Finals Shows Potential of LA Live

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 11:08AM

Ed Fuentes [Flickr]

Some Laker fans had to run a fast break to Staples Center due to traffic and a 6pm game time. It didn't foil this couple crossing Olympic Blvd.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Last night's gathering at the Redwood Bar & Grill was an enjoyable evening, with a Lakers win mixed with blog talk and discussion of all things Downtown. With additional HDTV screens newly installed and house speakers pumping in the game play-by-play, the Redwood is a definite place to put on your list of where to watch a game.

Watching a game on TV, it's the helicopter shots around commercial breaks that really show off how the under-construction LA Live is changing the game around Staples Center.

An hour before tip off, I was in Chick Hearn Court to get a look at the crowd where frankly, the arriving Laker fans (and a few Celtic fans) rushing from the Metro and nearby parking lots were more aggressive than the two teams on the floor.

But one can see the how this area is set to accommodate lots of fans, even if they don't have tickets next to Jack, or in the nosebleed seats. And once Chick Hearn Court is closed to create a pedestrian space that connects to LA Live's dining and bars, it's sure to be a street party worthy of other urban centers.

The Daily News hit on a similar topic on Saturday, talking up the livlier look around Staples. The real change, though, comes next year. Right now there's just construction. Next year is when the opened venues really kick in life.

For now, I was able to Metro over to the Redwood Bar & Grill minutes by tipoff to watch a sluggish win with some lively friends.

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Ed Fuentes

Limos and Laker flagship radio station KLAC's promo van hold court with a pic of a fan.

Ed Fuentes

Even these Celtic fans fullfill the L.A. fan sterotype; late for a game and on a cell phone. Before gametime, Boston led the series 2-0. Game 4 will be this Thursday at Staples Center.

Ed Fuentes

LAPD Captain Jodi Wakefield's watch includes L.A. Live and Skid Row.

This story belongs to the following topics:

Topic:
L.A. Live

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Comments

Brian writes:

I took our dog for a walk around 2:30 to check out the activity around Staples before the massive crowds began to arrive.

Once the entire area is completed I think it will be a great venue for locals and tourists alike.

Will the parking lots across the street from Staples on Fig remain?

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 11:31 AM

Urban Bruin writes:

Brian,

I hope you enjoyed the walk to Staples. A few weeks back, the Dog Walk Downtown L.A. group made that same walk and had a great time. Our only problem is that they do not allow dogs on the square. We had to stand on the sidewalk and admire the Nokia Theater from afar.

I hope to talk with them and get that changed so all dt residents can enjoy the space.

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 11:44 AM

Eric Richardson writes:

Brian: The lots are slated for development, but when exactly that kicks off is anyone's guess.

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 11:52 AM

Brian writes:

Thanks for the information guys! We walked along Fig and grabbed a few photos of the front of Staples before heading down a side street (still getting used to the names) and I wondered what they would be doing with parking when 'all the people start coming downtown'. I thought maybe the lots would stay but it's interesting to hear they are slated for development of some sort.

(Urban Bruin - See you tonight at the dog walk)

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 12:46 PM

(the late) Utah Phillips writes:

Contact management and tell them to allow four-leggers if they have diapers on.

We simply cannot have dog turd pies messing up sacred Chick Hearn Square!!!! Someone steps in it and then there's REALLY a problem. As well, if the Laker's loose, fans might start tossing things around and we can't have dog turds hitting the fan at 11th & Fig.

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 02:11 PM

Sean Yoda Rouse writes:

For now, I was able to Metro over to the Redwood Bar & Grill

Unless I had a Metro pass, I would have just hopped on the A DASH and saved myself a buck.

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 05:04 PM

Ed Fuentes writes:

Sean: In this case, I wanted to get to the Redwood on time. DASH A at 6pm would be spotty with extra traffic and extra stops.

# on Jun.11.2008 AT 06:11 PM