Reflections on the LA Galaxy
Fan Experiences Then and Now
This past spring, we went to the first LA Galaxy game we have attended since the lockdowns in 2020. Despite the Galaxy being on a downward spiral and the game result, I marveled at how the status of soccer has changed so much in a generation.
Way back in 1996, on a wave of soccer fever from the United States’ offerings of World Cup games in 1994, I attended the very first Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Soccer (MLS) game. Held at the Rose Bowl stadium, with a completely unexpected attendance of well over 65,000 people, I mostly remember the two-hour wait in our car to get into the parking lot with our friends visiting from San Diego. I think we were all astounded (at the time) that soccer was that popular to draw that many people.
Even though hubby and I had grown up playing the sport, neither of my friends had not. I certainly had no knowledge of it at the professional level. But hubby did (and does) follow it religiously and knew the first MLS game was happening and so we went, entering the stadium finally in the second half, sitting down near the front by the south side goal posts. I recently scoped out that old game (here on MLS classics:)
I am both horrified and fascinated by how unprofessional the style of play from BOTH teams seem at the time - it was like a pick-up game. My friends were mostly amazed that the actor Andrew Shue (who at the time was on Melrose Place) was on the squad.
Comparatively, even though this recent Galaxy game ended in a loss, the current style of play is much closer to some European styles with passing as a focus, good first touches, and passing out of back. They also have continued to have their fair share of (actual soccer) stars - David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and currently, Chicharrito.
The Galaxy DID score at our recent game, though, and I WAS able to capture it, so that is something new to this generation - virtually everyone can record the game as they want to.
The other thing I noticed on our recent venture was how complicated it had become to attend a game…we were (still, 25 years later) unprepared for the parking that was expensive (we waited nearly as long as that first game to get in); we had to have clear bags as per the new bag policies; and of course, every bag goes through the metal detectors now.
BUT, it currently is much more of a “fan experience” - food options were better, drinks were better. You went not only for the game but for the food, dining, and experience. There were a series of entertaining items: T-shirt giveaways; a spectator running on the field - escaping to the stands; fan groups with costumes; a Galaxy trophy exhibit…there was A LOT to see and do besides the game itself.
How do the two generations compare? The LA Galaxy has a long and storied history - undoubtedly it will continue to grow and adapt to new fans and their interests, while hopefully maintaining the caliber of the squad.
Fun fact: Hubby swears we appeared on the Telemundo (channel 34) recap clip of that first game, as family friends told us they saw us on TV. Check out the above image - are we there? We were down in front on the Galaxy scoring side in the second half. One never knows. If I find the exact clip, I will post it, okay?
If you have any thoughts to add on this topic, I’d love to hear them.