Today we went on an adventure rather than a vacation but I just had to report it.
COSM in Inglewood opened in 2024. I thought it was a few years ago when I saw this venue on TV. COSM is “Cosmic Coliseum” and is like a miniature version of the Sphere in Las Vegas. I saw a report about COSM last year and I knew I had to go there someday soon. During the MLB playoffs I thought my time had come and I bought tickets to a Thursday night game. Unfortunately the listing on the website was incorrect. Instead of the game starting at 6 pm Pacific time, it was actually starting at 6 pm on the east coast. In spite of this being the website error, I could not get a refund of my money but only a credit. That kind of customer service is enough to turn me off to ever using a business. But they had my money and I still wanted to see a sporting event at the venue so I waited until the right time.
A Reiss family tradition has been to go to the movies on Christmas Day. Usually it was dad going to the movies with the kids, giving mom a chance to breathe. Of course like most moms, Patrice did the vast majority of childcare duties. This was an easy way for me to pretend I was helping her.
With our kids grown and out of the house, Patrice and I have continued our Christmas movie tradition. I was not very excited about the offerings today and then wondered what might be showing at COSM. I looked at what was offered and all I saw that fit our schedule was a meaningless game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. Meaningless game was great because the prices of the tickets were reasonable.
Having never been to sporting event there I didn’t know which seats were best. I did some internet research and decided on level 2. The tickets there were slightly more expensive than level 3 so that must mean they are better, no? Unfortunately my logic was faulty.
We got to the venue early and found plenty of parking. You get a ticket in the lot and upon entry they validate your parking. Yes, 4 hours of free parking. Much better than the $40 to $80 you pay when you actually go to a sporting event.
The video was spectacular. For audio you heard the actual television broadcasters. In addition to the main screen there are two smaller screens that show you the television broadcast so you can see the event from different angles and all the replays. Any special tidbits from the broadcast (player interviews, highlights from other games) are also available.
The main COSM screen shows you the game from 3 different vantage points. One was a close up 50 yard line seat which was my favorite.
They also have the same view from a more distant site. (sorry, no picture of that).
Finally they had an end zone view (when the scrimmage line was inside the 35 yard line).
In many ways it was much different from being at the game. The seats are MUCH more comfortable. At COSM you sit on cushioned sofas with a table to put your food and beverages. The food service, much like at the ballpark, is overpriced but you can order from and get delivery to your seat location.
In regards to the levels I think Level 3 would be preferred since the view of the main screen is as good as it is from Level 2 but you have the advantage of being able to see the two additional screens (for instant replays) without straining your neck.
Finally, I just want to end by saying, I really like Cheerios. That might seem totally irrelevant but a patient of mine said that General Mills pays bloggers for product placement and mentions. Did I tell you I would never sell out to corporate America? I lied!
Next trip is planned for February, any guesses where we might be going? I will give you a hint, it is NOT going to be at 1 General Mills Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55426. But I can’t rule that out in the future.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 