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Flag Football Classic Relocated to LA Amid Middle East Conflict

Published 6 March 2026

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a high-profile exhibition featuring NFL stars and celebrities, has been relocated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Los Angeles due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. The event, originally scheduled for March 21 at Kingdom Arena, will now take place at BMO Stadium, according to reports from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The decision follows a series of military actions that began last weekend, including strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which prompted retaliatory attacks on regional targets, including sites in Saudi Arabia. These developments led to widespread travel disruptions, flight suspensions, and heightened security concerns, prompting organizers to pivot to a U.S. venue to ensure the event could proceed safely. An official announcement is expected soon, but sources indicate the date remains March 21.

Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion who retired in 2023, will make his return to competitive play as captain of the Founders team, quarterbacking alongside former teammate Rob Gronkowski. The tournament will feature three teams in a round-robin format, played under flag football rules on a 50-yard field with...

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