When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
BMO Stadium
Why BMO Stadium is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
BMO Stadium, also known as BMO Center, stands as a dynamic multi-purpose arena located in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Established in 1981, this venue enhances the local community's social scene by offering a versatile space for sporting events, concerts, conventions, and private functions. It is the proud home of the Rockford IceHogs, an AHL minor league hockey team, providing an exciting atmosphere for hockey fans to meet up and enjoy games together. The arena's distinct nickname, the "Big Orange Box," stems from its unique outdoor appearance and makes it an iconic landmark in the area. BMO Stadium features a variety of seating options and premium hospitality spaces, including suites and lounges that elevate the fan experience by combining comfort with excellent sightlines. Beyond professional hockey, BMO Stadium hosts diverse activities such as monster truck rallies, comedy shows, and local high school graduations, making it an inviting destination for groups of friends and families to gather and create lasting memories. Accessibility is facilitated by ample parking options and proximity to downtown amenities, allowing visitors to easily combine their arena experience with shopping or dining. Altogether, BMO Stadium offers an engaging and flexible venue that brings energy and entertainment to Rockford, making it a great meeting place for social interaction and community engagement.
Here's what people think of BMO Stadium
As of recent, BMO Stadium holds a 4.6-star rating based on 6438 reviews.
Reviews from visitors consistently highlight BMO Stadium's vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities, contributing to its strong overall rating of 4.6 across over 6,400 reviews. Many users appreciate the welcoming staff and cleanliness of the venue, which contribute positively to their overall experience. The variety of events held at the stadium, including high-energy hockey games, top-notch music concerts, and cultural happenings, are frequently praised for creating an exciting environment that appeals to a wide audience. Positive reviews often mention the stadium's seating comfort and the premium hospitality options such as rooftop lounges and field-level boxes, which enhance the overall fan experience at multiple price points. Conversely, some negative feedback centers on logistical challenges, including traffic congestion when leaving the venue, and occasional issues with concessions. Visitors also note the arena's clear bag policy as a security measure, though for some it requires adjustment. Despite these minor drawbacks, many reviewers conclude that the combination of engaging events, accessible location, and diverse amenities makes BMO Stadium a worthwhile destination for both frequent visitors and first-timers. Overall, the feedback reflects a well-loved venue that successfully balances sporting excitement with broad entertainment offerings and quality guest services.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kevin Chen
Large stadium for games. Definitely get here early or use public transport or rideshare ahead of time. Traffic going into the parking garages is endless. Entering the stadium is straightforward, just make sure you’re moving toward the entrance without having too many people cut you in line. Security is adequate and the digital ticket scans worked without issue. Stadium seats are just enough size but they do feel tight. View out to the stadium isn’t too bad and the restaurants all have a small camera view of the game too in case you’re in line waiting for food. Some of the food areas use a digital scanner to determine the food you picked, these machines seem to malfunction. There were 4 scanners and 3 were down at one point.
Jennifer Barahona
Outside the stadium staff r friendly lets clear that out Inside of the stadium some workers are very rude u ask them a question and they tell u keep going and ask other ppl very dismissive They expect you to know when you truly don’t know or ever been here Not the best stadium I’m honestly hoping my concert makes it up for the attitude of the few rude workers Also it’s a Christian. Concert and they sold beer how weird
Paoli Roye
This was my first time at this venue, this post is very negative they need to make changes on their porta potties, the whole scene was disgusting and had me wondering who in their right mind would think this is OK???????? First the toilet seats we're full to the rim of the bowl with human feces yes all of theme we checked, there was no toilet paper no set covers no water no soap to wash your hands with oh and no papertowels COME ON BMO.... On top of that I brought my purse with me but the venue had a clear bag policie in place (No that was my bad ) but they did offer bag check wich I was very squeptical about leaving my bag but the crew was very nice explain everything and made me feel better I did recall seeing this truck all over town and after trying it i will not hesitate to leave my bag in there care! In the future Keep up the great job Mobile lockers! See you at the dodgers........
Irene Flores
Attended the Summer Nights 2025 concert in Los Angeles with Brandon Lake ⭐️ and Phil Wickham — and WOW. What an unforgettable evening of worship under the stars. The energy, the voices, the Spirit… it was absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Just a heads-up for future concertgoers: BMO Stadium is very strict about clear bags — no exceptions. And if you’re on the floor, you can’t bring bottled water; they’ll make you pour it into a plastic cup (not totally sure why, but rules are rules!). That small hiccup didn’t take away from the night, though — we had a wonderful time and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Henry Ting
Great venue for sports! Not very good for concerts. Spectator sport. ☆☆☆☆☆ Very intimate stadium. You can see the entire field. Excellent big screens and sound. Nice seating. Convenient bathroom locations. Easy to find seats. Good security and entrance screening protocols. CLEAR BAG POLICY. Parking. ☆☆☆ Expensive, but convenient. The parking staff is well organized. Be patient and come early for parking. Otherwise take the Metro Rail. It's a 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk. If you walk with the crowds to and from the game, it's fairly safe. Food ☆☆☆+1/2 5 or 6 different food vendors. From pizza, to smash burgers, to Korean tacos& burritos as well as the usual nachos and hot dogs. Cans and bottles are not allowed at the seats anymore due to disruptive fans throwing cans onto the field. Now all beer in cans must be poured into plastic cups immediately upon purchase. Staff strictly enforce no cans/bottles in the stands.
