Los Angeles is celebrating a “Super Wednesday” as Son Heung-min of LAFC and Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers headline two high-stakes home games on October 29.
At 7:30 p.m., Son Heung-min and LAFC face Austin FC at BMO Stadium in the first round of the MLS playoffs. Austin, ranked sixth in the Western Conference, previously defeated LAFC 1–0 on October 12, when both Son and star striker Denis Bouanga were absent due to international matches. With Son chasing a championship in his debut season, LAFC faces a formidable opponent.
Earlier at 5 p.m., Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers take on the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 of the World Series, drawing global attention as Ohtani continues to make history with his dual pitching and batting performance.
Local excitement is at its peak. Jungjin Yoo (42), a resident of LA, said, “It’s incredible to watch both Ohtani and Son in our lifetime. I’m proud that LA is home to both athletes. My friends and I are hosting a watch party to see both games back to back.”
Koreatown businesses are also joining the celebration. Asado Pocha, a Korean bar, plans to air both games on three large screens. Owner Kibum Cheon said, “We’ll show the Dodgers first and then switch to LAFC. If the Dodgers clinch the title, every table will get a free can of beer.”
Chosun Galbi, another Koreatown restaurant, will broadcast both games simultaneously on six large TVs. Manager Sangyong Kwak said, “We’re splitting the screens—three for each team—so customers can enjoy both matches at once.”
Ticket prices have soared, reflecting the city’s feverish anticipation. As of October 28, online platforms such as Ticketmaster and SeatGeek listed Dodgers tickets ranging from $943 to $21,294, while LAFC tickets ranged from $70 to $11,700.
Adding to the excitement, Son Heung-min recently won MLS Goal of the Year for his free-kick goal against FC Dallas on August 23, earning 43.5% of fan votes in a poll held from October 20–24—nearly double Lionel Messi’s 22.5%.
His game-worn LAFC home debut jersey from August 31 against San Diego FC sold for $11,000 on the auction site The Realest, while his debut match ball from August 9 against Chicago FC fetched $901.
Fans can watch the LAFC match live on Apple TV, while the Dodgers game will be broadcast on Spectrum, DirecTV, ESPN, FOX, ABC, TBS, and FS1.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
AND YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]
