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

Megu·1/22/2019, 5:28:18 PM·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

RiotSkiptoMyLuo1/22/2019, 9:29:13 PM8 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.).

stanjer1231/22/2019, 8:31:45 PM4 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....

Morticianjohn1/22/2019, 8:34:15 PM3 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

A Palmtop Tiger1/22/2019, 8:35:00 PM3 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...

III BAKURYU III 1/23/2019, 1:25:13 AM2 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.

GeminiRune1/22/2019, 11:40:38 PM1 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It's a bit outdated for me going back to MSI 2015 in Tallahassee, but I definitely speak for the people atmosphere of League venues being pretty chill and hype when it comes to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.

JoeMG1/23/2019, 12:29:59 AM1 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.

Rat Troupe1/22/2019, 9:35:24 PM1 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.