Talk about a lengthy offseason.
After twenty long years since the last sight of the LA Rams, professional football is finally back in the City of Angels. No offense to the likes of UCLA and USC, but things just haven’t been the same without weekly football on Sundays. Especially in what is undoubtedly one of the country’s largest (and greatest) sports cities.
So what can football fans look forward to come pigskin season in September?
Besides watching the games from Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, LA is inheriting a promising team full of veteran leaders and exciting young talent. Most fans will recognize the NFL’s explosive Rookie of the Year—running back Todd Gurley—as well as defensive tackle Aaron Donald and defensive end Robert Quinn, both two-time Pro Bowlers. Long-time NFL coach Jeff Fisher leads the team and will be hoping to add an improved passing game—through quarterback Nick Foles and receiver Tavon Austin, among others—to what was an encouraging showing from the defense and running game in 2015.
Perhaps the most exciting news of all is what Rams owner Stan Kroenke calls the “opportunity of a lifetime”: the plans for a $2.6 billion stadium poised to become the world’s most valuable stadium complex. Scheduled for a 2019 opening in Inglewood, this momentous project will bring a whole new landmark to the LA landscape while showcasing America’s favorite game on California’s greatest stage. Better yet, it may also attract another NFL team to the area in coming years, either the San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders. In the meantime, The Rams will be returning to the Los Angeles Coliseum for the the 2016-2018 seasons.
All this goes to say: it’s officially time to start the countdown for football season in LA. And while September might seem a ways away, promising seasons by the Kings and Clippers—plus the retirement of a certain hoops legend—ensure you’ll never have to leave the edge of your seat.
Here’s to a game-winning score for all of LA’s sports fans.
