KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs enters the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Image: Getty)
Monday Night Football’s Rams–Chiefs game has been moved from Mexico City to Los Angeles. After the players protested, rejecting the field conditions, it appears the NFL listened.
A Shakira concert apparently demolished the field at Estadio Azteca, causing “significant damage” to the playing surface. After seeing a picture of the field, Rams safety John Johnson tweeted “THAT’S OUT ??♂️ .”
Yet, the NFL remained persistent with trying not to relocate the game. It appears the league has now buckled after several players refused to play due to the field conditions.
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In a statement, NFL executive vice president of international events Mark Waller said, “We have worked extensively with our partners at Estadio Azteca for months in preparation for this game.”
“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 league will announce ticket reimbursements in the following days.
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The Rams are still in Colorado Springs, Colorado, training for the altitude they would’ve played at in Mexico City.
Ticket sales to the public open at 1 p.m. EST Wednesday. The Rams are currently working to give tickets to first responders and people affected by the recent California wildfires.
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