LA/Inglewood Kia Forum 5/21 & 5/22 questions

gjackx

Figured these shows could use a thread of their own.  I'll be travelling across the country for them myself, so just curious about the venue/area etc.  For those that went to the shows there in 2022 (or any show at Kia in recent memory), a few things I'm wondering...  Where did they setup the merch?  Is there anywhere around the venue to go to beforehand for eats/drinks (other than the casino)?  Are there good places to stay within walking distance?  Any other things of note?

Feel free to chime in, even if you're very green to this area as well!

kaw753

I have been to multiple shows there over the years. There is sweet f**k all anywhere near the arena. I usually stay at LAX for convenience and hit Roscoe's pre-show and walk 45 minutes to the arena.

SHZA

Early merch was in the parking lot. There were also merch stands in the outside concourse that had everything at doors that I had missed earlier. 

There's a Sizzler on the corner 

gotthebottle

gjackx said:

Figured these shows could use a thread of their own.  I'll be travelling across the country for them myself, so just curious about the venue/area etc.  For those that went to the shows there in 2022 (or any show at Kia in recent memory), a few things I'm wondering...  Where did they setup the merch?  Is there anywhere around the venue to go to beforehand for eats/drinks (other than the casino)?  Are there good places to stay within walking distance?  Any other things of note?

Feel free to chime in, even if you're very green to this area as well!

Don't go to casino.... they don't want people coming in who aren't gaming. 
I always stay at little motel along Manchester.. booked long ago. I walk the long road home from show but better than waiting for Uber or parking. Merch not an issue.. outside and inside...

Charlie_mod

That Sizzler is legendary. Used to grab a bite there before going into forum to watch Gretzky & the Kings. 

F Me In The Brain

Charlie_mod said:

That Sizzler is legendary. Used to grab a bite there before going into forum to watch Gretzky & the Kings. 

Ha. Same

D-Rod

Parking at the Forum was 60 bucks back in 2022 and it was a nightmare trying to flag down an Uber in the Uber pen.   Just a heads up.  

This year we are going to prepay for parking at the Forum.  It’s somewhat cheaper. 

   

jefft

If you can wrangle up a bunch of people at the hotel you should be able to utilize their shuttle to and from the show for a fee.  Just an fyi.  Merch is easy in and out.

CROJAM95

Forum area around floor/ga very nice… got merch there prior and drinks

JojoRice

Went to the 22' shows.  Great venue but not in a good area.  If you're flying in, I recommend staying somewhere near LAX and taking an uber or shuttle. Other than the Sizzler, nothing much within walking distance as far as food goes.  

JeBurkhardt

SHZA said:

Early merch was in the parking lot. There were also merch stands in the outside concourse that had everything at doors that I had missed earlier. 

There's a Sizzler on the corner 

I have not had Sizzler since I left the Bay Area in 1990. I could eat that toast by the handful.  

Luckytwn1

The info in this thread is out of date. In conjunction with the redevelopment of the Hollywood Park area, which includes SoFi Stadium and the soon to open Intuit Dome, there's a new outdoor shopping area right down the block from The Forum that's opening in stages. You can find more details below. The Cineapolis 12 screen upscale theater was the first thing to open there late last year. 

https://hollywoodparklife.com/retail/

CROJAM95

One of 2 musts after the show for me

either in n out, taco truck…. The bacon wrapped hot dogs have served as an app by the time I find food with traffic 

gotthebottle

Luckytwn1 said:

The info in this thread is out of date. In conjunction with the redevelopment of the Hollywood Park area, which includes SoFi Stadium and the soon to open Intuit Dome, there's a new outdoor shopping area right down the block from The Forum that's opening in stages. You can find more details below. The Cineapolis 12 screen upscale theater was the first thing to open there late last year. 

https://hollywoodparklife.com/retail/

No.. our advice isn't out of date because there still isn't much of anything ready until Intuit gets closer to opening. Do you go there often? Cause then maybe you know that not much is different yet. One day it will be with Olympics.. another SB...

SHZA

I was there in November and didn't see much of anything new. 