How to reach BMO Stadium
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Why BMO Stadium may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
BMO Stadium stands out as a fantastic venue to gather your friends due to its unique blend of sports excitement, modern amenities, and prime location in Los Angeles. As the home of Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC, the stadium buzzes with enthusiasm during thrilling soccer matches, making it an ideal spot to share unforgettable moments with companions who love sports. Its open-air design enhances the experience by allowing fresh air and natural light, providing a vibrant atmosphere that energizes every fan and visitor. BMO Stadium’s steep 34-degree seating slope ensures that every seat offers a close-up view of the action, fostering a shared sense of immersion when cheering for your team. Beyond the game-day energy, the stadium offers diverse spaces like rooftop decks, premium clubs, and specialty bars, perfect for socializing before or after events. Its setting near the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum places it in a historic sports precinct, adding a layer of cultural prestige to your meetup. This mix of excitement, comfort, and historical ambiance makes BMO Stadium a compelling choice for rallying your friends.
What activities can groups enjoy at BMO Stadium?
BMO Stadium offers more than just soccer matches for groups looking to create memorable experiences. The venue is designed to host a variety of events that cater to different interests, including concerts, festivals, corporate meetings, private parties, and galas. With a seating capacity of 22,000 and the option to expand for outdoor-field events up to 40,000, it accommodates both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations. Several indoor and outdoor event spaces like the Field Club, Founders Club, and Directors Lounge provide customizable environments that comfortably host groups of various sizes. BMO Stadium’s chef-driven international food hall introduces guests to diverse culinary delights, enhancing social interactions with quality dining options. The stadium's rooftop event decks offer panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, creating a stunning backdrop for meetups or celebrations. Additionally, specialty bars and VIP suites deliver upscale experiences that are perfect for groups seeking exclusive or private settings. This variety of activities and versatile spaces ensures groups can tailor their outings to their unique preferences.
Why is BMO Stadium perfect for hosting group meetups?
BMO Stadium’s infrastructure and services make it exceptionally convenient and comfortable for group meetups. The stadium’s location in Exposition Park places it just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, accessible by multiple transit options and with ample on-site parking that includes 4,800 spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. This ease of access reduces logistical challenges common to group events. The stadium features advanced technology including free guest Wi-Fi, onsite tech support, projector screens, microphones, and high-quality sound systems, empowering hosts to integrate multimedia or speeches into their gatherings seamlessly. Accessibility ensures all guests, including those with disabilities or families, can participate fully. Whether organizing a casual social event, a festive celebration, or a professional meeting, BMO Stadium’s flexible event spaces provide the perfect blend of privacy and ambiance. Additionally, the availability of in-house catering with tables, chairs, and linens simplifies hosting, allowing groups to focus on the fun and connection. Altogether, these amenities guarantee an easy, enjoyable, and memorable group experience.
What makes the seating and viewing experience unique at BMO Stadium?
One of BMO Stadium’s defining features is its spectator-focused design aimed at maximizing fan participation and game-day excitement. The stadium boasts the steepest seating slope of any Major League Soccer venue at 34 degrees, which brings fans closer to the action than many other stadiums. The closest seats are only 3.7 meters from the players, while the furthest are just 41 meters away, ensuring an unobstructed and intimate view of the field no matter where you sit. This steep angle and reduced viewing distances create an infectious energy as every cheer, chant, or celebration feels immediate and personal. The playing surface is sunken 6.7 meters below street level, enhancing sightlines and crowd flow, as fans enter seating areas from street level down to the lower rings smoothly. This design contributes to a continuous connection between fans and players, making BMO Stadium not just a venue but a shared experience space where the atmosphere thrums with collective passion.
How does BMO Stadium integrate sustainability and modern features?
BMO Stadium is not only focused on fan enjoyment but also on environmental responsibility and modern innovation. The stadium has earned Silver LEED certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable construction and operation practices. Situated near major transit lines, the venue encourages the use of public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions. It supports electric vehicle use with charging stations covering 5% of its parking areas at opening, with infrastructure ready to expand this capacity to 20%. Furthermore, it provides bike paths and parking for 440 bicycles, promoting eco-friendly transportation choices. To enhance visitor comfort and convenience, the stadium incorporates air conditioning in indoor areas, Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the venue, and premium hospitality spaces equipped with the latest audiovisual technologies. These forward-thinking features combine environmental mindfulness with guest comfort, positioning BMO Stadium as a modern landmark designed for today's socially conscious and tech-savvy attendees.
