The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Kansas City Chiefs at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 24. Kickoff between the AFC West rivals is set for 1:25p.m. PST. Just prior to kick, Charger alumnus and host of NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, will handle the ceremonial firing of the cannon. Throughout the game, the Chargers will continue their long-standing commitment to youth health and fitness by highlighting NFL Play60, a league-wide initiative focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.
Gbaja-Biamila, now host of NBC's obstacle-course competition series American Ninja Warrior, Esquire Network's spin-off Team Ninja Warrior, *and co-host of NFL Network's *NFL Fantasy Live, along with Chargers play-by-play man Matt "Money" Smith, will follow LaDainian Tomlinson in what has become a new tradition for the Los Angeles Chargers – the ceremonial firing of the cannon prior to kickoff.
To kick off Play60 week and the team's 2017 Play60 Junior Chargers Training Camp program in Los Angeles, the Chargers rookie class joined members of the Inglewood Police Department to host a camp at Inglewood's Highland Elementary School this past Tuesday. More than 100 students learned about the importance of daily physical activity and were led by the players and police representatives through a series of football drills.
On Sunday, Chargers Play60 youth ambassadors will be invited onto the field both pregame and at halftime. Additionally, members from the Agoura-Oak Park Chargers Youth Football team will get an opportunity to run through the Chargers tunnel and join players for the national anthem.
At halftime, the top local high school quarterbacks will compete in The High School Quarterback Challenge. The winner will have an opportunity to meet Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. The quarterbacks competing are:
- Matt Corral, Long Beach Poly High School; committed to the University of Florida.
- Brevin White, Paraclete High School; committed to Princeton.
- Griffin O'Connor, Edison High School; committed to Yale.
- Cooper Jones, El Toro High School
- Jaja Bellinger, Carson High School
NFL Play60 field stencils, banners and goal post wraps will also be featured at the game.
PREGAME FESTIVITIES AND IN-GAME HONORS
The national anthem will be performed by platinum Sony music recording artist Tinashe. Tinashe is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, record producer, and former model. In 2012, she released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, In Case We Die and Reverie, which she created in her home studio. After their release, Tinashe signed with RCA Records and later released her third mixtape, Black Water (2013).
Her debut single, "2 On", reached #1 on the Rhythmic airplay chart and peaked at #24 on the US Billboard Hot 100. She was nominated for a Soul Train Award in 2014 and for "Best New Artist" at the BET Awards in 2015. Prior to her recording career, Tinashe made her acting debut in the television film Cora Unashamed in 2000. In 2004, Tinashe appeared in box-office hit The Polar Express alongside actor Tom Hanks, providing the motion capture for the female protagonist. From 2008 to 2009, Tinashe had a recurring role as Celeste (Jake's girlfriend) in the American sitcom Two and a Half Men.
During the national anthem, the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County will present the colors.
Later in the afternoon, during the second timeout of the third quarter, Legalman Second Class Sidney Williams of the United States Navy will be honored by the Chargers as the Military Hero of the Week.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
The Chargers are encouraging fans to show their excitement for the start of the season and post photos using the hashtag #RepTheBolts. Fans who post photos using the #RepTheBolts on Twitter and Instagram have a chance to be featured on the official Los Angeles Chargers website, Chargers.com. Fans around the world can join the conversation about Sunday's game by using #KCvsLAC.
NEED A LYFT?
Fans will get 20% off rides to and from StubHub Center this Sunday. Enter code LYFTLACHARGERS into the 'Promos' section of your app to receive. Valid for 20% off two rides to/from StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 24 from noon - 5pm. The Lyft Lot is located at Towne Avenue Elementary School, 18924 Towne Ave, Carson, CA 90746. Lyft, the fastest growing ridesharing service in the U.S., is proud to partner with the Chargers this football season. Save the hassle of parking, and take a Lyft ride to the game.
GAMEDAY REMINDERS
Fans attending Sunday's game are reminded that only the following may be carried into NFL stadiums:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com).
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5"x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
- An exception will be made for medically needed items after proper inspection at gate entrances.
- Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
For fans driving to the game, the parking lot will open at 9:00 a.m., four hours before kickoff. Fans can follow @chargersgameday on Twitter for traffic, Trolley and parking lot updates from the stadium.