After the sofi super bowl, we walked down to W Century Blvd where there's a chilis and in n out and got an Uber from there. That's a decent walk from the Forum though 

AngryGreg

If you're willing to walk about 15 or 20 mins from the Forum, I'd go to Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen at 202 E Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301.

Ryan

I’m spending 48 hours in LA for these shows.  Following this thread for “must-do’s.”  I like the beach, was thinking of staying in Santa Monica but that looks like a bit of a trek to the venue.  I want to visit West Hollywood and Santa Monica, not sure if I should stay in one of those areas, or stay by LAX which looks closer to the venue and then just Uber each day.  

gotthebottle

Ryan said:

I’m spending 48 hours in LA for these shows.  Following this thread for “must-do’s.”  I like the beach, was thinking of staying in Santa Monica but that looks like a bit of a trek to the venue.  I want to visit West Hollywood and Santa Monica, not sure if I should stay in one of those areas, or stay by LAX which looks closer to the venue and then just Uber each day.  

If your priority is beach and Santa Monica it doesn't matter if you stay near LAX cause it's all close. Don't forget to look at the metro schedule to get around easily too.

The_Giant_Midget

Marina Del Rey/Playa/Manhattan Beach may be a bit easier to get to from the Forum area. Could take close to an hour to reach Santa Monica with traffic. Those areas have a ton of good spots to hang at and the beaches are also nice.

BF25394

The_Giant_Midget said:

Marina Del Rey/Playa/Manhattan Beach may be a bit easier to get to from the Forum area. Could take close to an hour to reach Santa Monica with traffic. Those areas have a ton of good spots to hang at and the beaches are also nice.

Manhattan Beach is cleaner (including the water itself), quieter and less crowded than Santa Monica's beaches, but Santa Monica has the Pier and the Promenade, so it depends on what you're looking for. (Manhattan Beach also has a pier, but it's not as robust as Santa Monica's, and Manhattan Beach has restaurants and shops just a few blocks up from the beach, too.) The Santa Monica Promenade used to be a really happening place and a great place to spend the day when I moved to L.A. twenty years ago, but it has fallen on hard times since the pandemic. The last time I went over there, there wasn't much going on.

As a longtime local resident, I really encourage visitors to get off the beaten track of the obvious spots-- Hollywood (there's really not much to see there, it takes an hour), Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive-- and see the real gems. For example, the Getty Center is spectacular (and admission is free; you only pay to park); it is both the most-visited tourist attraction in L.A. and yet a place that a lot of visitors don't know exists. If you have one day, and the weather is nice (which it almost certainly will be in mid-May), that's the top thing I would recommend. We also have the space shuttle Endeavour here, which always excites people when I take them to see it, but it will be off display in May.

RatherStarved

BF25394 said:

The_Giant_Midget said:

Marina Del Rey/Playa/Manhattan Beach may be a bit easier to get to from the Forum area. Could take close to an hour to reach Santa Monica with traffic. Those areas have a ton of good spots to hang at and the beaches are also nice.

Manhattan Beach is cleaner (including the water itself), quieter and less crowded than Santa Monica's beaches, but Santa Monica has the Pier and the Promenade, so it depends on what you're looking for. (Manhattan Beach also has a pier, but it's not as robust as Santa Monica's, and Manhattan Beach has restaurants and shops just a few blocks up from the beach, too.) The Santa Monica Promenade used to be a really happening place and a great place to spend the day when I moved to L.A. twenty years ago, but it has fallen on hard times since the pandemic. The last time I went over there, there wasn't much going on.

As a longtime local resident, I really encourage visitors to get off the beaten track of the obvious spots-- Hollywood (there's really not much to see there, it takes an hour), Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive-- and see the real gems. For example, the Getty Center is spectacular (and admission is free; you only pay to park); it is both the most-visited tourist attraction in L.A. and yet a place that a lot of visitors don't know exists. If you have one day, and the weather is nice (which it almost certainly will be in mid-May), that's the top thing I would recommend. We also have the space shuttle Endeavour here, which always excites people when I take them to see it, but it will be off display in May.

