Go Metro to see Rams defeat Cowboys!

NFC-Championship-Game-(Dallas-Cowboys-Los-Angeles-Rams)

Let’s face it: the Rams are long overdue avenging their losses to the Cowboys in the NFC title games following the ’75 and ’78 seasons. So what if most and/or none of the current Rams weren’t yet conceived. Justice must be served even if it’s a meaningless first pre-season game in which the primary goal is to not get Jared Goff injured.

Metro is running extra Expo Line service for the game, which begins at 5 p.m. As would be expected, a huge crowd will almost certainly descend upon the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. The game begins at 5 p.m. and the only parking available is for season ticket holders who have purchased it.

Here’s what you need to know, Rams fans (okay, and maybe some Cowboys fans, too):

The Expo Line and Metro Rail

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17-0219_Rams_USC_LA_Coliseum_map

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 a round-trip fare 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.

Approved-Bags

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

8 replies

  1. First impressions are lasting impressions. Is Metro adding more rail cars to the Expo line for the game? For first time riders adding more rail cars to the Expo line could make a great impression on them.

  2. In the article above, you mention:

    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).

    Are these fees imposed on Saturday and Sunday or just on weekdays? And if they are imposed on the weekends, are they imposed every weekend or just when there are Coliseum events?

    • Hi,

      Parking fees apply daily. The only reason Expo/Crenshaw specifically says Saturday only is because the lot is not open to the public on Sundays per Metro’s agreement with the lot owner, the West Angeles Cathedral.

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

  3. Metro added additional service on the Silver Line for the recent Rams Family Day and they need to do so here too. Parking at Harbor Gateway or at Green Line stations is a great option, but is less great if you have to wait 40-60 minutes at night for a bus.

  4. > 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.

    I think you got the stations backwards here. I assume SaMo bound riders should board at the western station (Vermont) and DTLA riders should go to the eastern station (USC)

    • Hey Jason;

      No, what I wrote is correct. “It’s counterintuitive,” says my colleague, Marie The Wise. Her explanation goes like this: Having folks go west from Vermont would require two street crossings, whereas using Expo Park station means they only have to cross half of Exposition Boulevard and Exposition Boulevard will be closed to traffic. As for those bound for DTLA, now they only have to cross Vermont. So it was to reduce street crossings. Does that make any sense?

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

      • Hmmm… I thought the reason was to cut in front of people waiting at the other station. I.e. if you’re headed to Santa Monica, board the train at Expo Park so that you get a seat. Then when the train gets to Vermont, its already full and the best those passengers can hope for is standing room.
        Either way, the advice is sound.