It almost didn't happen for them. But at the last moment LAFC scored the winning goal and began to write their history at the new home, Banc of California Stadium. Which they call the first MLS stadium in Los Angeles...

It was supposed to be a feast and the final result almost spoiled it. LAFC began the season in style and now couldn't score until the 93^rd minute against Seattle Sounders, the very last team of their MLS conference. But at the very last moment they managed to break the deadlock and claim victory. We can now officially note that Banc of California Stadium is open (Apr 18), saw its first party (Apr 21) and has just held the actual 'christening' by hosting its first MLS fixture.

© Los Angeles FC

Some say that it's the first open-air stadium built in Los Angeles since 1962, which is obviously aimed at derby rivals LA Galaxy, whose stadium is in Carson, technically outside the city. It took only 20 months to deliver the project, also considered to be one of the most central sports venues in Los Angeles. It should be noted, however, that some minor work are still left to be carried out in upcoming weeks.

Erected in the distinguished Exposition Park, the stadium sits just meters away from the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, becoming instantly sanctified by the history of this unique Olympic site, home to the 1932, 1984 and 2028 Olympics, during the latter of which Banc of California Stadium will also be a host venue.

© Los Angeles FC

Though built for an immense sum from a European or indeed global perspective, the stadium isn't particularly imposing, which is exactly as planned. Built in a symbolic site of Los Angeles, replacing the Memorial Sports Arena, it had to fit in terms of scale. The field of play was thus sunken 6.7 meters into the ground, which also facilitates crowd circulation as fans enter lower ring of the stands from street level.

The auditorium is planned for 22,000 people, though there is an option of temporary expansion by addition of foyer seats. Also, for events using the field, a maximum of 35,000-40,000 is expected. The front row of the stands is pushed as close as possible, at the nearest point reaching just 3.7m from the players. The furthest a fan can seat is 41 meters away, which means everyone has a good and unobstructed view of the field.

© Los Angeles FC

For corporate customers the offer is impressively wide, starting with field-level armchairs, through vast clubs and lounges, through 22 private boxes with retractable glass front, to business clubs on top of the north and west stands, each with a unique feature like a view of the sunset or even a swimming pool. Of course, it all comes at a price, starting at $225 per game.

In turn, the cheapest seats are worth just $20 and are dedicated to vocal fans. These have completely different features. At 34º the north stand has the steepest rake across MLS and is equipped with rails in order to facilitate constant standing. 3,252 fans can be seated or, actually, standing in the area.

Even if it would have been seen as an oddity 15 years earlier, the stadium provides almost complete cover of all seats. The canopy is lightweight and based on slender long-span cantilevers. In total only 2,300 tons of steel was used in the construction of this stadium, both to support the upper stands and to provide shade. The roof consists of 17,600 m² of ETFE. With no opaque facades and two empty corners the stadium provides good ventilation and offers some fans a view of the skyline.

© Los Angeles FC

Even before groundbreaking it was intended to be eco-friendly, aiming for (and receiving) the LEED silver certificate. This is owed to energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, green spaces around and ecologic transport solutions (440 bicycle parking spaces, 5% parking places with EV charging stations, plus emphasis on public transport).

With the budget at immense $350 million, the stadium was financed entirely privately. Banc of California played a very notable role by securing significant part of the $180 million loan and signing the $100-million 15-year naming rights deal.