Kings, AEG To Host Parade And Rally Celebrating Team's First Stanley Cup
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CBS) — After claiming the NHL Stanley Cup Championship for the first time in franchise history, the Los Angeles Kings feel its time to celebrate.
On Thursday, June 14, AEG is helping the team throw a parade on the streets of Downtown L.A. that will lead to a rally inside of the STAPLES Center.
The parade will begin at noon at the corner of Figueroa and West 5th streets and move down Figueroa. Players and their families, coaches, the team's mascot and other notable people will ride on double decker buses as they showcase the Stanley Cup to fans along the parade route. The parade is expected to last 30-45 minutes and will culminate at the STAPLES Center, where fans who have reserved tickets can attend a rally.
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., the STAPLES Center Rally will offer fans video highlights from the season, speeches from the players and some "surprises," according to event organizers. Fans can only obtain access to this event with a ticket, which will be given free. The tickets will be allocated to season ticket members and premier seat owners first via email, with a maximum of four tickets per account.
Access to any remaining tickets will be offered to the general public on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets can be reserved at www.lakings.com/parade, beginning 6 p.m. Tuesday, with a maximum of four tickets per order.
The STAPLES Center will open at approximately 1 p.m. Thursday to fans with tickets and all refreshment stands will be open until the end of the rally.
Organizers said there will be several parking lots available for fans near the parade route -- prices will vary. Fans can also find parking at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the STAPLES Center.
Exact locations and parking rates can be found at www.staplescenter.com.
Fans were also encouraged to take public transportation to get to the event by utilizing either the light rail stations at Pico and Flower, which serve the Blue and Expo lines, or the 7th and Figueroa Street Metro Station, located midway of the parade route. Downtown LA residents can reach the parade by taking the Dash bus line operated by Metro.
Those working and living in the area can expect street closures around the parade route beginning at 4 a.m. Thursday. The LAPD and Department of Transporation will close:
- Figueroa Street between 3rd Street and Pico Boulevard,
- 11th Street/Chick Hearn Court between Figueroa and Cherry streets,
- L.A. LIVE Way (formerly Cherry Street) between Olympic and Pico boulevards
Event organizers ask that all fans remember to celebrate safely and responsibly. Parents were asked to keep their children close to prevent being separated in the crowd. Fans planning to attend the parade were urged to bring water and sunscreen as many would likely be standing for hours in the sun.
