Opening Day: Giltinis v Free Jacks at the LA Coliseum
February 24, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
LA Giltinis News Release
Run of Show
1:00pm - Gates Open
In-Stadium Host + Activities, Fun Zone, Food and Concessions available from gates open.
1:15pm - LA Soul vs. Dead Rabbits Curtain Raiser game
2:45pm - 2021 MLR Championship Banner Reveal + Celebration
3:00pm - Kickoff
Come down to the Coliseum pitch and meet the Giltinis after the match!
How to get to the LA Coliseum?
The LA Memorial Coliseum is located at 3911 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037, just off I-110 and I-10 in Exposition Park.
Tip: To avoid lengthy delays due to traffic and parking, we highly encourage all of our guests to take one of the many forms of public transportation to an event. The Metro, for example, has two stops within a short five minute walk to our front door!
By Metro (Train)
The Coliseum is easily accessible using the Metro E (Expo) Line at the Expo Park/USC or Expo/Vermont Stations. Watch video for all lines of metro transport.
By Car (Parking)
Parking links to be provided via the Giltinis website later this week. Pre-paid parking is $30, day-of parking will be available at the Coliseum for $35. Giltinis Members received discount.
By Bus
Please reach out to the Giltinis Ticketing Office for more information about bus parking - (424) 218-6617 or tickets@giltinis.com
By RideShare
Exposition Park will have a designated ride share lot accessible from Figueroa St in the Green Lot.
ADA Information
Our priority is to make the Coliseum more accessible and accommodating for all guests. Click here for more info.
LA Giltinis Players to watch
Hanco Germishuys (USA)
A new signing for 2022, the USA Eagle has played 27 Tests and was named in the all-MLR first team in 2021. A strong, robust and skilful backrower, Hanco has featured in both matches for the Giltinis this season, scoring two tries and will be looking forward to running out in front of his new fans at the LA Coliseum.
Will Chambers (AUS)
A direct, strong-running outside centre from Australia with plenty of experience on the wing as well, Chambers return to Rugby has made an immediate impact, having started just one game and scoring one try. A huge name in Australia and in the sport of NRL, Chambers returns to Rugby and will continue to improve as the season plays on.
John Ryberg (USA)
John Ryberg returns to the LA Coliseum following his two-try heroic performance in the Championship triumph in 2021, finishing with nine in all for the season. He has once again been in fine form in the first two matches, and will be 'pumped up' to continue his form in 2022.
Free Jacks to watch
Dougie Fife
Dougie Fife was part of 2021 roster and has been in fine form for the 2022 Major League Rugby Season. A dual Scottish international, he has represented his country in two Six Nations Championships, the HSBC World Sevens Circuit, and Edinburgh Rugby in the Pro14 where he has amassed 125 caps since 2011.
Paula Balekana
The former SaberCar was in the top 5 try scorers in 2021, and proving deadly once again in 2022. At 5'10", 225lbs, Balekana is a sizeable back who has already proven himself to be one of the most impactful players in the MLR.
Josh Larson
The inaugural season team captain formed a core component of the Free Jacks engine-room at lock in 2021, and will lead the side. The Canadian international will be hard to container at set peice.
Last time we met?
MLR Round 1 - Match 20, 2021 LA opened their inaugural Major League Rugby season with a 42-27 win over New England
Giltinis 42
Tries - D. van der Merwe 2, A. Cottrell, M. Vailanu, A. Ashley-Cooper, P. Haini
Cons - M. Giteau 5, L. Carty
Free Jacks 27
Tries - J. Johnston, B. Waaka, V. Toluta'u
Cons - B. Waaka, H.Boyle. Pens - B. Waaka (23 ¬Â²), J. Poland (47 ¬Â²)
Fun Fact
DTH van der Merwe scored the first try in LA Giltinis history against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021.
Major League Rugby Stories from February 24, 2022
- Dallas Jackals Inaugural Opening Day Highest Attended 2022 MLR Match - Dallas Jackals
- Old Glory Poised to Break Slump against Toronto - Old Glory DC
- How Paul Lasike's Experience in England Can Bolster the Utah Warriors and Major League Rugby - Utah Warriors
- Opening Day: Giltinis v Free Jacks at the LA Coliseum - LA Giltinis
- Dean Muir on the Rise of the Houston SaberCats - Houston SaberCats
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