NFL considers Texas as possible Super Bowl 2022 replacement location

The National Football League is looking into moving the 2022 Super Bowl from Los Angeles to Texas if necessary due to rising COVID-19 numbers as California institutes more stringent mandates. 

Superbowl LVI is currently scheduled for February 13 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles.

A Dallas Cowboys source told ABC affiliate WFAA on Wednesday that the team is in preliminary discussions with the NFL about using the AT&T Stadium as an "emergency site" if California's COVID restrictions create issues at the Super Bowl's original location. 

"The league did inquire about a date if [the] stadium is available. But that’s all I’ve ever heard. They could be just covering all options just in case," the source told WFAA.

NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy told WFAA that the league plans on playing Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles and looking into other venues is "part of our standard contingency planning process."

"We have contacted several clubs to inquire about stadium availability in the event we cannot play the Super Bowl as scheduled due to weather-related issues or unforeseen circumstances," McCarthy said. "Our planning process for the Super Bowl in Los Angeles is ahead of schedule and we look forward to hosting the Super Bowl there to culminate another fantastic NFL season for our fans and clubs."

Los Angeles County on Wednesday recorded more than than 26,000 new COVID cases, largely driven by the omicron variant. People ages 12 and up must show proof of vaccination before entering restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues.

This past Sunday more than 70,000 fans packed into SoFi stadium to watch the Chargers-Broncos game, but many are concerned that the state will enforce stricter lockdown measures as COVID cases rise. The Cowboys' AT&T Stadium may be a mandate-free alternative location.