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Angel City Football Club is a National Women's Soccer League that began its inaugural season this year in Los Angeles. The founders and investors of the team include many high-profile female entrepreneurs, athletes, and actresses.

Natalie Portman is one of the founders and ACFC is one of the only sports teams in the world where the majority of the founders are female-founded. I have been living in California for about ten years now and have never been to any sports event until now.

GETTING THERE

BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium)

The home games for ACFC are held at BMO Stadium which is located in downtown Los Angeles. I dread driving around downtown Los Angeles, but luckily the stadium is located just one block from the freeway exit.

When you exit the freeway, it can get a little congested on match day but if you arrive a little early, it won’t take that long to get to the parking lots. I suggest arriving early and hanging out at the stadium instead of sitting in traffic.

General Parking

It’s also a good idea to arrive early since parking is limited. There are five color-coded lots and you can get the direct GPS coordinates for each lot. Our ticket came with a parking spot, so we were directed to park in the Pink Lot.

CLEAR BAG POLICY

Since this was my first sports event, I was glad that I read their bag policy; otherwise, I would have just brought my usual bag. In order to provide a safe environment and to expedite entry into the stadium, you are only allowed to carry a bag that is clear. The bag can’t exceed 12”x6”x12”.

If you don’t have a clear bag, they do allow one small clutch or bag. This bag can’t exceed 4.5”x6.5”. They are very strict about this so make sure you measure your bag. My friend brought a small purse and the staff actually pulled out a ruler and measured her bag.

Unfortunately, it was too large so she had to run back to her car and put it away. Additionally, I saw a tent outside the stadium that offered lockers to store your bags.

ACFC FAN FEST

ACFC Fan Fest is held prior to kick-off; however, they don’t have one for every match. It’s a fun way to get pumped for the game and is held right in front of the stadium.

Fan Fest offers sponsor games, discounted drinks, food trucks, prizes, and a live DJ. Of course, the popular spots were the fun soccer-themed photo ops. The lines were pretty long for this and I didn’t want to have to make my husband wait so I skipped it this time.

ACFC MERCH

If you have some time left before the game starts, you can do some merch shopping. It was pretty packed when I walked into the shop, but it was even more packed after the game with a line queuing at the entrance.

It seemed to me that the best time to shop was beforehand or you can skip that all together and buy ACFC merch online.

PREMIUM SEATING

There is an array of ticket options from single-game tickets to season tickets. I was invited to the game and got to experience the club’s premium seating in the City View Club section.

Girl standing in front of a soccer field — City View Seating at BMO Stadium

This section has a relaxed environment with loge seats and offers a great tactical view of the field. Nothing gets in the way of your view of the game.

The great thing about the seats in this section is the free food and drinks. There was a variety of food with house wine and beer. Everything was a delight. The only thing you would have to pay for is mixed drinks.

Looking at a soccer field from inside — View of the stadium from indoors

Lodge seats at Banc of California Stadium — Waiting for Kickoff

If you don’t fancy alcohol, water and sodas are available free of charge as well. At halftime, the staff brought out warm cookies, which was a nice surprise. The cookies were really popular and I can see why because the lemon, macadamia, and white chocolate cookie was fantastic.

A plate of two warm cookies — Half Time Cookies

FINAL THOUGHTS

I had such a fun night and really enjoyed watching the game. The staff at security and ticketing were all friendly and the grounds outside the stadium are very clean and spacious.

A Pink Beer Can Called Party Beer — Party Beer

Girl standing and watching a soccer game — Can you see the City View in the Distance?

Prior to the game, there was also some entertainment, so there was never a dull moment. Although there were times when I wished the music wasn’t so loud (so I can have a conversation at a normal level), but that’s just me being an old lady.

I was lucky that Natalie Portman was at this game and she interacted with the audience. I have always been a fan of Natalie Portman. She doesn’t show up to all the games, so when she does it’s a nice surprise.

SOME TIPS

If you are purchasing single tickets, I would avoid sitting in the East Overlook and East event seats. These seats had the sun directly on top, which can be uncomfortable in the summer months.
Mobile tickets are required for entry. That means no printed tickets.
Cameras are allowed, but only as long as the lens doesn’t exceed 3.5”.
Fans that dressed up or had signs and banners definitely got to make an appearance on the big screen, so make sure you go big!
One clear bottle of water is allowed in the stadium so if you want to save some money, it’s not a bad idea to bring your own.
Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

BMO STADIUM
ADDRESS: 3939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (MAP)
PHONE: (213) 519-9900