WOODLAND HILLS, CA — The tailgating lot at SoFi stadium was full of people engaging in pregame celebrations before the Los Angeles Rams took on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 9th. World Tour Rams is one of the clubs that make their presence known with multiple tents lining the edge of the lot.
World Tour Rams members pose in the tailgating area in September 2022. (Photo Credit: World Tour Rams)
Tailgating is a game-day ritual that surrounds many American sports, but it is hard to think of football without thinking of the tailgate party that spans over hours before the game starts.
It creates a sense of community and belonging where people of all backgrounds can come together. People turn a simple stadium parking lot into their own mini outdoor house by bringing memorabilia and making sure their “kitchens” and “living rooms” are ready for guests.
World Tour Rams have the setup down to a science, and they know how to make a spectacle of their area.
Chris Cevallos founded the club with his brother in 2012.
“We’re a snowball club I like to say. We started off little, as time went on, gradually we got bigger and bigger. Right now we’re just cruising. We’re going full speed,” said Cevallos.
It started when just a few friends watched the games together during the years the franchise was in St. Louis. When the team moved back to Los Angeles, Cevallos saw the club expand quickly.
“There were maybe about 25 of us, and once we moved back to L.A., 25 turned into 75, and then 75 turned into 150,” said Cevallos.
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World Tour Rams bring a DJ, food, drinks, and games for the tailgates at each home game. Everyone does their part to help out, and the good vibes are always flowing around their tents.
The style of the diehard fans around the club’s tailgate can’t be missed. (Photo Credit: World Tour Rams)
It doesn’t matter if someone only shows up once during the season or if they come out each week the team plays in Los Angeles; whoever shows up is welcomed and treated like they are part of the crew.
“It’s like an extended family. That’s the best part. You come here and everyone’s like, ‘hey!’ The energy, the music, it’s just fun, a lot of fun,” said Ian Edwards, a group member of eight years.
Cevallos works hard in the off-season to get everything organized for the upcoming season. He has to find locations that will host the club when the Los Angeles Rams play road games, and he books the DJ along with other entertainment that surprise the tailgate attendees during certain weeks.
DJ Desire is one of the club’s featured DJs who keeps the energy going. (Photo Credit: World Tour Rams)
“Just like with an NFL football team, a championship team is built in the offseason. It takes a good three, four months really to get it locked in stone,” said Cevallos “So, from when the season ends in February to when it starts in September, every month there’s something that I’m planning towards the upcoming season.”
The hard work pays off when once in a lifetime memories are made. Veronica Thomas, who’s been connected to the group since 2015 has one memory in particular that sticks out to her.
“Super Bowl 2022! We took a bus, and there was 30 of us. We all had this experience, we celebrated and we won,” said Thomas.
The party bus is transportation the club provides to ensure that members get to and from the stadium safely. (Photo Credit: World Tour Rams)
World Tour Rams put on quite the party, but they work to make it as much of a family atmosphere as possible.
“The World Tour Rams is a family orientated, well-run club,” said Sean Lee O’Neal, who’s been with them for at least five seasons.
The club identifies themselves by flying flags over a few of their tents so people can easily find them. They’re a hard club to miss, especially when the “Whose House? Rams House” chant begins to spread throughout their area.
VIDEO
Jenilee reports on the experience tailgating with tailgating clubs
Audio
Jenilee talks about why the 2022 regular season hasn't been good for the Los Angeles Rams
By: Jenilee Borek
Contributions: Wired
Photo Credit: World Tour Rams
Video: Jenilee Borek
Audio: Jenilee Borek, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, J&D Productions, NBC Sports Edge, Pro Football Reference, ESPN, The Rams Wire | USA Today
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