Jump to content

Dignity Health Sports Park

Coordinates: 33°51′50″N 118°15′40″W / 33.864°N 118.261°W / 33.864; -118.261
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dignity Health Sports Park
Dignity Health Sports Park is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Dignity Health Sports Park
Dignity Health Sports Park
Dignity Health Sports Park is located in California
Dignity Health Sports Park
Dignity Health Sports Park
Location in California
Dignity Health Sports Park is located in the United States
Dignity Health Sports Park
Dignity Health Sports Park
Location in the United States
Former namesHome Depot Center
(2003–2013)
StubHub Center
(2013–2018)
Address18400 Avalon Boulevard
LocationCarson, California, U.S.
Coordinates33°51′50″N 118°15′40″W / 33.864°N 118.261°W / 33.864; -118.261
Public transitBus transport Galaxy Express to/from:
A Line  Del Amo
J Line  Harbor Gateway
OwnerAnschutz Entertainment Group
Capacity27,000[1]
Field size120 yd × 75 yd (110 m × 69 m)
SurfaceBandera Bermuda Grass[2]
Construction
Broke groundFebruary 26, 2002[3]
OpenedJune 1, 2003;
21 years ago
 (2003-06-01)[7]
Construction costUS$150 million;
soccer stadium-only costs within the complex were around US$87 million
ArchitectRossetti Architects
Structural engineerJohn A. Martin & Associates, Inc.[4]
Services engineerAG Engineering Group, Inc.[5]
General contractorPCL Construction[6]
Tenants
LA Galaxy (MLS) 2003–present
Chivas USA (MLS) 2005–2014
Los Angeles Riptide (MLL) 2006–2008
Los Angeles Sol (WPS) 2009
Ventura County FC (MLS Next Pro) 2015–present
Los Angeles Chargers (NFL) 2017–2019
Los Angeles Wildcats (XFL) 2020
San Diego State Aztecs (NCAA) 2020–2021
RFC LA (MLR) 2024–present

Dignity Health Sports Park is a multi-use sports complex located on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. The complex consists of the 27,000-seat Dignity Health Sports Park soccer stadium, the Dignity Health Sports Park tennis stadium, a track-and-field facility, and the VELO Sports Center velodrome.[8] It is approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of downtown Los Angeles, and its primary tenant is the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS). The main stadium was also home to the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL in 2020. The LA Galaxy II of MLS Next Pro play their home matches at the complex's track and field facility. For 2020 and 2021, the stadium served as the temporary home of the San Diego State Aztecs football team.

Opened in 2003, the $150 million complex was developed and is operated by the Anschutz Entertainment Group. With a seating capacity of 27,000, it is the second largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States, after Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, and the third-largest among its kind in MLS, after Geodis Park and BMO Field in Toronto. During its first decade, the stadium was known as Home Depot Center through a naming rights deal with hardware retailer The Home Depot. In 2013, the name was changed to StubHub Center after naming rights were sold to online ticket marketplace StubHub. The current name, from healthcare provider Dignity Health, debuted in 2019.

In addition to hosting LA Galaxy games since its opening, the stadium also served as the home of the now-defunct Chivas USA MLS team from 2005 to 2014. The stadium was the temporary home of the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) from 2017 to 2019, being the smallest NFL stadium over the course of those three seasons. When the Chargers played at the stadium, the facility was known as ROKiT Field at StubHub Center as part of a "multi-year" agreement with ROKiT.[9]

History and facilities

[edit]

Originally opened as Home Depot Center in 2003, it was renamed StubHub Center on June 1, 2013.[10][11] It was renamed Dignity Health Sports Park on January 1, 2019, after Dignity Health signed a new naming rights agreement.[12][13][14]

The 27,000-seat main stadium was the second American sports arena designed specifically for soccer in the MLS era. When the venue opened in June 2003 as the new home of LA Galaxy, a number of special events took place in celebration. Pelé was in attendance at the opening match along with many dignitaries from the soccer world and other celebrities.

