LA's Second-String Sports Teams
Los Angeles is full of athletes and has plenty of successful sports franchises, but it has a bad reputation as a sports town. LA loves a winner, but it seems like our population is more interested in seeing local residents grace the cover of US Weekly than Sports Illustrated -- not that it isn't possible to do both. This sort of attitude could give one the impression that we care more about celebrity than competition, but that is not entirely true. There are plenty of sports teams around Los Angeles playing not for fame and fortune, but for the love of the game and anybody doing an Annie Savoy impersonation. They may not have anybody named Kobe or Vlad, but you can still afford to watch them play (even if you're a TV writer impoverished by the strike).
Orange County Flyers
800 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831
[link]
Los Angeles Derby Dolls
Doll Factory 1910 W Temple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026
[link]
Los Angeles D-Fenders
1111 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Los Angeles D-Fenders are affiliated with the Lakers and play their games in the Staples Center before Lakers home games, so it would seem like a good way to get a … look at near-Hollywood basketball talent for sub-Bollywood ticket prices. Unfortunately, you need a Lakers ticket (or a group of 20) to gain entrance. Your nosebleed section stub will get you access to lower level seats, so at least the action is a little closer than you're used to. [link]
Chivas USA
18400 Avalon Blvd
Carson, CA 90747
Although many people don't know it, there is a soccer team in Los Angeles that doesn't employ David Beckham. That other team is Chivas USA. While they don't make many … headlines, they actually had a better season last year than the Galaxy, reaching the Western conference semifinals. That means you get just as much soccer, with half of the Xenu. [link]
Anaheim Arsenal
800 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
After Isaiah Thomas killed the CBA, the NBA has searched for ways to develop talent that isn't ready for prime time. The Arsenal play in the Anaheim Convention Center, … and being in the D-League means tickets are as cheap as $10, or $5 for kids. Since they're affiliated with such storied franchises as the Clippers and Hawks, you can be sure you're watching people who can stake claim to multiple 10-day contracts over the course of their careers. [link]
