Saturday, August 22, 2026
Josh Eisenberg
Get ready for an epic Western Conference showdown under the lights! Join the Wharton SoCal club and Penn Club LA to see the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) play the Portland Timbers at BMO Stadium for an exciting Saturday night matchup. Here is everything you need to know to plan your matchday.
📅 Match Details
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- Matchup: LAFC vs. Portland Timbers
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Price: $65 PP for club members & non-members and their guests, tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are in section 216.
⏱️ Key Matchday Timeline
- 3:30 PM – Parking Lots Open (4 Hours Prior): On-site parking is limited and fills up fast. Arrive early to secure your spot and soak up the pre-match tailgating atmosphere.
- 6:00 PM – Stadium Doors Open (1.5 Hours Prior): Head inside early to beat the lines, grab some food, and watch the players warm up.
- 6:30 PM – Optional Wharton SoCal/Penn Club LA Meetup: Details TBD week of event.
- 7:30 PM – Kickoff: The whistle blows! Be in your seats and ready to loud.
🛡️ Essential Stadium Policies
To ensure a safe and smooth entry for all fans, BMO Stadium enforces the following strict matchday rules:
- Clear Bag Policy: Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. Alternatively, you may bring a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style). Non-clear bags, including small clutches, purses, or backpacks of any size, are not allowed.
- Children’s Admission: Children aged 2 and under are admitted free but must sit securely on a ticket holder's lap throughout the match. Children 3 and older require their own ticket.
🚗 Parking & Transportation Guide
1. Driving & On-Site Parking
If you plan to drive, it is strongly recommended to purchase a parking pass via Ticketmaster prior to arrival to secure a lower rate and guarantee entry.
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Main General Entrances: * 39th St. & Figueroa St.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Hoover St.
- Note: General lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Follow the instructions of parking personnel to the general or designated green lots.
2. Go Metro (Recommended Skip-the-Traffic Option)
Avoid the heavy gridlock on Figueroa and the 110 by taking public transit directly to Exposition Park:
- Metro E Line: Take the train to the Expo Park / USC Station. From there, it’s a scenic, 5-minute walk west through the park to the stadium gates.
- Metro J Line: Exit at the 37th St / USC Station, head west toward Figueroa Street, and walk south right to the entrance.
3. Ride Share & Waymo
- Drop-Off / Pick-Up Location: A designated ride share zone is located at the corner of Figueroa St. & MLK Jr. Blvd. * Access Route: Drivers must enter the ride share lane via Figueroa St.
💡 Quick Matchday Tips
- Beat the Traffic: Heavy congestion builds up on the 110 freeway and Figueroa Street starting 2 hours before kickoff. Arriving by 5:30 PM yields a much smoother arrival experience.
- Go Digital: Ensure your match tickets and pre-paid parking passes are downloaded to your digital wallet before arriving at the gates, as cellular service can bottleneck near the stadium.
Meet Your Host
Jen Koh (W'01) is a dedicated member of the Wharton SoCal leadership team, serving as the lead for multiple events. Jen is a proactive organizer who has been instrumental in developing popular events for the alumni community, including the recent LA Kings Game and co-captaining the annual Walk for Hope fundraiser benefiting City of Hope, an org she works with year-round. She is thrilled to welcome you to this LAFC match.
