Did the Los Angeles Rams lobby for an international game to ensure that their home stadium did not get taken over by San Francisco 49ers fans? Kyle Shanahan thinks so.
In a joint interview with Packers coach Matt LaFleur, Shanahan said he knows “for a fact” that the Rams lobbied to get their home game against the 49ers moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2026. He indicated that the Rams did not want SoFi Stadium packed with 49ers fans for what was meant to be a Rams home game. Shanahan indicated that the NFL should respond by making the Rams the visiting team for the 49ers’ “home” game in Mexico City.
“I know for a fact they did,” Shanahan said, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “That’s what’s so bothersome.
“That would suck to have to do silent cadence and to have our home game at their stadium. So I get their ambitions, but they were rewarded that. So I’m just hoping we can get our request, too. I’d love them to come to Mexico.”
The Rams have long had a problem with fan support at their home stadium, as opposing fans have frequently traveled well and taken over SoFi Stadium. It has been particularly troublesome for games against the 49ers.
Whether or not Shanahan is correct, it does make sense that the Rams might want to neutralize that game a bit on their schedule. The 49ers are the ones who would theoretically be hurt more by it.