In addition to the soccer stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park features the 2,450-seat VELO Sports Center (velodrome), an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, and an outdoor track and field facility that has 2,000 permanent seats and is expandable to 20,000.[15] Soccer stadium building costs within the $150 million complex were around $87 million.[16]

2017 renovations

[edit]

In 2017, to accommodate the Chargers' use of the stadium, upgrades were made at cost to the Chargers including bleachers in the second deck on the east side of the stadium being replaced by tip-up seats and moved to the berm on the north side, adding 1,000 seats. A new section of upper-level bleachers, which seat 330, were erected in the southeast corner of the stadium. Also, the luxury suites were renovated with new seats, furniture, community tables, and engineered hardwood floors and the press box underwent an upgrade with a third row added to the main box, boosting capacity from about 35 to 53. Floors were constructed on the roof of the luxury suites so an auxiliary press box could be built on both sides of the main box.

Two new radio booths were built outside the south side of the press box, and a large new booth on the north side to serve as a security command post for police and NFL officials was constructed. Two booths were added on each side of the press box for the NFL-mandated 20-yard-line television cameras, and a stairway allowing access to the roof of the main box was built to accommodate the 50-yard-line camera. To accommodate 53-man NFL rosters, four small locker rooms were converted to two larger ones with 60 cubicles in each. Also added were small postgame news conference rooms for each team and rooms for game officials and the chain gang.[17] After the Chargers left for Inglewood, the football facilities were taken over by the Wildcats when the XFL team began operations in 2020.

Soccer

[edit]

Aside from being home to the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer, it was also home to two defunct clubs, the MLS team Chivas USA as well as Los Angeles Sol of the Women's Professional Soccer. The stadium hosted the 2003 MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012[18] and 2014.

Dignity Health Sports Park was also the site of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup final. Both the United States women's and men's national football teams often use the facility for training camps and select home matches.

It also hosted the 2004 NCAA Men's College Cup, with Duke, Indiana, Maryland, and UC Santa Barbara qualifying.

The track and field stadium on the site is the former home to LA Galaxy II of MLS Next Pro, the developmental club to the parent LA Galaxy. Starting in 2024, this team has moved and will be known as Ventura County FC.[19]

On July 30, 2016, it hosted a 2016 International Champions Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City. Paris Saint-Germain won the match 4–0 to complete a perfect record in the ICC.

On July 24, 2024, it hosted a friendly match between Premier League sides Arsenal and Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal winning the match on penalties.

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

[edit]
Date Tournament Winning team Result Losing team Attendance
September 21, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Group D  Russia 2–1  Australia 8,500
September 25, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Group D  China 1–1  Australia 13,929
September 25, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Group D  Russia 3–0  Ghana 13,929
September 21, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Group D  China 1–0  Ghana 10,027
October 11, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Third place  United States 3–1  Canada 25,253
October 12, 2003 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Final  Germany 1–0 (a.e.t.)  Sweden 26,137

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

[edit]
Date Tournament Winning team Result Losing team Attendance
June 6, 2011 Group B  Jamaica 4–0  Grenada 21,507
June 6, 2011 Group B  Honduras 0–0  Guatemala 21,507

2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup

[edit]
Date Tournament Winning team Result Losing team Attendance
July 8, 2015 Group B  Costa Rica 2–2  Jamaica 22,648
July 8, 2015 Group B  El Salvador 0–0  Canada 22,648

International women's football matches

[edit]
Date Tournament Winning team Result Losing team Attendance
December 8, 2004 International friendly  United States 5–0  Mexico 15,549
July 24, 2005  United States 3–0  Iceland 4,378
October 1, 2006  United States 10–0  Chinese Taipei 5,479
August 25, 2007  United States 4–0  Finland 7,118
December 13, 2008  United States 1–0  China 3,619
September 16, 2012  United States 2–1  Australia 19,851
May 17, 2015  United States 5–1  Mexico 27,000
November 13, 2016  United States 5–0  Romania 20,336
August 3, 2017 2017 Tournament of Nations  Australia 6–1  Brazil 11,948
 United States 3–0  Japan 23,161
August 31, 2018 International friendly  United States 3–0  Chile 23,544
February 7, 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying  Canada 1–0  Costa Rica 11,292
 United States 4–0  Mexico
February 9, 2020  United States 3–0  Canada 17,489
February 17, 2022 2022 SheBelieves Cup  Iceland 1–0  New Zealand 2,078
 United States 0–0  Czech Republic 7,333
February 20, 2022  United States 5–0  New Zealand 16,587
 Iceland 2–1  Czech Republic 3,577
September 2, 2022 International friendly  New Zealand 1–0  Mexico
February 20, 2024 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup  United States 5–0  Dominican Republic 3,242
 Mexico 0–0  Argentina 2,521
February 23, 2024  Mexico 8–0  Dominican Republic
 United States 4–0  Argentina 8,315
February 26, 2024  Argentina 3–0  Dominican Republic
 Mexico 2–0  United States

