Need advice on visiting LA and going to LCS for the first time

Megu·Jan 22, 2019·11 votes·12,333 views

Hope this is a good place to post this, but I am visiting Santa Monica at the start of March and I wanted to go see the LCS play while I'm there! I was wondering if anyone had some advice or experience to share with me before I go. I see that it is GA but I don't see much more info on it than that. Do I get to meet players? What is there inside aside from the stage/seating (food/drink/merch)? What's a good place to go after for food (I'm over 21, too!)? Are people friendly?

Oh, and bonus if it's any advice/experience from girls. I'm a little scared to go because I'll be alone and I'm kinda afraid :(

26 Comments

RiotSkiptoMyLuoJan 22, 20198 votes

Hey there! I'm not on the esports team but I've been to a few matches. Seating is first come, first serve and after games, you can go up and high five the players as they get off stage. Usually after a game, the players will then wait outside for some photo opportunities. People have always been friendly in my experience. On a nearby street called Sawtelle, there is a lot of vibrant nightlife and Asian food (ramen bars, boba, Korean BBQ, etc.).

MeguJan 23, 20192 votes

Ohh. I few people told me they kinda "assign" seats based on how u come in. So if I leave for the bathroom or something, my seat won't be stolen unless by mistake. But now that you mention K BBQ I've always wanted to try it!! Thanks, I'll totally look up that street.

RiotSkiptoMyLuoJan 25, 20191 votes

Now that you mention it, I do remember them sort of guiding you down the rows. I think generally, the earlier you are, the more likely you'll be in front. I've never seen or heard people steal seats. There are ushers and a lot of staff nearby and almost everyone is pretty friendly. The worst thing I've experienced is when people get annoyed by others cheering for ward kills haha.

MeguJan 30, 20191 votes

(Late reply, my bad) but I'm really glad to hear that! I was a bit worried I'd have to find a jacket to leave behind that I didn't care if someone stole. I have heard a LOT about not cheering for wards kills though lol

stanjer123Jan 22, 20194 votes

There's beautiful beaches, excellent food, all sorts of amazing things to do. Hell, go to disneyland, but don't go watch people play a videogame....

MeguJan 22, 20193 votes

Well I actually live right by disney world and tons of beautiful beaches AND used to live in a big city, so I've already done all sorts of things! So I think seeing my favorite players would be more exciting and cheaper than things like theme parks :)

MorticianjohnJan 22, 20193 votes

Santa Monica people are cool. I never went to see the LCS but there is a lot to do and see in the area. My cousin lives there and I've visited him there many times. There are a lot of college age kids running around with so many colleges nearby

MeguJan 22, 20193 votes

Awesome, there's a few museums I wanted to go to in my free time. I'm pretty excited! My only concern is safety, especially as a girl alone lol

QazsareaJan 23, 20191 votes

[{quoted}](name=Forehead Kisses,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=710iEEqv,comment-id=00010000,timestamp=2019-01-22T21:56:16.180+0000)

Awesome, there's a few museums I wanted to go to in my free time. I'm pretty excited! My only concern is safety, especially as a girl alone lol

Totally fair, but chances are you will be ok. Walk around with confidence and you can p easily avoid any weird stuff. If someone comes up to you, be polite for the first 10 sec to see what's going on, and if it's bad get out, and don't be afraid to be harsh. Obvs it'd be best with a friend, not just for safety stuff but you can still have a good day alone! Just follow the usual precautions of stay in public places and don't trust stranger. During the actual event you'll probably be fine too, and if anything makes you uncomfortable I'm sure there will be security or fellow women to go to.

Overall, be sensible and have fun! LA isn't a particularly dangerous city and most weirdos can be dealt with the fake it til you make it method of confidence even if you're the more nervous type.

GlîtchyJan 23, 20191 votes

[{quoted}](name=Forehead Kisses,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=710iEEqv,comment-id=00010000,timestamp=2019-01-22T21:56:16.180+0000)

Awesome, there's a few museums I wanted to go to in my free time. I'm pretty excited! My only concern is safety, especially as a girl alone lol

I have a friend who carries pepper spray with her, doing the same is always an option, tho if you wanna avoid something that drastic, just stay in very well lit and/or crowded public areas, and you'll be fine

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

I was afraid they wouldn't allow that on the plane (understandably), but I have heard of like emergency noise makers I thought about bringing. Though I don't really plan to be in places that are dark all alone haha. Either gonna uber everywhere or walk in the daytime. I'm very cautious since growing up in Chicago lmao

GlîtchyJan 23, 20191 votes

[{quoted}](name=Forehead Kisses,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=710iEEqv,comment-id=0001000000010000,timestamp=2019-01-23T01:54:37.805+0000)

I was afraid they wouldn't allow that on the plane (understandably), but I have heard of like emergency noise makers I thought about bringing. Though I don't really plan to be in places that are dark all alone haha. Either gonna uber everywhere or walk in the daytime. I'm very cautious since growing up in Chicago lmao

true that's always an option......not as entertaining as giving offenders the pain they deserve, but always an option.

