It won’t be long before the Los Angeles Rams are taking the field at SoFi Stadium wearing new uniforms, helmets and colors – as well as a refreshed logo. The stadium is close to being finished, which COO Kevin Demoff said on Wednesday it will be for Taylor Swift’s opening concerts on July 25 and 26.
Members of the media were treated to a tour of the stadium this week, sharing photos and videos inside the spectacular venue. The progress that’s been made in Inglewood is remarkable, as the stadium is more than 85% complete.
“The finishes for the whole building, that’s the last piece,” Demoff said, via the Associated Press. “All of the structural stuff is (already) in place, and I think everybody here feels confident about the timeline and how it will come together. There’s been no indication to us that there’s been any slippage.”
Here’s a look at the stadium from under the swooping canopy, which is where fans can enter.
Come along on a journey to the house that the Rams and Taylor Swift built. pic.twitter.com/aUlucj0ibW
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 22, 2020
In addition to housing the Rams and Chargers, and hosting marquee events like the Super Bowl, national championship and the 2028 Olympics, SoFi Stadium also has a 6,000-seat amphitheater for more intimate concerts and events.
This, at the south end of the stadium, will be the 6,000-seat amphitheater for concerts and events. pic.twitter.com/IcVkbvkOtc
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 22, 2020
The Oculus video board will be one of the iconic parts of SoFi Stadium, as it will hang above the field to show videos, replays, stats and everything inbetween. It’s double-sided, too, so it’ll be visible from everywhere in the stadium.
It’s currently under construction on the ground level, and up close, you get a sense of how huge it really is.
Fun Fact‼️
“A modern technology marvel in many ways. There are things we're doing here that haven't been done in sports before."
– Skarpi Hedinsson, CTO,
SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park pic.twitter.com/2MZlgE8RgE— SoFi Stadium (@SoFiStadium) January 23, 2020
Your south endzone view, with Dr. Oculus under construction. pic.twitter.com/oPxGXkI2WI
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 22, 2020
The seats at SoFi Stadium rise much steeper than those at the Coliseum, making even upper-level views feel better than ever. They’re much closer to the field than the Coliseum’s, as seen from this photo – which is near the top of the upper level.
And here you are from Level 8, approximately 20 seating rows below the top of the building. pic.twitter.com/6aig21WwLJ
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 22, 2020
The clear glass roof is also a big feature of the stadium, allowing the sun to shine through, while also giving that open-air feeling, unlike most domes.
Fans can also watch the planes going in and out of nearby LAX. And once finished, some of the panels can be opened on hotter days.
On the way to LAX pic.twitter.com/V19aSoD0Tq
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 22, 2020
📸 of SoFi Stadium’s roof.
Per Tawa Sulaiman, Roof Structure Superintendent, Turner AECOM-Hunt Joint Venture, 122 of the 302 panels are in place. When all are in place, 46 of them will have the ability to be controlled to be open/closed. Will help w/ ventilation on hot gamedays pic.twitter.com/PLLbOfqavR
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 22, 2020
The team store will be located near the entrance, which appears to be on one end of the stadium, and is sure to come with some great views of the Southern California landscape.
This, near the main entrance, will be the team store where everyone can buy the new jerseys! pic.twitter.com/yjGKlR7XZb
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 22, 2020
And here’s a sweeping video from inside the stadium, showing how great the view is from the end zone sections.
Progress 📈
Checking in from @SoFiStadium! pic.twitter.com/UOAMKCNBd4
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 22, 2020
The Rams’ schedule has not yet been released, so we don’t know who they’ll open SoFi Stadium against – or if they’ll even be the first team to play there. It’s possible the Chargers will get the first home game, depending on travel and scheduling decisions made by the NFL.