MLS Cup

[edit]
Date Winning team Result Losing team Attendance Ref.
November 23, 2003 United StatesCalifornia San Jose Earthquakes 4–2 United StatesIllinois Chicago Fire 27,000 [20]
November 14, 2004 United StatesWashington, D.C. D.C. United 3–2 United StatesMissouri Kansas City Wizards 25,797
November 23, 2008 United StatesOhio Columbus Crew 3–1 United StatesNew Jersey New York Red Bulls 27,000
November 20, 2011 United StatesCalifornia Los Angeles Galaxy 1–0 United StatesTexas Houston Dynamo 30,281
December 1, 2012 United StatesCalifornia Los Angeles Galaxy 3–1 United StatesTexas Houston Dynamo 30,510
December 7, 2014 United StatesCalifornia Los Angeles Galaxy 2–1 (AET) United StatesMassachusetts New England Revolution 27,000

Other international matches

[edit]

Rugby

[edit]

The stadium hosted the first three editions (2004–06) of the USA Sevens, an annual international rugby sevens competition that is part of the World Rugby Sevens Series. It again hosted the 2020, 2022, and 2023 events.[21][22]

The stadium has also hosted all United States national team matches for the Pacific Nations Cup between 2013 and 2014.[23] and the "Quest For Gold" pre-Olympic Rugby Sevens showcase on June 25–26, 2021.[24]

The stadium will host the Los Angeles Rugby Team of Major League Rugby beginning in 2024.

The stadium is scheduled to host the 2028 Olympic Rugby Sevens tournaments.

USA Eagles Internationals

[edit]

USA scores displayed first.

Date Opponents Final score Competition Attendance Ref.
June 14, 2013  Tonga 9–18 2013 IRB Pacific Nations Cup 6,000 [25]
June 14, 2014  Japan 29–37 2014 IRB Pacific Nations Cup 5,100 [26]
February 3, 2014  Argentina XV 17–10 2018 Americas Rugby Championship 6,500 [27]
August 31, 2024  Canada 28–15 2024 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup [28]

Champion of Champions Liga MX competition

[edit]
Date Winning team Result Losing team Attendance
July 10, 2016 MexicoNuevo León Tigres UANL 1–0 MexicoHidalgo (state) C.F. Pachuca 27,132
July 16, 2017 MexicoNuevo León Tigres UANL 1–0 MexicoJalisco C.D. Guadalajara 25,667
July 15, 2018 MexicoNuevo León Tigres UANL 4–0 MexicoCoahuila Santos Laguna 13,917
July 14, 2019 MexicoMexico City Club América 0–0 MexicoNuevo León Tigres UANL 27,800
July 18, 2021 MexicoMexico City Cruz Azul 2–1 MexicoGuanajuato Club León 27,674

Other sports

[edit]
A fireworks display at Dignity Health Sports Park

It was also the location for the State Championship Bowl Games for high school football teams in the state of California from 2006 to 2014. The Semper Fidelis All America game was held there on January 5, 2014, featuring an East vs West high school matchup. The first college football game was held at the stadium on January 21, 2012, as the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, with the National Team beating the American Team 20–14.[29][30]

The track played host to the 2005 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. It is also the home of the Adidas Running Club, a member of the USA Elite Running Circuit, and the Adidas Track Classic. Dignity Health Sports Park is also home to EXOS, formerly Athletes' Performance, which trains athletes in a variety of sports.[31]

The Los Angeles Riptide of Major League Lacrosse played their home games at the track and field stadium.[citation needed]

The soccer and tennis stadiums of the Center have also served as the main venues for ESPN's Summer X Games.[citation needed]

From 2010 to 2016, it hosted the Reebok CrossFit Games. Initially only utilizing the tennis stadium, over the years it also expanded to the running field and the soccer stadium.[32]

The facility has also hosted several high-profile professional boxing matches, including Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham, Brandon Ríos vs. Urbano Antillón, Shawn Porter vs. Kell Brook and matches featuring other notable fighters. The venue has become iconic among boxing fans for its electric atmosphere.[33]