Madjack01Jan 23, 20191 votes

[{quoted}](name=Forehead Kisses,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=710iEEqv,comment-id=00010000,timestamp=2019-01-22T21:56:16.180+0000)

Awesome, there's a few museums I wanted to go to in my free time. I'm pretty excited! My only concern is safety, especially as a girl alone lol

Oha Santa Monica sounds like a dangerous place, with women fearing for their safety and all.

I have two female friends who actually like to travel (internationally) alone because of the freedom of not having to look after anybody else.

Their experiences have been great so far. And they are both very different characters too. One of them isn't social at all and even though a lone woman seems to be more approachable for people (mostly guys), she was left alone when she wanted to be. The other one meets people on a constant basis (though mostly guys again).

For none of them was safety big of an issue. They both agreed though that they don't like to linger in certain places for too long when they didn't have a reason too.

I myself like going to events like these by myself from time to time. Sometimes you can just enjoy stuff a lot better without any social entanglements which might distract you. Funny thing is, people tend to notice when you genuinely are having fun with something and like to approach you more ( and that's coming from a dude who's asocial as hell :p).

Edit: you can always kick your bf's ass and make him come with you o7

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

After telling people I grew up in Chicago and hearing LA is 'better' in terms of uh that kinda stuff, I'm not TOO scared. I know to be cautious still though.

I don't mind flying/staying at a hotel alone or even going to the museums alone but I'm a tad afraid of going out to places like the LCS, AKA social events, alone. I would be really happy to meet some people while there and make friends! Just not sure how to do that at LCS when I'm alone (my bf is super social and when we join calls or anything he usually does all the talking lol). This, however, is my first trip like going somewhere and not having someone to meet on the other side so I'm both excited and nervous.

Thanks a lot for the input I feel a lot better about going!!! So long as I just forget about my nerves and focus on the moment, I'll enjoy it, I think. Which will eventually lead to people coming to me lol

A Palmtop TigerJan 22, 20193 votes

Get Korean BBQ :)

Also be careful walking on the sidewalks because you could accidentally step on a sleeping homeless person. When it gets dark it can be hard to tell sometimes...

MeguJan 22, 20192 votes

I didn't even think of K BBQ! There's none of that by me, so I really wanna try it now! Thanks! Lol, I used to live in a big city so it's nothing new to me. I used to make sandwiches but this time around I'll probably just carry granola bars to hand out.

III BAKURYU III Jan 23, 20192 votes

Watch the games online instead of paying to go see any events. The players don't have time nor want to talk to fans but instead if you donate to them on their streams.

MeguJan 23, 20193 votes

That's fine if they don't want to meet me, that's not a part of their job I suppose. I'm going for the experience :)

Rat TroupeJan 22, 20191 votes

At the Arena, they do have a snack bar, amusingly called “Noms,” where you can get nachos or a hot dog, kind of standard stadium fare.

There is also a gift shop which should be open. The problem is, you can really only go there during intermission, and that’s when everyone goes, so it’s really crowded. But if you can survive the crowds it’s a good place to get a souvenir. I didn’t see anything there that you can’t get at the online store.

Outside the arena, Los Angeles does have a wealth of places to eat and visit, but you really can’t get anywhere without a car. Even the street that Riot Games is on, is not very pedestrian friendly.

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

Oh awesome. I will probably eat before (i've been recomended a lot of good places near by!) but in case I want snacks :D I guess I wouldn't care much for stuff if I could just order it online (unless a friend really wants something from there specifically lol). Though I heard a few "vault" pieces are sold there. Not super huge on crowded stores though. Now that you mention it, I was debating walking or getting an uber. I should just google maps the way! At least I have time to figure it out haha

GeminiRuneJan 22, 20191 votes

It's a bit outdated for me going back to MSI 2015 in Tallahassee, but I definitely speak for the people atmosphere of League venues being pretty chill and hype when it comes to the right timing. I remember feeling jittery at first; looking around the stadium a lot. By the end of like...the first game of Day 1 (which was the opening FNC vs TSM) I relaxed into the atmosphere and just got vocal. I sat behind a group of AHQ fans and joined in on a conversation of the day so far as an LMS fan at the time. I'm also pretty sure those fans got camera time on stream too during an AHQ game. I wimped out of that but I was happy anyway.

As for just the fear: the way I overcame it was saying that those who come to any event are there for the experience whether it be in the form of supporting a player, team, or just the scene as a whole. I'm sure you'll enjoy it quite wonderfully.

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

I've read a lot of people traveling get super nervous but once they get there feel a LOT better. So I'm hoping for the same once I get to my hotel and eventually get to the stadium. I'm just really hoping to make some friends while there ^^

JoeMGJan 23, 20191 votes

You should definitely take the time to walk from Santa Monica to Venice. It's a nice little stroll and you get to see both beaches/boardwalks.

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

I'll be sure to take the time to :D Santa Monica kinda reminds me of Navy Pier in Chicago. Not sure if it's super fun alone but it certainly is pretty. Hopefully the weather is warm around then too! Thank you for the input :)

III BAKURYU III Jan 23, 20191 votes

hmmm, brothal could do the trick, mate.

MeguJan 23, 20191 votes

I don't think my bf would approve lol but kudos for thinking outside the box!