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El Tráfico Breaks Attendance Record As Galaxy Tops LAFC 2-1
Riqui Puig of L.A. Galaxy controls the ball against Jose Cifuentes of LAFC during the first half of the Western Conference Semifinals of 2022 MLS Cup playoffs at Banc of California Stadium on October 20, 2022 in Los Angeles.
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Kevork Djansezian
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Getty Images
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L.A. soccer fans had more to celebrate than the Fourth of July with the return Tuesday of El Tráfico, the crosstown derby between MLS home teams LAFC and the L.A. Galaxy.
It's an event that draws hordes of fans — and seriously messes up traffic.
The teams took the field at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena at 7:30 p.m. with the Galaxy ultimately upsetting the MLS champion LAFC 2-1.
LA IS 🔵⚪️🟡 pic.twitter.com/PiqS57YODF
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 5, 2023
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Record attendance was projected, with a sellout crowd of 82,110 filling the stands now the top-attended MLS game in league history. The previous record-holder is last year’s match between the Galaxy and Charlotte FC which drew 74,479.
It’s been a long wait for the teams’ passionate fans. The match was originally scheduled for February but was postponed because of winter storms.
El Tráfico replaced the Rose Bowl’s traditional July 4 firework show. But the Galaxy hosted a post-match firework show for ticket holders.
What the fans are saying
George Sanchez, a professor at Cal State Northridge, has attended El Tráfico twice, once at the Galaxy home stadium in Carson and another time in downtown Los Angeles at what’s now BMO stadium. When asked what it’s like to be in the stands for the match, Sanchez, 45, said, “it's just fun no matter what. Whether you are a neutral or an ultra member of a supporters group or there with your family, it's just a lot of energy.”
LAFC supporter Zach Hernandez, 33 won't be at the match tonight but plans to watch the showdown on TV. “It brings attention to soccer or football,” said Hernandez, a barber from Whittier. “I think we are seeing a lot more soccer fans in the U.S. as well as in California. This game is elevating the star power on both teams.”
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What to know
Stadium gates opened at 5:30 p.m. If you have a ticket, the advice was to arrive early! Traffic for a game of this magnitude is going to be tight so get there on time and get situated. Take advantage of the wait time by setting up a tailgate as long as you are respectful of your surroundings, prohibiting public intoxication and violence against other fans. You can read about all tailgating guides here.
Attendees could also visit Fan Fest, which was organized in support of both clubs, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. The event will feature activities such as meet and greets, live music and food.
If you don’t have a ticket, you could enjoy the match from home. It was broadcast live and free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 7:30 p.m. PST.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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