close
close

Association-anemone

Bite-sized brilliance in every update

Dodgers Game Tonight: World Series Game, Los Angels Area Event Group Raises Concerns About Carmageddon
asane

Dodgers Game Tonight: World Series Game, Los Angels Area Event Group Raises Concerns About Carmageddon

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Anticipating a potential traffic nightmare from a confluence of sports and entertainment events Friday and Saturday, including the World Series, Mayor Karen Bass announced Thursday a coordinated effort to reduce traffic, ensure public safety and promote local attractions.

On Friday, the Dodgers will face the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium for Game 1 of the World Series — the first time the teams will meet in a Fall Classic since 1981. Later in the evening, the Lakers host the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.

Meanwhile, at the LA Coliseum, the USC Trojans are scheduled to play Rutgers for a night of college football.

In addition, Inglewood will host two big events — with the East LA Classic football game between Theodore Roosevelt High School and James A. Garfield High School at SoFi Stadium, and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour performing in concert at the Intuit Dome .

Some have called the cluster of events possibly setting the stage for a “carmageddon.”

“Ahead of tomorrow’s World Series, we’re working to make sure the city is safe, that traffic is kept to a minimum, and that visitors and Angelenos alike can enjoy the many attractions, culture, food and neighborhoods that make LA an international icon . destination,” Bass said Friday during a news conference at City Hall.

Los Angeles city officials are stepping up security and traffic congestion amid the World Series and other major events this weekend.

“My message is that LA is ready — ready to host the World Series, ready to welcome visitors from near and far, and we’re ready to win. Go Dodgers!” Added bass.

Bass said the city’s emergency operations center will activate on level three to coordinate efforts. The Los Angeles Police Department is expected to send additional officers and increase visibility to several locations, while the Los Angeles Fire Department will stand by for paramedics and personnel to be prepared.

The LAPD will assist the Department of Transportation in addressing traffic related issues. LADOT will deploy more than 100 white-gloved traffic officers at intersections and key locations to assist directed drivers.

The City of LA has also reached out to app-based companies for accurate and efficient GPS routes.

“But there’s a quick, easy and affordable way to avoid all the traffic, and that’s to ride the LA Metro,” Bass said.

Ticket prices for the World Series opener at Dodger Stadium against the New York Yankees have gone up, but a Dodgers spokesman urged fans to buy before the series sells out.

LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo also noted that there will be above-average traffic volumes and that people traveling downtown and surrounding neighborhoods should expect congestion.

LADOT’s special traffic operations engineers developed a traffic plan that includes the Dodger Stadium Express Lane, reversible travel lanes for approaching and exiting venues, and strategies to reduce the impact on residential streets.

“Our mission is to make the travel experience as safe and efficient as possible,” Rubio-Cornejo said. “You can help us do this by always obeying the directions of traffic officers and those driving do so safely with full awareness of your surroundings as there will be many people walking, cycling and taking transit to each of these events.”

The Metro will run extra services on the A, B/D and E lines on Friday and Saturday as four other sporting events are scheduled that day. More information about subway maps and timetables can be viewed here.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins urged Dodger fans and World Series attendees to ride the Dodger Shuttle Express from Union Station. Public transit agencies will add more buses and expand shuttle services to bring fans to the game.

At media day, Dodger and Yankee players discussed their preparations and expectations ahead of the World Series.

In light of Fernando Valenzuela’s death, LADOT and Metro renamed the Dodgers Express lane at Line 34 in honor of the Dodger legend’s uniform number.

“We strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of public transportation,” said Acting LAPD Chief Dominic Choi.

He reminded fans that if they choose to drink, they should make arrangements to get home safely without driving.

“Let’s continue to show the same positive energy that we have throughout the season and avoid any behavior that could harm yourself or others,” Choi said. “We want this World Series to be exciting and memorable for everyone – and with your help I know we can make that happen.”

Copyright © 2024 by City News Service, Inc. All rights reserved.