Dodgers game tonight: World Series game, cluster of events in Los Angels area raise carmageddon concerns

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

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

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

In addition, Inglewood will host two major events: the East LA Classic football game between Theodore Roosevelt High School and James A. Garfield High School at SoFi Stadium, and Pink Floyd fame David Gilmour playing a concert at the Intuit Dome.

Some may call the series of events the stage for a “carmageddon.”

“Ahead of tomorrow’s World Series, we are working to ensure that 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 L.A. making it an iconic international country. destination,” Bass said during a press conference at City Hall on Friday.

Los Angeles city officials are ramping up safety and traffic congestion measures this weekend during the World Series and other major events.

“My message is that LA is ready – ready to host the World Series, ready to welcome visitors from near and far, and we are ready to win. Go Dodgers!” Bass added.

Bass said the city’s emergency operations center at level three will be activated to coordinate efforts. The Los Angeles Police Department is expected to deploy additional officers and increase visibility at several locations, while the Los Angeles Fire Department will station paramedics and personnel on standby.

The LAPD will assist the Department of Transportation in addressing traffic issues. LADOT will deploy more than 100 white-gloved traffic officers to major intersections and locations to assist motorists.

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

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

Ticket prices for the World Series opener at Dodger Stadium against the New York Yankees have soared, 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 people traveling to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods can expect congestion.

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

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

Metro will run additional services on the A, B/D and E lines on Friday and Saturday as four sporting events are still scheduled for the day. More information about Metro maps and timetables can be found viewed here.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins urged Dodger fans and World Series visitors to ride the Dodger Shuttle Express from Union Station. Transit agencies will add more buses and expand shuttle services to get 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 have renamed the Dodgers Express track as Line 34 in honor of the Dodger legend’s uniform number.

“We strongly encourage everyone to use public transportation,” said LAPD Interim Police Chief Dominic Choi.

He reminded fans that if they choose to consume alcohol, they should make sure they get home safely without driving.

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