What are the dining and hospitality options for groups at BMO Stadium?
Dining at BMO Stadium transcends typical stadium fare by offering a chef-driven international food hall where groups can sample a broad spectrum of cuisines. This elevates the culinary experience for visitors and provides plenty of variety to satisfy diverse tastes within your party. The venue includes several specialty bars serving craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, all perfect for socializing and relaxing. Hospitality spaces such as the Field Club, Founders Club, and the Sunset Deck offer refined environments for groups to enjoy meals and drinks in comfort and style. These spaces also provide panoramic views and an upscale atmosphere, ideal for celebrations or casual gatherings alike. With in-house catering services and provisions for key event essentials like tables, chairs, and linens, BMO Stadium makes hosting seamless and professional, ensuring your group can focus on enjoying food, drinks, and each other’s company in a vibrant setting.
Why is BMO Stadium an ideal location for various events?
BMO Stadium’s multi-functional design and extensive amenities make it a premier location for a wide range of events beyond sports. It hosts concerts, festivals, corporate meetings, private parties, and even galas, adapting to each event’s scale and requirements thanks to versatile indoor and outdoor spaces. For groups, the stadium offers dedicated event decks, premium clubs, and numerous suites that provide exclusive environments suitable for networking, entertainment, or celebration. The venue’s advanced technical capabilities—including projectors, sound systems, and Wi-Fi—facilitate presentations, performances, and multimedia experiences tailored to the occasion. Located centrally in South Los Angeles with access to abundant parking and public transport, it is logistically convenient for attendees coming from various parts of the city and beyond. BMO Stadium’s blend of historic significance, modern sophistication, and technical readiness establishes it as a top-tier venue for any group gathering.
What can guests expect from the atmosphere and location of BMO Stadium?
Set in the iconic Exposition Park neighborhood, adjacent to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, BMO Stadium benefits from being part of a historic and culturally significant sports precinct. This adds depth to the atmosphere, as visitors are surrounded by Olympic history dating back to 1932. The stadium’s open-air design invites the vibrancy of Los Angeles into every event, with spectacular views of the downtown skyline framing the experience. The proximity to downtown ensures a lively surrounding area with ample dining, entertainment, and accommodation options for groups wanting to extend their meetup beyond the stadium. The fusion of modern stadium comfort with the setting’s storied legacy creates an electric ambiance that heightens excitement whether cheering on a soccer match or attending a concert. This unique location ties your group’s experience into the heart of Los Angeles’ sporting and cultural identity, making any gathering feel special and connected to the city’s pulse.
How does the infrastructure support attendees’ convenience and accessibility?
BMO Stadium is intentionally designed to offer maximum convenience to visitors, making it effortless to plan meetups with friends or family. The stadium features a large parking supply with 4,800 spaces on-site spread across the park and adjacent lots, complemented by electric vehicle charging stations, supporting a wide range of transportation needs. Additionally, it is accessible via major public transit routes, reducing reliance on driving for many guests. Inside, the stadium is fully ADA accessible to ensure everyone, including guests with disabilities, can navigate comfortably. For families, the venue is friendly and accommodating with amenities tailored to their needs. The consistent availability of guest Wi-Fi and onsite technical support ensures connectivity and smooth event execution, whether for sharing moments live or managing event logistics. These well-thought-out infrastructure elements position BMO Stadium as a convenient and inclusive venue ideal for memorable group get-togethers.
What unique experiences does BMO Stadium promise for sports fans?
Sports fans find BMO Stadium to be a passionate and immersive environment where every moment of a game counts. As the home ground for the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC, it regularly hosts high-energy professional soccer matches. Fans enjoy the stadium’s close seating arrangement, which creates a nearly electric connection between spectators and players, amplifying cheers and chants into a collective roar. The stadium’s design, including a sunken playing field and steep seating, prioritizes visibility and atmosphere, offering fans an unrivaled viewing experience. On match days, the venue becomes a vibrant hub of camaraderie, with lively pre-game and post-game activities at the food hall and bars. For groups rallying here, these shared moments fuel friendships and build lasting memories in a charged sporting culture.
What future events and developments can attendees look forward to at BMO Stadium?
Looking forward, BMO Stadium will continue to be a central entertainment and event hub in Los Angeles, highlighted by its planned role in the 2028 Summer Olympics. The stadium is part of the Downtown Sports Park and will host flag football and lacrosse events, bringing global sporting attention to the venue once again. This Olympic connection underscores the stadium’s international-standard design and its capacity to manage world-class competitions. Additionally, with its ongoing support for concerts, festivals, and community events, BMO Stadium remains a versatile and dynamic destination. Its continuous evolution and investment in amenities ensure it stays at the forefront of stadium experiences in Los Angeles, making it an inviting and exciting place to plan meetups or celebrate special occasions with friends and family. This outlook promises guests regular opportunities to enjoy new and memorable experiences in a world-class venue.