaches and staff wore custom Los Angeles Fire Department shirts and hats complete with the L.A. Rams monogram. The custom merch will be available for sale at State Farm Stadium and online with all profits going to support the LAFD Foundation and American Red Cross. Rams insiders have sent Rams-branded “L.A. Together” shirts to fire base camps in Los Angeles.

Other highlights: Game-worn jerseys and select game footballs will be auctioned off on NFL Auction with proceeds going to the American Red Cross; a 50/50 Raffle, half of which typically benefits the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, will be donated to the LAFD Foundation and American Red Cross; the Arizona Cardinals Flag Crew joined Rams mascot Rampage to run out on the field with “L.A. Together” flags; “Thank You Firefighters and First Responders” banners were up in the South end zone; and concession stands featured a donation opportunity for fans to donate $5, $10 and $20 to American Red Cross.

In other game entertainment news, L.A. hip-hop star Xzibit will perform at halftime alongside Rams cheerleaders, while Warren G will hit the field for a special third-quarter performance.

“The safety of the Los Angeles community is the top priority of the Rams, and the organization’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area. The team is grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect the city and community as well as individuals who continue to help neighbors in need,” the Rams organization said in a statement.

Jan. 13, 6:45 p.m. Updated to note the kickoff events.