Step Inside: BMO Stadium – Home of LAFC & Angel City FC

Home of LAFC & Angel City FC

In 2018, Los Angeles celebrated the opening of BMO Stadium, the city’s first open-air stadium since Dodger Stadium began welcoming fans in 1962. Known as Banc of California Stadium until 2023, the stadium is located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and home to Major League Soccer‘s Los Angeles FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC.

Now established as a major part of the city’s live events scene for sports and music enthusiasts alike, BMO Stadium is a state-of-the-art destination for over a million visitors a year.

BMO Stadium History

Ground broke on BMO Stadium in August of 2016, and demolition began shortly after on the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, a former hub of basketball, hockey, and boxing events. The city was ready for an upgrade — while well-maintained, Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena had been operating since 1959.

As the city evolved, it became clear that Los Angeles was in need of a soccer-specific venue, and BMO was designed with the sport in mind. Upon completion, an open practice was held, followed by the first match. At the game, held on April 29, 2018, LAFC triumphed against Seattle Sounders FC with the home team winning 1 – 0.

The stadium was a venue for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, host of the 2021 MLS All-Star Game, and will play a major role in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

 

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Parking and Admission at BMO Stadium

Located near the convergence of the 110 and 10 freeways, BMO welcomes drivers, but is also easily accessible via the Metro Expo line. Those who drive should purchase parking passes in advance, as many events sell out; in addition to the premier Gold Lot, BMO directs drivers to a number of surface lots for games and concerts. There are also over 100 bicycle racks around BMO Stadium. A designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off location is available around the corner from the stadium, near Figueroa Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard.

Guests should note that BMO Stadium adheres to a strict clear bag policy:

• One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” is permitted
• A one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Ziploc bag or similar) is permitted
• Non-clear bags including small clutches are NOT allowed

There are a total of seven entrances to BMO Stadium with all gates open for LAFC and ACFC matches. Gates typically open 90 minutes prior to kickoff for soccer matches, while timing may vary for concerts and other events.

BMO Stadium Capacity & Seating Options

BMO welcomes 22,000 guests at full capacity for soccer games with the option to expand to 24,000 for concerts. Built at a slope of 34 degrees, the stadium is among the steepest of Major League Soccer destinations.

The North End of the stadium is home to the 3253 supporters section, which refers to the number of standing spots available in the fan area. In addition to standard stadium seating, BMO is also home to a number of private suites (designed for 16-30 guests), loge boxes, and a trio of clubs. Additionally, BMO offers the Sunset Deck, leveraging the consistently great weather in Los Angeles for an open-air experience for up to 350 guests.

 

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Food & Beverage Options at BMO Stadium

BMO Stadium offers a wide range of food and beverage options, including vendors that reflect the diverse cuisine that can be found throughout the city of Los Angeles. From gameday classics like wings and nachos to tacos, tteokbokki, and Shin Ramyun, BMO offers something for everyone — including meatless options and food more friendly to those with dietary restrictions.

Draft beer and cocktails can be found at vendors throughout the stadium in addition to bartenders in the lounges, along with soft drinks and water bottles. Concession stands can also provide cups of tap water.

Often, themed cocktails are available for musical acts, celebrating the band or artist visiting. BMO Stadium is a fully cashless venue that only accepts debit card, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.