Son Heung-min Draws Crowd at BMO Stadium Before Official LAFC Debut

A day before his official signing, on August 5, 2025, Son Heung-min appeared at BMO Stadium, thrilling fans and building anticipation for the Son Heung-min LAFC debut. Just four miles from Koreatown, the stadium sits beside the USC campus in Exposition Park. That evening, it hosted a Leagues Cup match between LAFC and Tigres UANL, with the crowd forming a “black wave” in the home team’s colors. Reporting was conducted on site by Kyeongjun Kim and Yoonjae Jung.

Public transit access is convenient, with the Metro E Line stopping directly in front at “Expo Park/USC.” Stadium parking costs $65, while private lots within a 10-minute walk range from $20 to $40. BMO Stadium is a soccer-specific venue where fans are close enough to hear players’ voices on the field.

Behind one goal, the 3252 section—North America’s first Safe Standing Zone—keeps fans on their feet, waving flags, singing, and even throwing beer into the air after goals, a tradition implicitly allowed. Visitors there should expect to get their hair wet and give up any hope of sitting. The high-energy atmosphere is nothing like relaxing at Dodger Stadium with a Dodger Dog; here, supporter chants dominate from start to finish.

Match etiquette differs too. A baseball in the stands is a souvenir, but a soccer ball must be returned to the field or the fan could be ejected. Matches typically use only five or six balls.

Near Section 119, “Goal-Mok”—a bilingual pun combining “goal” and the Korean word golmok (alley)—offers Korean snack-style food such as Seoul Bowl, topped with tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and yangnyeom chicken (Korean seasoned fried chicken). It existed before Son’s signing but is expected to draw more Korean American fans now.

Fans were already in attendance hoping for a glimpse. Eunju Choi, visiting with her child, said, “We came hoping Son might be here. I had a ‘SON 7’ jersey customized for my child.” Josh Park of Los Angeles called Son’s arrival “a blessing” and purchased a season pass to watch every game.

Their hopes were met in the 40th minute when Son Heung-min appeared on the jumbotron with the message: “Welcome Son Heung-min, LAFC Forward.” He had come straight from the airport to see his new home ground. LAFC went on to win 2–1.

The team store was already busy printing “SON 7” jerseys. One staff member said more than 31 had been printed that day, with one of three machines dedicated solely to his name and number.

Opened in 2018, BMO Stadium seats 22,000. Entry rules allow only clear plastic bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, with handbags and clutches prohibited. Fans may bring up to two unopened 20-ounce water bottles; outside food and drinks are banned, and re-entry is not allowed.

For many Korean American fans, Dodger Stadium feels familiar thanks to pitchers Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin. BMO Stadium may be less known, but with the Son Heung-min LAFC debut imminent, it is set to become a new focal point for the community.

BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
AND YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]