The Los Angeles Rams are officially back in town, and the event was kicked off this past Saturday as the Dallas Cowboys came for a preseason game at the Los Angeles Rams. Although the new modern stadium is still being built, there is a bit of nostalgia when it comes to playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.  The stadium has since been taken over by USC, but there is a short term plan for the Rams to play prior to Stan Kroenke’s stadium in Inglewood.

I ended up headed up to Los Angeles before anyone was here, because I had received my credentials earlier.  I figured it was best not to fight with traffic, since this was going to be a momentous event, nearly 91,000 seats sold.  I headed into the stadium to get setup, and had a plan even to just hang out at a coffeeshop if I was bored.  But the morning was filled with some photos and features of the stadium being prepped.

I ended up heading up before anything was setup, to show that the NFL was in town.  With the NFL emblem at the 50 yard line and Los Angeles in the end zones.

A field worker also was watering the field, and I had to get this.  Definitely a photo that shows the start of something new, watering the growing team.

After I headed up to get an overview shot, I decided to see if there were any die hard fans already out tailgating or whatnot.  But I passed by the locker rooms, where there was already signs of the Rams takeover.

I headed out twice, the first time wasn’t as busy.  But there were a few people already out, but by the time it was noon, there were plenty of people ready for the Rams to be in town.  Tailgating and excited to see the NFL finally in Los Angeles.

Anthony Alvarez stands outside with an aluminum sign he made to welcome the Rams home.

Some tailgating outside, with this custom Rams table.

Mike Alvarado prepares food before the game.

And some old St. Louis jersey on fans walking outside of the stadium.

After all the pregame things were put in, we were ready to cover the actual game and more of the fans excited about the NFL in LA.  Here we have some “Melon Heads” cheering for their new hometown team.

Welcome home.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Paul McRoberts walking out to the field, ready for kickoff.

Although Tony Romo wouldn’t be playing this game, I had to get a few shots of him.  Who knows when I will see him next. Here he is walking to the field with quarterback Jameill Showers (left) and rookie quarterback Dak Prescott.

A huddle before they take the field.  I was feeling the energy already.

And the introductions, not as crazy as what we might see during the season.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott warming up for his first preseason start.

And the opening kick, which definitely came as unexpected.

Dallas Cowboys kick returner Lucky Whitehead takes the first kick off to the house.

Dallas Cowboys kick returner Lucky Whitehead celebrates the first play of the game, a touchdown off his kick return.

I then proceeded to take a few more action shots.  I wasn’t going to shoot all the players, since we had a few other shooters here as well.  But the notable players such as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throwing below.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a pass for a touchdown defended by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Coty Sensabaugh (21).

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) scores a touchdown defended by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Coty Sensabaugh (21).

Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) runs for a touchdown ahead of Dallas Cowboys free safety J.J. Wilcox (27).

Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) celebrates after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys special teamer Andy Jones (81) attempts to tackle Los Angeles Rams punt returner Pharoh Cooper (81).

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett watches the game from he sidelines.

And of course, I had to cover the number one pick of this years draft.  Here we see Jared Goff lining up under center.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) avoids a tackle by Dallas Cowboys free safety J.J. Wilcox (27).

Los Angeles Rams defensive back Cody Davis (left) and linebacker Akeem Ayers (right) tackle Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Devin Street (center).

After most of the notables were off the field, I headed up to get an overview shot of the stadium again.  It’s weird, but in typical LA fashion a lot of the people were ready to leave at the beginning of the fourth quarter.  Still made for a shot with the Downtown skyline as the backdrop.  I usually wait for this time to get a photo, to get a balance between the lights on the field and the background.

And last but not least, there is only one first game, so I had to get a photo of both the coaches, Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (left) and Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (right) after the game.  I ended up taking a lot more photos, but these were just a few highlights.