‘El Tráfico’ Soccer Match in Rose Bowl on Thursday: Will MLS Attendance Records Fall Again?

The Los Angeles soccer rivalry known as “El Tráfico” returns to the Rose Bowl Stadium on Thursday, July 4, with organizers hoping to break Major League Soccer attendance records for the second consecutive year.

The match between the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m., capping a day of Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue.

Last year’s July 4th encounter at the Rose Bowl set an MLS attendance record with over 82,000 fans. This year’s rematch could draw similar numbers, although official projections have not been released.

The stakes are high for both teams, currently tied atop the Western Conference with 40 points each. The Galaxy (11-3-7) and LAFC (12-4-4) have both scored a conference-best 41 goals this season, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair.

This will mark the 23rd edition of El Tráfico across all competitions. The Galaxy hold a slight edge in the all-time series with 9 wins to LAFC’s 8, along with 5 draws. However, LAFC won the most recent encounter 2-1 on April 6, 2024.

“We’re so excited to have the Galaxy and LAFC back here again for the second year,” said Rose Bowl General Manager Jens Weiden. “This is their original home and we’re so happy every time they come back.”

The event will feature several special elements, including:

• A flyover by the Condor Squadron in restored World War II-era aircraft
• National anthem performance by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alycia Cancel
• Pre-game and halftime DJ sets by Grammy Award-winning producer AFROJACK
• The longest-running fireworks display on the West Coast following the match

Fans are advised to arrive early, with parking lots opening at 1:30 p.m. and officials recommending entry no later than 5:00 p.m. to ensure making the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

“You get the best tailgate in all of sports, you get an amazing soccer match, and you get the best and longest-running fireworks show on the West Coast,” Weiden added.

The match, presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. It marks a return to the Galaxy’s original home, where the franchise began its journey in 1996, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the rivalry.

A day-long, family-friendly schedule of activities is planned, making the Rose Bowl “the place to be” to celebrate Independence Day. SoccerFest, open to all fans outside Gate A from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., will feature live music from Mobility, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, and DJ Los. Attractions include Futpool, face painting, a photo booth, and custom caricature drawings.

Food offerings will be extensive, with a specially curated menu featuring Galaxy fan favorites and iconic Rose Bowl items. Dignity Health Sports Park Executive Chef Matthew Lindblom and Rose Bowl Stadium Executive Chef Chris Saiz have collaborated on the menu, which includes a new item featuring Avocados from Mexico.

LA Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Braun emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event, which includes providing tickets to veterans and military personnel in appreciation of their service.

The first 25,000 Galaxy fans in attendance will receive LA Galaxy x Rose Bowl posters upon entry at designated gates. The Color Guard will be provided by Pasadena’s Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division.

Officials stress that those without tickets should avoid the area and surrounding foothills due to fire hazards. Remaining tickets are available at www.lagalaxy.com/rosebowl2024, with the Galaxy supporters’ section already sold out.