Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC will begin the 2023 Major League Soccer season with a clash at the Rose Bowl on February 25, the two clubs announced Tuesday.
The 92,500-seat Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosted the 1994 and 1999 Men’s World Cup Finals, and was the home of the Galaxy between 1996 and 2002.
Galaxy, who will officially be the host team for the game, is currently playing their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park.
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“LA Galaxy is excited to write a new chapter in LA’s storied football legacy as we begin our 2023 campaign against our intercity rival LAFC at the iconic Rose Bowl,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein.
“We have an amazing history at the most legendary sporting venue in the United States and we know this will be a great spectacle for fans as we put one of the world’s most exciting new competitions on the biggest stage in Los Angeles.”
The LA Galaxy and LAFC match, nicknamed El Trafico, has become one of the most prominent rivalries between MLS since LAFC joined the league in 2018.
“This rivalry has delivered, from day one, energy and power, combined with incredible moments and memories on the field, that have made it among the most attractive games not only in Los Angeles but across the MLS,” he said.
“It is fitting that we now take her to one of the most iconic venues in all of sports.”
LAFC currently leads the Western Conference standings with two regular season games remaining, while Galaxy sit fifth and struggle to make it to the playoffs.
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