Big crowds expected at Staples Center and L.A. Live tonight
More than 25,000 people are expected to descend on a two-block area of downtown tonight for both the Lakers-Clippers basketball game and the premiere of the Michael Jackson movie “This is It,” prompting officials to warn fans of heavy traffic and urging them to come early.
The red carpet arrivals at L.A. Live's Nokia Theatre will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the screening at 6. The basketball game begins next door at Staples Center at 7:30.
That will be followed by the grand opening of the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live, which will begin showing “This is It” at 9.
“We’re trying to educate people to leave plenty of time to get here early,” said Cara Vanderhook, a Staples spokeswoman.
A parking advisory on the L.A. Live Web site warns visitors that there will be increased traffic between 3 and 11 p.m.
Los Angeles police are aware of the anticipated turnout and potential traffic problems, said Officer Sara Faden.
“We’re prepared,” she said.
-- Raja Abdulrahim
More breaking news in L.A. Now:
L.A. officials express support for smoking ban in outdoor dining areas
Police commission meeting to pick finalists for LAPD chief
Interstate 5 reopened in Burbank after big-rig fire, multicar collision
Asian Americans in L.A. County voted in record numbers in 2008, supported Obama
Water main break causes 7-foot sinkhole in Yorba Linda
Celebrity burglaries puts spotlight on aggressive paparazzi
County clinics gave swine flu vaccine to anyone who showed up, even the low-risk and insured
Four Marines from Camp Pendleton killed in Afghanistan
LAPD apologizes for flag faux pas
Second suspect arrested in alleged gang rape of Bay Area high school student
EDITOR'S PICKS:
If you leave now, you can catch the D-League game and see Sun Yue. It's free with your Laker ticket. You'll probably have to leave now, though.
Posted by: Ben in Chatsworth | October 27, 2009 at 02:05 PM
I take that back, the D-Fenders don't start till next month. It would've been a good idea, though. :)
Posted by: Ben in Chatsworth | October 27, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Avoid the traffic, parking, and gas money... take the Red or Purple Line subway to 7th St/Metro Center (25 min from the Valley vs. 60 min on the 101) or Blue Line to Pico Station.
Posted by: Stephen | October 27, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Why is there a lack of mention of the Blue Line (Pico station) and the Red or Purple Line (7th street/Metro center station) by the Staples Center and LA Live! reps? Oh yeah...parking revenue...
Posted by: LAofAnaheim | October 27, 2009 at 03:42 PM
That's why people should use the subway.
Posted by: Tornadoes28 | October 27, 2009 at 04:11 PM
again, the Times forgets to mention the very convenient metro station right across the street or the other one 3 blocks away. Plenty of Laker fans take the metro to the games and with more publicity plenty more will too.
Posted by: D | October 27, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Ha, this article doesn't mention transit....which is readily available in the area.
Oh, LA.
Posted by: brian | October 27, 2009 at 05:37 PM