Rams-Chiefs Game Moved From Mexico City To LA Due To Poor Field Conditions
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The much-anticipated matchup next Monday night that was supposed to take place in Mexico City between one of the two best teams in the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, has been moved to Los Angeles due to poor field conditions.
The game, scheduled to be played at Azteca Stadium, was moved to L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the league announced Tuesday.
"The decision is based on the determination – in consultation with the NFLPA and following a meeting and field inspection this afternoon by NFL and club field experts as well as local and independent outside experts – that the playing field at Estadio Azteca does not meet NFL standards for playability and consistency and will not meet those standards by next Monday," the NFL said in a statement.
According to CBS Sports, the field was badly damaged during a large concert on Nov. 7 hosted by the Mexican television network Telehit.
"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," NFL Executive Vice President of International Mark Waller said in a statement.
Azteca stadium has a hybrid surface made up of both grass and synthetic materials, according to reporter Peter King.
In a tweet, the Rams said they would provide details soon regarding ticketing information for Monday's game. Meanwhile, the NFL said it will announce reimbursement details "in the days ahead" for those who have tickets for the Mexico City game.
The last NFL game played at Azteca Stadium was in November of last season, when the New England Patriots defeated the Oakland Raiders 33-8.