Soccer fans rejoice — Banc of California Stadium in downtown Los Angeles opens this weekend with the LA Football Club (LAFC)’s match against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, April 29.
The sport itself isn’t the only reason to flock to the stadium, as the food vendors are something to savor in. You’ll want to head to the stadium early to have enough time to check out all the options, instead of stopping elsewhere for a meal before a game.
The options aren’t like what you’d find at a typical sports venue — think hot dogs with Korean-style sausages topped with kimchi or noshing on duck fat fries.
Chris McConnaughey, general manager of Legends Hospitality which oversees the stadium, told the Asian Journal that along with executive chef Matt Eland, they brought in partners that reflect some of the city’s best culinary offerings.
“We tried to build an offering for the ultimate fan experience,” he said during a culinary media preview on Wednesday, April 25. “We’ve got Mediterranean, Korean, Mexican, Texas BBQ and stadium fare.”
The LA favorites that will have a presence inside the stadium include Bludso’s Bar & Que (particularly the brisket sandwich with Mac n’ Cheese), Chica’s tacos (barbacoa tacos), Seoul Sausage Company (kalbi pork sausage with kimchi relish, garlic jalapeño aioli & fried onions), and Beer Belly (duck fat fries with raspberry mustard).
There are also in-house concepts like rotisserie fares LA Rotisserie, French bread-style pizza at The Crest, Mediterranean cuisine at The Roost (check out the Middle Eastern nachos), and hot sandwiches at The Press. Of course, patrons who want hamburgers and hot dogs without the frills can opt for the Rally Stand.
Since it is LA, the stadium offers healthier options, like vegetarian and gluten-free, McConnaughey noted.
Refreshments throughout the stadium include non-dairy coffee creations by Califia Farms, craft cocktails, local craft beers, and more.
“If you’re not a soccer fan, but you come to this stadium for the first time, I’ll tell you that you’ll become a soccer fan. Maybe it’s not the sport, but what we’ve built here as a team — LAFC and Banc of California — this stadium is more of an experience,” McConnaughey added. “It’s based on hospitality. It’s based on premium. It’s just more than soccer.”
The new stadium holds 22,000 seats and will be used for special events like concerts in addition to soccer matches.
Also worth noting are the premium spaces inside the stadium — Field Level Club (located less than 15 feet from the pitch), Founders Club, Sunset Deck (beach-style area with indoor and outdoor seating), Figueroa Club, Directors Lounge, and suites that can hold up to 30. The areas can be booked for meetings or private events on non-game days.
Banc of California Stadium is located at 3939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA next to the LA Memorial Coliseum.
