Major League Soccer’s 2018 season is kicking off shortly, and with that comes the return of the Los Angeles Galaxy. After playing in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl from 1996-2002, the Galaxy have been in Carson ever since, hosting all home games at the StubHub (née Home Depot) Center.

The 2018 schedule for Los Angeles’ original MLS club begins with a home game against the Portland Timbers on Sunday, March 4. But with the proceedings not starting until 7 p.m. that evening, fans will have some time to kill in advance (and maybe afterward too, if you’d like). 

For those headed to the opener, or any match this season, it’s easy enough to access the stadium via the nearby Interstate 405 and 110 freeways, plus California State Highway 91. However, if you’d like to make a day of hanging out in Carson’s area of the South Bay, this list can provide some tips on what to eat, drink, and see nearby before everything kicks off. 

Photo courtesy of Phantom Carriage Brewery

Phantom Carriage Brewery

Named for 1921 Swedish horror film “The Phantom Carriage,” one of LA’s most unique breweries sits less than a mile and a half from the stadium. Inside, you’ll find a classic scary movie motif, plenty of delicious beer (especially sours), and even movie screenings if you have a couple hours to spare. Phantom Carriage also sells bottles if you’d like to take some of the spooky suds to-go. 

Photo courtesy of BaBoys

BaBoys

The Filipino/American fusion spot is well-known in Carson for its unique take on traditional Filipino cuisine. BaBoys’ Lampia Burger is one of many dishes that incorporate well-known American dishes to bring Filipino food to a broader audience. Beyond burgers, the LA influence also shines through with BaBoys’ burritos, quesadillas, and fries.

Photo courtesy of Porsche Experience Center

Porsche Experience Center

It’s closed on Sundays, so you’ll have to skip the Porsche Experience Center for many matches. Still, on the right day, you can test out the latest Porsche models and drive the four-mile performance track for 90 minutes. If you’d rather stay off the real road, there are driving simulators available as well within the facility.If you’re both a car and soccer fanatic, this presents an enviable combination.

Photo courtesy of Go Kart World

Go Kart World

If large cars aren’t your thing, Go Kart World has plenty of small ones instead. Given LA’s typically great weather, rain’s rarely an issue on the course, and you can also group your races by experience — so no worries about being the slowest in a group of experts. Their website also features various discounts, making for a cheaper afternoon before the pricier game concessions. 

Photo courtesy of Greendoor

Greendoor Powered by Intelligentsia

If it’s getting late and you need a pick me up, Greendoor is a coffee and tea shop aprtenered with Chicago-based Intelligentsia that’s popular with locals. Along with artisanal coffee, there’s also tea and food in the intriguing space. Plus you’ll likely find at least a couple dogs hanging around (and who could be against that?). 

Photo courtesy of R&R Soul Food Restaurant

R&R Soul Food Restaurant

Right across the street from StubHub Center is this hole-in-the-wall spot for Southern-style cooking and hospitality. At R&R, you’ll find the staples and more, with fried chicken, collard greens, biscuits, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and grits, among other traditional fare. It’s small, but with quality service. Also, allow extra time in case there’s a wait.

Photo courtesy of International Printing Museum

International Printing Museum

On Saturdays, or by appointment during the week, visitors can see a lot of the history of printing on display at the International Printing Museum. Old presses collected from as far back as two centuries ago tell the story of how periodicals were put together and graphic arts evolved newspapers over time. There are kid-focused elements as well.

Photo courtesy of Aloha Pizza & Shave Ice Company

Aloha Pizza & Shave Ice Company

Admittedly, it’s in Gardena, but less than four miles out from StubHub Center. During the long summer stretch of the MLS season, Aloha serves up traditional Hawaiian shave ice to cool you down, and of course, pizza too. Don’t tell Gordon Ramsay but there is plenty of pineapple on these pies, for those into that sort of thing.