LOS ANGELES – The ever-growing feud between LA Galaxy and LAFC will reach its biggest stage when it arrives at the Rose Bowl next February.
The Galaxy is returning to its original home ground for the 17th edition of El Tráfico, the LA Derby, for the opening match of the 2023 MLS season and the first as part of the league's new broadcast deal with Apple TV, the clubs announced on Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times and the Sports Business Journal were the first outlets to report the news.
The most exciting rivalry in @MLS opens a new chapter at the @RoseBowlStadium.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 27, 2022
🌹 https://t.co/yItpdCL61x pic.twitter.com/ppRaTcBKcK
“We’ve been thinking about this for a while. And even thinking about it in conjunction with LAFC,” Galaxy president Chris Klein told the LA Times' Kevin Baxter. “This game has taken on such a special meaning to the city, to our fans and to, really, soccer in this country.”
With the Rose Bowl Stadium's capacity to host upwards of 90,000 for a soccer match, the likelihood exists to set a new MLS single-game record. The Galaxy was present for the most recent record-setting moment when it visited Charlotte FC in front of 74,479 spectators earlier this season.
New at @SBJ: The @LAGalaxy and @LAFC are taking their rivalry to Rose Bowl Stadium to open their respective 2023 seasons on Feb. 25. With a capacity north of 90k, it could set a new single-game attendance record for @MLS.https://t.co/PkJK73P0oC pic.twitter.com/LIdeN0nkzF
— Alex M. Silverman🏒⚽️ (@AlexMSilverman) September 27, 2022
After departing for its more intimate soccer-specific stadium in 2003, currently known as Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy have returned to the Rose Bowl for international club friendlies with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and FC Barcelona. The historic stadium has hosted the final of the men's and women's FIFA World Cups on top of numerous other international club friendlies and iconic USA vs. Mexico matches during Concacaf tournaments.
“The joint goal is to fill up the place,” LAFC co-president Larry Freedman told the LA Times. "We just thought this [rivalry] has been magical. If you could bottle it and sell it, you would, right?"
The two Southern California teams were part of drawing 71,189 fans to SoFi Stadium earlier one month ago for a doubleheader as part of the Leagues Cup Showcase. The event was an MLS vs. Liga MX doubleheader featuring Galaxy against Guadalajara and Club America versus LAFC.
The LA Times also reported that the teams are expected to face off three times in 2024, with LAFC potentially playing host at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum or SoFi Stadium.
Ticket Information
Galaxy season ticket and partial plan holders will have the Rose Bowl game included in their 2023 packages and will receive further details via email, according to the club. Only current season and partial plan holders can purchase tickets at this time with more information at LAGalaxy.com/Tickets.
Tickets to the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC match at Rose Bowl Stadium will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PT. Fans may sign up for additional presale information at www.lagalaxy.com/rosebowl2023. An exclusive American Express Card Member Presale will be available starting on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. PT.
LAFC Season Ticket Members will have access to a presale offer with preferred pricing before the general on-sale. Further ticketing information for LAFC Season Ticket Members and fans will be sent directly by LAFC.