The LA Galaxy, AEG, and the Los Angeles Chargers are teaming up to bring StubHub Center more improvements during the 2017 LA Galaxy season and before the Chargers, who will be playing at the stadium temporarily, kick off their NFL season.
Among the list of improvements slated for immediate construction, and in most cases already being worked on, are a new 20-foot by 52-foot video board on the stadium’s south side to replace the current scoreboard that is on top of the American Express Stadium Club. There will also be renovations to suites throughout the stadium, locker room upgrades, club seating upgrades, and state-of-the-art LED ribbon boards. Additionally, in the upper sideline sections of the stadium, the metal bench seating will be replaced by new, tip up seats.
All this work will be completed as quickly as possible and will not impact any Galaxy games being played at the stadium.
“AEG and the LA Galaxy have worked closely with the Chargers to enhance an already world-class experience and atmosphere at StubHub Center by implementing multi-faceted improvements. This investment will greatly benefit our fans, athletes and partners,” said AEG President, Dan Beckerman. “A key element of our philosophy is to continually reinvest in our properties around the world to enhance the fan experience at our facilities. These additional improvements cement StubHub Center as a top, versatile and cutting-edge venue in North America.”
With a Galaxy fan base that is less than thrilled with an NFL team sharing their field, these upgrades may go a long way to making the inconvenience worth it. After all, it’s unlikely that the Chargers will be able to keep football lines off of the Galaxy’s field come September. And if there is nothing that drives soccer fans into crazy fits of rage more than American Football lines on their soccer field. Seriously.
But perhaps, with the rent money the Chargers are likely paying AEG, some of the problem areas that have plagued StubHub Center will get some attention.
The Galaxy recently announced the addition of the Galaxy Express which allows for a feasible public transit option to the game. Fans simply have to park at one of two transit centers (for free) and hop aboard the bus that operates every 10 minutes from 90 minutes before kickoff to 15 minutes after kickoff. And then operates again for 45-minutes after the game ends.
And maybe, with the addition of new seats in the upper levels of the stadium, Galaxy fans will finally get their blue seats they’ve been dying for. I mean the Chargers could use some navy blue seats as well.
And if we’re really getting crazy here, perhaps StubHub Center can continue to offer better, more varied options at the concession stands. Craft beer, craft food, and affordable tacos. It’s almost a presidential platform.
For now, Galaxy fans should see how much money AEG can siphon off the NFL and the Chargers, and how much of that money they’re willing to put back into the stadium. With LAFC joining the league next year, and construction of their downtown stadium underway, the Galaxy and AEG will need to make Carson a destination for soccer like it’s never been before.
That means figuring out the parking issues, getting in-stadium wifi, and giving fans those beautiful blue seats. It’s the details that matter, now. And AEG and the Galaxy need to get those details right.