On August 16, 2013, Resurrection Fighting Alliance held an MMA event titled RFA 9: Curran vs. Munhoz, with the main event crowning a new Bantamweight Champion.[citation needed]

Los Angeles Chargers

[edit]

The Los Angeles Chargers had a three-year tenure at Dignity Health Sports Park from 2017 to 2019, while SoFi Stadium in Inglewood was being built.[34][35][36] During the team's three seasons at the stadium, they compiled an even 11–11 record. Chargers fans were outnumbered by opposing teams' supporters, who frequently filled much of the stadium.[37][38]

San Diego State Aztecs

[edit]

The stadium served as the temporary home of the San Diego State Aztecs football team from San Diego State University. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were played at Dignity Health Sports Park until Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, the replacement for the Aztecs' former home of San Diego Stadium, was completed in time the 2022 season.[39] The final Aztecs game held at the stadium was the 2021 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game, a 46-13 loss by the Aztecs to the Utah State Aggies. During the team's two seasons at the stadium, they compiled a 9-3 record (3-1 in 2020 and 6-2 in 2021).

2028 Summer Olympics

[edit]

During the 2028 Summer Olympics, the venue will host rugby, tennis, field hockey, and track cycling.[40]

In 2017, the venue was initially announced as the venue for modern pentathlon as well,[41] but the organizers' July 2024 announcement of revised venue allocations did not indicate any assignment for this sport.

Entertainment

[edit]

Concerts

[edit]

The Vans Warped Tour was held annually in the stadium parking lot until the tour's final year in 2018.

It also served as the host facility for the first two seasons of Spike TV's Pros vs Joes reality sports contests.

In 2007, the stadium hosted the bands Héroes del Silencio, on their 2007 Reunion Tour,[42] and Soda Stereo on their Me Verás Volver tour.

In 2023, ENHYPEN played a show at the stadium on October 6.[43]

In film and TV

[edit]

The facility is frequently used to provide a stadium background in film, television and advertising.[44][better source needed] The complex was the site of tasks for the third season of the CBS reality competition Tough as Nails.[45] The sports park was the site of the final task and finish line of 33rd season of The Amazing Race.[46]

Panoramic view of the then-Home Depot Center during the MLS Cup 2008

Transportation

[edit]

Dignity Health Sports Park is located south of the Avalon Boulevard exit on California State Route 91.

