When the Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016, they set a preseason attendance record with nearly 90,000 fans packing the Coliseum for an exhibition game against the Cowboys. Five years later, the Rams and Chargers nearly sold out the first game ever at SoFi Stadium with fans in attendance.
Both teams played their home games in the empty stadium last season, the building’s first year being opened. That was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, of course, with California restricting large gatherings and events.
On Saturday night, there were 68,791 tickets distributed for the game, according to Stu Jackson of the Rams. That’s less than 2,000 short of a sellout, with the stadium’s capacity being 70,000.
For a preseason game, that’s a great turnout.
For context, SoFi Stadium's seating capacity is 70,000.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 15, 2021
All things considered, the Rams have to be expecting a complete sellout on Sept. 12 against the Bears, which is their season opener on Sunday Night Football. SoFi Stadium will be electric that night in prime time.