LAFC Supporters Impressed By New Stadium At Opener
EXPOSITION PARK (CBSLA) — Banc of California Stadium was packed with people tonight for its first game ever.
As CBSLA's Jeff Nguyen reports, it is more than just a soccer match for the Los Angeles Football Club, it's an event.
The lines were wrapping around all of the stands to get into the stadium before kickoff. Merchandise was flying from the shelves. Most of the fans were decked out in LAFC gear.
The stadium capacity is about 22,000 and all of the tickets for tonight's match against the Seattle Sounders were sold out. LAFC defeated the Sounders 1-0 with a late goal in stoppage time.
90 + 3 | @LaurentCiman23 Goal
— LAFC (@LAFC) April 30, 2018
The GAME-WINNER. #LAFCvSEA 1-0 https://t.co/NfNmKWhV4n
The expectations for the team are high. LAFC is one of eight major pro sports teams in Los Angeles.
Fans who talked to Nguyen said the fact that the city name is in the team's name means a lot to them.
"This team it has the name of the city. It unifies everybody. That's why everybody is here because we all have love for the city," said LAFC supporter Mar Ruiz.
"I wasn't into it until LAFC arrived to be honest," said Frances Page. "So it's great to find a local team."
"The stadium is in the heart of the city," said Matt Ross. "I never really liked the Galaxy because they are in Carson and it was a retirement home for old players whereas this team is being built on youth. It's exciting. It's young. It's diverse."
Before the team even kicked a ball all 17,500 season tickets were already sold out.
The Ginsburg family bought season tickets. Mia and her brother Dean grew up rooting for Argentina. But now they have their own team.
"Soccer has been just a huge part of our lives and LAFC started. My dad got onto it right as the stadium started opening," said Mia Ginsburg.
"Hearing a few of the songs but it's amazing to hear for the first time," said Dean Ginsburg.
The arena has steep seating so the person in front of you will less likely block your view.
There's a bar with a rooftop view of the pitch.
"I was so excited to hear that LAFC was coming to the heart of LA," said LAFC fan Muntasir Hoque. "We're actually field club members and we're going to come to every single home game."