1. Arrive early for parking (though walking wasn't that bad in my experience). Traffic can get REALLY backed up on game day, so whatever time you have in your head, add at least half an hour to that. Example: You plan on leaving at 5:00, but you should actually leave around 4:30. 2. Eat before you come, or sneak in some snacks. 3. Don't wear nice shoes because someone is bound to have to stand up and scoot past you for whatever reason, sometimes leading to them stepping all over your shoes. 4. If you don't know where exactly your seats are located, don't be afraid to ask a stadium employee, because it could be located on the other side-I learned this the hard way the first time I ever went to a game; I was in Seat 1, which was located all the way on the right side, but I went down the left with a bunch of people behind me blocking the way back up, so I had to basically be that annoying jackass that makes you scoot in so he can walk past, ALL the way down the row. 5. Unless its one of those middle of the summer scorching hot nights, bring a jacket or sweater-it can get cold sometimes. 6. Don't fiddle with your tickets-people become absentminded and lose them. Just keep them in your pocket until your admitted. Same goes for keys, cellphone, wallet, etc. I keep my tickets in my wallet and my wallet in an inside pocket in case someone has slippery fingers. 7. Go to the bathroom ahead of time. 8. Respect your fellow fans. People are there to have fun-including children. This is just polite courtesy, but I don't condone swearing, because chances are there are going to be some little kids around you. Other no-no's are things like picking fights with fans of the opposing team, and just being a general idiot who needs a good ass-kicking. There are plenty of Sheriffs around who'd be more than happy to assist you in that endeavor. 9. This is something I picked up from my Mom: Bring a kleenex travel pack or one of those moist toilette packettes, because you never know what sort of nasty, gross sh*t awaits you. The fan sitting next to you can get overexcited at a goal and end up spilling nacho cheese all over your pants. You could arrive excited to watch the game, only to have the experience spoiled by finding out someone has made a mess of your seat. Just bring them for good measure. 10. Have some cash on you-I only bring around around $20-30 as a way to keep myself in check from making dumb bets or buying useless crap. If your going to park in the stadium, remember you have to pay a parking fee (General $15, Preferred was $30 last time I went) 11. Bathe! Use Deodorant! Jesus I can't tell you the number of times someone's B.O has overwhelmed me to the point I just want to spray them with someone's perfume. 11. Optional, in case you have GPS or a Thomas Guide, but print out a general map of the area in case you get lost or need to know how to get back on the freeway after the game. Hope that helps and have fun!
Everything Hushx said is spot on. The post above me, while insulting is sadly true It would be nice if most of the stadium cheered and got into the game, but it really doesn't happen. Don't be that guy who tries to chant all alone and stomps his feet all game annoying people. Just cheer, clap, stand up when other people do and you'll be fine. Feel free to taunt some RSL fans if you see em though
I'm coming out for the Chivas USA/United match on Thursday the 6th. I'm staying in Buena Park. When should I leave to get there in plenty of time (I have a media parking pass) without being strangled in that famed SoCal traffic for a 7 pm PST game? Any help would be mucho appreciado.
Not too bad if you are on the 91. I assume that since you are in Buena Park, you will be taking the 91. It won't be much of a crowd for Chivas (never really is) but school is back in swing at CSDH so I would give myself some time to get in comfortably. 30 min with no traffic, but if you want to be a few minutes early and count in 20 min extra with traffic, I would give at least 1 hour.
Go out of your way to find a Bacon Wrapped Hotdog Vendor (BWHD). Forget the post about outside vendors. You may have to seek them out by smell...look in the darkest corners of the parking lot. It might feel like you are buying drugs....don't worry...that's all a part of the experience. Get them fully loaded and prepare to pay a reasonable price. It's the only time you will get to do that while attending the match. Now....this is important. You must decide between one and two BWHD's. One is surely not enough....two is usually too much. Make your decision and stick with it....cuz if you wait the vendor will be gone. If you have two...head home immediately after the game. If you have one....head home immediately after the game. Note: I always have two. Lastly...it's your job to keep a lookout for the vendor...look for security on bikes...have your money ready and pay quickly to allow the next fella in line to get his as well. Good Luck! OH yea....smile nicely at all the people you pass who comment on how good that looks while you are eating it. They will be jealous but they all know just how much enjoyment this simple pleasure can bring....AND you know all the while you are sticking it to the MAN.
Yes I do have a problem with you if you are that guy. I've been to a couple games and I hate that one drunk guy that sits in back screaming and cussing and stomping his feet horribly off beat. Listen we all love the team, but one person yelling by himself just sounds annoying.
Agreed. Nothing personal against some people, but if your sitting right behind "that guy" then yes, it does get really annoying. You want to do it, go sit in section 138. On the corners though, I find that people usually get into it, doing the wave and other corny but fun things like that
Sweet, I'm sitting in the corner so I hope that we have some peeps that get into it as well. I'm not "that guy" but I do like to cheer and get loud. I'll try to keep it in check, though.
wear a white button up shirt, tie, black pants, black shoes and carry a bicycle helmet around at all times, also a name tag that says missionary ....... will make RSL feel more at home. where are you seated? come over to section 138 if you feel like being loud and proud. if not, stay seated or some soccer dad will try to pick a fight with you for blocking his view. in reality park on the street facing west if you get there really early. also go pee before you get to the parking lot. there are literally no bathrooms around the stadium to be found.
Really, there is nothing wrong with getting excited if your team scores a goal or to get agitated if the other team is pushing to score-thats just natural reaction. People who are like that 100% of the time though, throughout the entire game, booing, cussing, shouting, throwing food, etc? THAT is annoying. Nothing wrong with being an enthusiastic fan, but do keep in mind your in the company of others. I remember some kid around my age was constantly bitching through a game and finally got to the point where he started dropping f-bombs all over the place...while seated next to a dad with two 5 year olds. Luckily a big burly guy a few seats down told him if he didn't be quiet, he would get up and go over there to make him. That finally shut him up.
where are you seated? come over to section 138 if you feel like being loud and proud we can move around in the stadium? i'm in 137.. i think taht's also like seats with crazy people
If you don't go off looking for a bacon-wrapped hot dog, then I would suggest trying the outdoor grill on the south-east corner of the stadium (on the concourse near section 137 / 138). I had a Cajun sausage (Andouille) that was pretty good. You can also get hamburgers, bratwurst, Italian sausage. They're grilling the food right there. (Which reminds me of what someone said about Dodger Dogs - that there are a handful of concession stands at Dodger Stadium where they grill the dogs instead of steaming or boiling them to a tasteless mush) Lots of good advice from hushx and others. I won't comment on parking because I've never been there when class is in session at the University, which it will be tonight. I may be in for a surprise myself.
Be careful about street parking. Even though the signage may lead you to believe that you're parking legally, they'll tow you along with the 10 guys parked behind you that are parked illegally... Just pay the $15 to park a mile away in the dirt...