The Banc of California Stadium is up and running. And for LAFC, it is wonderful to have a new home that is designed like no other, with the fan in mind.
In the increasingly commercialised world of modern sport, it is increasingly rare that the fan is put first. But when it came to building the Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles FC had a very special intention: The fan experience.
During the many years in which the stadium was first designed and then erected, fans were continually consulted on decisions made. They were asked what they wanted, and then the ideas that worked were put in place. That is rare. And important.
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This brilliant short documentary by COPA90US shows the remarkable home-opening against the Seattle Sounders through the eyes of the 3252 Supporter’s Group.
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In it, a group of LAFC fans talk about how they had a direct input into the building of the stadium, and specifically the Heineken Supporter Bar, something that was designed with the club and the fans. As a fan delineates, there is a special relationship between soccer and beer, ‘this is very important. The beer and the game, you know. It’s very important.’
That passion for both the game and the infrastructure around the game is why LAFC are garnering supporters in their first season as an expansion team. It also helps that they are winning, of course, with a Laurent Ciman strike in the 93rd minute ensuring that they enjoyed their home-opener against the Sounders. But the club, and thereby the stadium, have looked to involve the fans as much as possible. That is why there is a growing fervour around this team.
The atmosphere in the Banc of California stadium has been electric. Packed crowds, flying falcons, great beer, and raucous chanting. This is a place that enables the brilliance of soccer to come to the fore. It is bright, vibrant, energetic, but also competitive, gnarly, at times, and vehemently supportive of LAFC, all the things that you want in a new stadium.
This is a stadium that is designed like no other. The consultation of the fans. The distance between the pitch and the stands, which one fan describes as ‘being able to reach out and grab the goalkeeper.’ The importance of the atmosphere which is enhanced by the use of safe standing, which the club agreed upon after seeing a group of fans generate atmosphere because of their ability to stand up and chant.
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The Banc of California stadium is unique. As are LAFC. It is why this club is set up so perfectly for the years to come.