The Rams finished last season 7-9. But they were 4-2 in the tough NFC West and the Seahawks, Cardinals and 49ers all have their own issues. So who knows: maybe the Jared Goff-led Rams can lead Los Angeles back to the NFL playoffs for the first time in…well…forever. The Buffalo Bills come to town in early October and we can all rest assured that will result in a W for the home team! 🙂

In the meantime, I can tell you this: Metro will be running extra service on the Expo Line for Rams games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Expo trains will be running every six minutes before and after Family Day this Saturday and the Rams first preseason game versus the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 13. Parking at the Coliseum will be in extremely short supply (all available spaces were sold to season ticket holders) and traffic in that area is a bear.

The Expo Line and Metro Rail

First, let’s tackle the Expo Line. The Coliseum is served by two Expo Line Stations — the Expo Park/USC Station and Expo/Vermont Station. Both are an easy five- to 10-minute walk to the Coliseum.

It costs $1.75 to ride the Expo Line or $3.50 roundtrip. The fare includes two hours of free transfers if you need to ride more than one rail or bus line. You need a plastic TAP card to ride. They can be purchased for $1 at TAP vending machines that are located at all Metro Rail stations. Tip: if you’re buying a TAP card, load it with $3.50 stored value so you don’t have to stand in line after the game to use the TAP vending machines again.

To help alleviate post-game crowding at stations and minimize boarding delays, those heading back toward Santa Monica should board at Expo Park/USC Station. If you’re returning to DTLA, please board at Expo/Vermont Station. See the above map.

Another option: the Silver Line, which runs from El Monte Station, through DTLA and to Harbor Gateway Transit Center and San Pedro. Use the 37th St/USC Station, which is about a 10-minute walk to the Coliseum. Note: you need to already have a TAP card to ride the Silver Line and the fare is $2.50 per ride.

Fans using Metrolink and Amtrak: ride to Union Station, transfer to the Red/Purple Line subway and then at 7th/Metro transfer to the Expo Line. A transfer to Metro is free with a valid and stamped Metrolink ticket (details here).

Parking

The following Expo Line stations have parking available on a first-come, first-served basis: 17th/SMC ($2 fee), Expo/Bundy ($2 fee), Expo/Sepulveda ($2 fee), Culver City (free), La Cienega/Jefferson (free) and Expo/Crenshaw (free, SATURDAY ONLY).

To find parking elsewhere on the Metro Rail system, click here. We know from experience with USC football, some fans prefer to park in downtown Los Angeles — at Union Station ($8) or at one of the many commercial lots or garages. The Red/Purple Line can be used to connect with the Expo Line at 7th/Metro Station. From the subway, follow the signs to the Expo Line platform upstairs (you’re looking for platform 2).

There is also street parking near many Expo Line and Metro Rail stations, but regulations vary and many street spaces come with restrictions.

Finally, a reminder that there is a new clear bag policy at the Coliseum, same as the one that has been implemented at the Rose Bowl. For the fastest way to enter the stadium, guests are encouraged not to bring any type of bags, but if you need to bring items inside with you, you’ll need to use a specific type of bag. See graphic below and read up on the the Coliseum’s clear bag policy here.

And for more game day riding tips, check out metro.net/gameday.