With First Preseason Chargers VS Rams Saturday, SoFi Stadium Brings Much Needed Boost To Community
INGLEWOOD (CBSLA) - From the surrounding community to the employees who work there, the fans that will flock there and the teams that will call it home, SoFi Stadium might just be the true MVP this season.
"Just like a long time coming. So, I'm excited, can't wait til the game starts. I'm eager and ready to go," Greg Jones, an Inglewood resident, said about Saturday's game.
While community members are ready, so are the people who have worked so hard to open SoFi Stadium.
"So, we're really excited to welcome fans for a game for the first time. It's great," said Dan August, Rams VP of Ticketing and Strategy. "Can't take the smile off my face."
August has been a part of this project from the beginning. He says his favorite feature is the 360 foot double sided 4-K video board.
"No matter where you are, you can see the inside or outside of the video board. So, no one is missing a second of the action on there," August said.
Sofi stadium was also built in a pit- 100 feet deep— in order to meet FAA requirements. So, you enter on level 6… adding a coolness fans will appreciate in August.
Local restauranteurs John & Vinny, known for several of their restaurants around the city, are serving elevated stadium classics.
"The key for us is have the stadium staples but do it in an elevated level," the restauranteurs said.
Local businesses surrounding the venue are also excited.
"Since SoFi started having more events and concerts and sports venue going on, foot traffic is definitely picking up and it's helping the business tremendously," Brandon Fernan, who owns Gettin' Faded Barber Shop, said.
At Casa Rios Restaurant, Roxanna Munoz said they're now feeding people employed at the stadium.
"We have workers that come and eat and have lunch here, have dinner here. We have customers after that come over. So, we've been blessed," she said.