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Preseason NFL Football in LA Ferris wheel lighting at the Santa Monica Pier

Published on August 8, 2023

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit Chargers Blue, Rams Blue and display both teams icons on Friday, August 11 to Saturday, August 12 to kickoff NFL’s preseason football in LA.

NFL kick’s off preseason football this August with exhibition games taking place from Aug 3 to 27. The Los Angeles Rams play the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, August 12; you can watch the game on on KABC-TV, Channel 7, and KCBS-TV, Channel 2 with coverage starting at 6PM Pacific Time.

Pacific Park will display both teams’ logos in blue on the Pacific Wheel on Friday and Saturday to celebrate the return of football season in LA.

This special lighting event will take place on the evening of Friday, August 11 to Saturday, August 12. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening. Enjoy watching the light program online at www.pacpark.com/live.

WHAT:
Special Lighting of the Pacific Wheel for Pre-Season NFL Football in LA

WHEN:
Friday, August 11 to Saturday, August 12
dusk (around 7:30 PM) to midnight

WHERE:
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

 

Chargers vs. Rams Preseason Game – August 12th: Players to Watch and Matchup Highlights

The upcoming, preseason clash between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams on August 12th promises to be a thrilling exhibition of talent and competition. While seasoned veterans and emerging stars grace both rosters, the preseason game presents an opportunity for coaches to assess their teams’ depth and for players to showcase their skills to stake a claim for starting positions. Here are some key players to watch on both teams as well as expected highlights that fans should look forward to in this weekend’s game.

 

Key Players to Watch: Los Angeles Chargers

1. Justin Herbert (Quarterback)

After a stellar rookie season in 2020, Justin Herbert solidified himself as one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks. The preseason game will be an opportunity to see how Herbert has continued to develop and refine his skills. Fans will look for his chemistry with new and returning receivers and how well he executes the Chargers’ offensive schemes.

2. Joey Bosa (Defensive End)

Joey Bosa, a relentless pass rusher and a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense, is always a player to watch. His ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks can be a game-changer. Fans will keep an eye on Bosa’s performance, hoping to see glimpses of the dominance that has made him one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL.

3. Derwin James (Safety)

Derwin James, when healthy, is a game-changing presence in the Chargers’ secondary. Known for his versatility, physicality, and ball-hawking skills, James has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Fans will eagerly watch his performance in the preseason to gauge his form after a couple of injury-affected seasons.

 

Key Players to Watch: Los Angeles Rams

1. Aaron Donald (Defensive Tackle)

As the undisputed king of interior defensive linemen, Aaron Donald’s presence alone demands attention. His unmatched combination of strength, speed, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Fans will be eager to see how the Chargers’ offensive line handles the challenge of containing Donald and how he disrupts their backfield.

2. Jalen Ramsey (Cornerback)

Jalen Ramsey is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. His exceptional coverage skills and physicality make him a tough matchup for any wide receiver. During the preseason game, fans will watch to see how Ramsey’s lockdown abilities affect the Chargers’ passing game.

3. Cam Akers (Running Back)

With the departure of Todd Gurley, Cam Akers emerged as the Rams’ primary running back in 2021. He showcased his potential with impressive performances throughout the season. In the preseason game, fans will be eager to see how Akers’ explosiveness and versatility contribute to the Rams’ offensive attack.

 

Matchup Highlights

1. The Quarterback Battle: Justin Herbert vs. Matthew Stafford

Although it is the preseason, the quarterback matchup between Justin Herbert and Matthew Stafford will undoubtedly be a highlight. It provides an intriguing comparison between the young rising star and the veteran leader. Fans will watch how both quarterbacks lead their respective offenses and handle the opposing defenses.

2. Pass Rush Showdown: Joey Bosa vs. Aaron Donald

The battle in the trenches between Joey Bosa and Aaron Donald will be one to watch. Bosa’s pass-rushing prowess against Donald’s ability to disrupt the pocket will be a thrilling matchup that showcases the skills of two of the best defensive players in the league.

 

The Chargers vs. Rams preseason game on August 12th is an exciting opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and evaluate their roster depth. From the electrifying quarterback play of Justin Herbert and Matthew Stafford to the defensive dominance of Aaron Donald and Joey Bosa, this preseason matchup promises to be a spectacle for football enthusiasts, setting the stage for an action-packed regular season.

See the lights from home at www.pacpark.com/live.

Pacific Park regularly programs the Ferris wheel to display seasonal programing and themed light designs for holidays and special occasions. The Pacific Wheel’s state-of-the-art lighting package was installed in 2016 and can display over 1.6 million different colors and animate patterns and icons in 24 frames per second. The energy efficient LEDs on the face of the Ferris wheel are powered by solar arrays inside Pacific Park. The light programs are curated and designed by Pacific Park staff. Each design is manually animated; some designs can take hours of programming. The aim is to provide fun, high-energy, and sometimes whimsical designs to entertain guests on the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding beaches.

 

Feature image courtesy of @pacpark