Angelenos have waited 21 loooong years for this moment and it’s finally arrived: the LA Rams have come home.  To get families ready for the season, we’ve got the playbook on where to get the best Rams gear, who the players are, how to meet them, and if you’re lucky enough to snag those coveted tickets—what kid-friendly activities you can check out come game time at LA Memorial Coliseum.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

The Rams’ LA History
The LA Rams have always been a storied part of LA’s sports landscape, serving as our hometown NFL team from 1946 through 1994 when the franchise moved to St. Louis and became the St. Louis Rams. But in 2016, they’re back where they belong, baby! Playing right here in the City of Angels at LA’s Memorial Coliseum (while their new state of the art stadium is under construction), fans have welcomed them home with open blue and gold painted arms. And if their preseason record is any indication so far, (ahem, 2-0), we’re in for a thrilling football season ahead.

photo: LA Rams via Facebook

LA Memorial Coliseum Game Day: What to Know
The Rams regular season home opener is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, against the Seattle Seahawks. If you’re one of the lucky families who scored tickets to this game or any upcoming home game for the season, here are a few things to know about bringing kids to the LA Memorial Coliseum.

Pint-sized football fans who are two years old and under are admitted to the game free as long as they are held in a family member’s lap and do not interfere with other attendee’s view of the event. Strollers of any kind are totally prohibited.

photo: LA Rams via Facebook

To ensure public safety and help move fans through security checkpoints much faster, LA Memorial Coliseum has instituted a strict clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags you can bring into the game. To avoid any problems, be sure to visit the Coliseum website for specific details before you arrive. For families with tots who are not yet potty trained, diapers and wipes may be carried into the stadium in a clear bag. Each family member (including kiddos) is allowed to carry one approved bag. Additionally, there are convenient baby changing areas located in all restrooms. Also, because the noise level tends to “get loud” during the game, it’s highly recommended that parents bring some sort of ear protection for kiddos.

If you are bringing littles to the game, be sure to stop by the Cedars-Sinai Kids’ Zone, open four hours prior to kickoff until an hour past kickoff.  Here, tykes can romp around to their heart’s content on Rams inflatables and munch on kid-friendly concession options. The Kids’ Zone is located directly outside the peristyle entrance of the Coliseum.

There are numerous parking lots available around the Coliseum, but we think your best bet (and a much more fun option for young ones) is taking the Metro Expo Line that drops you off right near the Coliseum.

photo: LA Rams via Facebook

Where to Gear Up
If your family is looking to stock up on tons of Rams tees, hats, footballs and the like, there are plenty of options to snag some cool gear. If you’re attending one of the home games at LA Memorial Coliseum, there are lots of youth retail options at the Rams Fans Fest, located directly east of the peristyle entrance to the stadium, as well as merchandise at the team store located at Gate 28. There are intermittent retail locations sprinkled throughout the Coliseum too that may be closer to where you’re seated. For kiddos who can’t make it to a game in person, but still want to show off their pint-sized pride, LA Rams gear is available online through the fan shop.

photo: LA Rams via Facebook

The Players & How to Meet Them
The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a victorious season under the leadership of Head Coach, Jeff Fisher and new rookie quarterback, Jared Goff. But who are the rest of the players? Brush up on the team roster and get to know your Rams before game time!

If your pee-wee players are hoping to meet some of their hometown heroes in person, Rams players often will often hang around after the game to sign autographs, so be prepared to jump at the chance should the opportunity arise.

Being involved with and giving back to the LA community is a top priority of the Rams. In addition to player appearances and charity events throughout the season and off-season, the LA Rams are actively involved with the NFL’s Play60 initiative. Play60 is geared toward ensuring children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to maintain good health. If LA parents are interested in trying to bring this program to their kid’s school, visit the Play60 site for more information. For all other upcoming fan events, stay tuned to the Rams Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

What excites you most about the Rams’ return to LA? Give us a shout in the comments below!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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