Why do any of that when you can spend the day in the merch and GA lines lol 

gotthebottle

The Economy Inn on Manchester has rooms for 21-23rd... I've stayed there a few times for various concerts. Not fancy but fine enough. Walked home after shows at SoFi or Forum 

ten474

gotthebottle said:

The Economy Inn on Manchester has rooms for 21-23rd... I've stayed there a few times for various concerts. Not fancy but fine enough. Walked home after shows at SoFi or Forum 

Walked home alone, no doubt.

ten474

gotthebottle said:

Ryan said:

I’m spending 48 hours in LA for these shows.  Following this thread for “must-do’s.”  I like the beach, was thinking of staying in Santa Monica but that looks like a bit of a trek to the venue.  I want to visit West Hollywood and Santa Monica, not sure if I should stay in one of those areas, or stay by LAX which looks closer to the venue and then just Uber each day.  

If your priority is beach and Santa Monica it doesn't matter if you stay near LAX cause it's all close. Don't forget to look at the metro schedule to get around easily too.

The Metro doesn't go from Santa Monica to LAX. Thanks for trying, though.

ten474

gotthebottle said:

Luckytwn1 said:

The info in this thread is out of date. In conjunction with the redevelopment of the Hollywood Park area, which includes SoFi Stadium and the soon to open Intuit Dome, there's a new outdoor shopping area right down the block from The Forum that's opening in stages. You can find more details below. The Cineapolis 12 screen upscale theater was the first thing to open there late last year. 

https://hollywoodparklife.com/retail/

No.. our advice isn't out of date because there still isn't much of anything ready until Intuit gets closer to opening. Do you go there often? Cause then maybe you know that not much is different yet. One day it will be with Olympics.. another SB...

Your advice is very out of date. You don't know LA at all.

gotthebottle

ten474 said:

gotthebottle said:

The Economy Inn on Manchester has rooms for 21-23rd... I've stayed there a few times for various concerts. Not fancy but fine enough. Walked home after shows at SoFi or Forum 

Walked home alone, no doubt.

Stalker 

PinoyPJ

CROJAM95 said:

One of 2 musts after the show for me

either in n out, taco truck…. The bacon wrapped hot dogs have served as an app by the time I find food with traffic 

do this. in n out while you wait for your ride.

aisleseats

These shows were a last minute addition for me. And I'm trying to keep expenses low. Been to LA many times, so not coming to "visit" the area. Staying by LAX, and literally the only place I'm going is the venue (and maybe wishlist parties), which is 2.5 miles away. Renting a car seems ridiculous when I'd only be driving a total of 15 miles over 3 days, and I'd have to pay $40 per day to park at the hotel and $60 per day to park at the venue. I was fine using Uber. But I've been reading horror stories of how impossible they are to get post-show, and how they can be up to $200 with surge pricing. There's a bus stop outside the hotel, which could take me right to the Forum and back. And I'm not above using it. But I've also been reading horror stories of how dangerous the buses can be late at night. I'm also not above walking quite a ways, if that makes things easier. But again, I've heard how dangerous the surrounding neighborhoods can be at night.

So, I'm just looking for any info/advice on what my best options are after the shows. Thanks.

JojoRice

I did both LA shows in 22' and used Uber/Lyft.  I stayed at the Westin by LAX.  Getting to the arena was easy.  Getting back took some patience.  I'd recommend walking a couple blocks after the show and then getting an uber.   

aisleseats

JojoRice said:

I did both LA shows in 22' and used Uber/Lyft.  I stayed at the Westin by LAX.  Getting to the arena was easy.  Getting back took some patience.  I'd recommend walking a couple blocks after the show and then getting an uber.   

Was the price after the show insane? I was reading some reddit comments where people said it was almost $200 with surge pricing.

JojoRice

aisleseats said:

JojoRice said:

I did both LA shows in 22' and used Uber/Lyft.  I stayed at the Westin by LAX.  Getting to the arena was easy.  Getting back took some patience.  I'd recommend walking a couple blocks after the show and then getting an uber.   

Was the price after the show insane? I was reading some reddit comments where people said it was almost $200 with surge pricing.

I remember it being $100+ afterwards.  Lots of people were waiting around in the Uber lot for the surge pricing to go down.