On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered residents to stay at home in an attempt to reduce the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state. It was the first state-wide mandate in the country, essentially locking down California for the near future.
Immediately, some wondered how that might impact construction on SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The Rams are among those who still aren’t sure whether the order will delay the opening of their new stadium, but it seems unlikely to cause a setback.
According to ProFootballTalk, the governor revised his list of exceptions to include construction projects, which would presumably include SoFi Stadium.
Last night, California governor's office revised exceptions to "stay at home" order to include construction projects, per source. SoFi Stadium work will continue.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 20, 2020
However, Fred Roggin of NBC LA and Kevin Modesti of the Daily News are both reporting that the Rams will meet with government officials to determine the potential impact on SoFi Stadium’s construction.
How do developments of yesterday effect construction of #Rams SoFi stadium? Club will meet with local government officials today to determine what can and can’t be done. @NBCLA @AM570LASports
— Fred Roggin (@FredNBCLA) March 20, 2020
How is SoFi Stadium construction affected by #coronavirus? The answer seems to be "TBD." Reports say Gov. Newsom's stay-home order now exempts construction projects. #Rams are working to understand what, if anything, it means for the new stadium in Inglewood.
— Kevin Modesti (@KevinModesti) March 20, 2020
SoFi Stadium is expected to be finished in July for a Taylor Swift concert. The Rams and Chargers will both play preseason games there the following month before the regular season begins in September.
Previously, the managing director of the project said the stadium was on a “really tight schedule,” so hopefully there are no delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re on a really tight schedule to deliver the building for July 25, yet everything remains on schedule,” said Jason Gannon, managing director of the stadium project at Hollywood Park.
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