In 2017, the LA Galaxy launched a shuttle bus service operated by Long Beach Transit. With two routes connecting Dignity Health Sports Park with the Harbor Gateway Transit Center and Del Amo station on the Los Angeles Metro Rail's A Line.[47]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dignity Health Sports Park". LA Galaxy. February 23, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  2. ^ "Five Questions with Shaun Ilten, Manager of Turf & Grounds at StubHub Center - SportsField Management". www.sportsfieldmanagementmagazine.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  3. ^ "Crew home opener: 24 days and coming – OurSports Central – Independent and Minor League Sports News". OurSports Central. March 10, 2004. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  4. ^ "JAMA // Home Depot Center". Johnmartin.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  5. ^ "Project list from both AG Engineering Group, Inc". Agengineeringgroup.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  6. ^ "Construction Services |PCL". Services.pcl.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  7. ^ Bell, Jack (August 9, 2005). "Life Was a Beach for Chivas Striker". The New York Times. Retrieved August 10, 2005.
  8. ^ "Dignity Health Sports Park". California State University, Dominguez Hills. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  9. ^ "ROKiT Named Official Wireless Partner of the Los Angeles Chargers". Los Angeles Chargers. August 16, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  10. ^ "StubHub Begins Transition as New Naming Rights Partner to The Home of the MLS Champion LA Galaxy & Chivas USA". Anschutz Entertainment Group. May 31, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  11. ^ "Home Depot Center to be renamed StubHub Center in June". Major League Soccer. March 4, 2013. Archived from the original on March 7, 2013. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  12. ^ "AEG announces new partnership with Dignity Health, renames LA Galaxy home stadium Dignity Health Sports Park". Dignity Health Sports Park. December 13, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  13. ^ Koren, James Rufus (December 13, 2018). "Hospital chain Dignity Health buys naming rights to Carson's StubHub Center". Los Angeles Times.
  14. ^ "LA Galaxy's StubHub Center To Undergo A Name Change". KCBS-TV/KCAL-TV. December 13, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  15. ^ "Venues". Dignity Health Sports Park. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  16. ^ "Stadium or Home". L.A. Galaxy. TheSportsDB.com.
  17. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (August 10, 2017). "How cozy StubHub Center is racing to transform itself into an NFL-worthy home for the Chargers". Los Angeles Times.
  18. ^ "StubHub Center selected as MLS Cup 2011 host". MLS Soccer. May 9, 2011. Archived from the original on August 28, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  19. ^ "Ventura County FC".
  20. ^ Jones, Grahame L. (November 24, 2003). "Earthquakes Win MLS Cup". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  21. ^ "Schedule announced for HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020" (Press release). World Rugby. August 8, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  22. ^ "DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK". LA Sevens Rugby. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  23. ^ "EAGLES VENUES: 2001-2014". USA Rugby. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  24. ^ "LOLos Angeles to Host International Sevens As Preparations for Tokyo". USA.Rugby. United States of America Rugby Football Union, Ltd. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  25. ^ "PACIFIC NATIONS CUP - Carson, 14 June 2013, 19:30 local, 02:30 GMT +1d". espnscrum. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "PACIFIC NATIONS CUP - Carson, 14 June 2014, 19:30 local, 02:30 GMT +1d". espnscrum. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  27. ^ "AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP - Carson, 3 February 2018, 17:00 local, 01:00 GMT +1d". espnscrum. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  28. ^ "Pacific Nations Cup USA vs Canada". Eagles Rugby. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  29. ^ "Astroturf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Announced". Home Depot Center News. November 8, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2012. College All-Star Game to be held at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on January 21, 2012
  30. ^ "National team wins NFLPA Collegiate Bowl". ESPN. Associated Press. January 21, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2019.[dead link]
  31. ^ "EXOS - Los Angeles, California". EXOS. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  32. ^ "Games Tickets in 2015". CrossFit Games. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  33. ^ "Superfly: Gonzalez v Rungvisai II heads to Stubhub Center, tickets set to go on sale". July 6, 2017.
  34. ^ "Chargers to Relocate to Los Angeles". San Diego Chargers. January 12, 2017. Archived from the original on April 28, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  35. ^ "StubHub Center named interim home of Los Angeles Chargers". Anschutz Entertainment Group. January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  36. ^ Schrotenboer, Brent (January 12, 2017). "Chargers plan to play in smallest 'NFL stadium' for next two seasons". USA Today. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  37. ^ Moriarty, Morgan (November 5, 2019). "The Chargers' attendance problem in Los Angeles, explained". SBNation.com.
  38. ^ "If the Chargers Score and No One's There to Cheer, Does the Owner Care?". The New York Times. December 19, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  39. ^ "FB to Play at Dignity Health Sports Park in 2021". SDSU Athletics. September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  40. ^ "LA28 announces more Olympic venues, offering ideal conditions for athletes and fans". LA28.org. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  41. ^ "Venue list for 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles". ABC7 (KABC). September 14, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  42. ^ Website, BUNBURY official. "Homepage". Página oficial de Enrique Bunbury.
  43. ^ Website, Weverse. "Weverse Announcement". ENHYPEN Fate Tour Announcement.
  44. ^ "Film/Photo Locations". Dignity Health Sports Park. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  45. ^ "Tough As Nails - Battle Lines (Sneak Peek 1)". Yahoo!. November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  46. ^ Caruso, Nick (March 2, 2022). "The Amazing Race Season 33 Finale Recap: And the Winners Are..." TVLine. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  47. ^ Green, Nick (March 15, 2017). "Free Galaxy shuttle cures StubHub Center traffic woes". Orange County Register. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
[edit]
Events and tenants
Preceded by Home of the Los Angeles Chargers
2017–2019
Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
LA Galaxy

2003–present
Incumbent
Preceded by
first stadium
Home of
Chivas USA

2005–2014
Succeeded by
Team Dissolved
Preceded by Host of the
Pan-Pacific Championship

2009–present
Incumbent
Preceded by Host of the MLS Cup
2003 & 2004
2008
2011 & 2012
2014
Succeeded by
Preceded by FIFA Women's World Cup
Final Venue

2003
Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of
Major League Lacrosse championship weekend

2006
Succeeded by
Preceded by
first stadium
Sam Boyd Stadium
Home of
USA Sevens

2004–2006
2020–future
Succeeded by
Petco Park
incumbent
Preceded by Host of the College Cup
2004
Succeeded by