Go Metro to see your L.A. Rams this season

Credit: Kansas City Chiefs.

Credit: Kansas City Chiefs.

The Rams — okay, the guys struggling to make the Rams — came from behind to beat the Cowboys. But a win is a win. This week, the Rams play the Kansas City Chiefs, who went to the playoffs last year and made it to the divisional round before exiting courtesy of a 27-20 loss to New England.

Metro is again running extra Expo Line service for the game, which begins at 6 p.m. Judging by last week, we anticipate another big crowd and the only parking is for season ticket holders who have purchased it. As you may have seen on social media, private parking was a little on the pricey side:

Here’s what you need to know, Rams fans (okay, and maybe some K.C. fans, too) to get to the game via transit:

The Expo Line and Metro Rail

metro_regionalrail_map

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 on transfers; Metrolink schedules here).

If you’re taking Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner to the game from the Central Coast, Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, Orange County or San Diego County, here’s the schedule for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. There is one late train from Union Station at 10:10 p.m. to Orange County. Taking Amtrak will be easier when the regular season begins with Rams games typically starting at 1:05 p.m. or 1:25 p.m.

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). These filled up pretty quickly for last week’s game against Dallas.

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.

2 replies

  1. Does Metro intend to release the ridership numbers from last weekend game?

  2. “A transfer to Metro is free with a valid and stamped Metrolink ticket”

    The text should refer to a “chipped” Metrolink ticket as without one, the turnstiles at LAUS become difficult (but not impossible) to pass. Also the Silver Line provides a single Seat ride from LAUS to the Coliseum (if you can find it at LAUS), but requires the 75 cent “upcharge”