Walking through the gates of Dignity Health Sports Park for the first time, I felt that familiar buzz of anticipation—the kind that only a truly versatile venue can evoke. Nestled in Carson, California, this 125-acre complex isn’t just another stadium; it’s a living, breathing hub where elite athletes and everyday visitors alike come to celebrate milestones, push limits, and embrace moments of triumph. Over the years, I’ve attended everything from Major League Soccer clashes to open-air concerts here, and what strikes me most is how the space honors the spirit of those who grace its grounds. There’s a palpable sense of respect for the dedication behind each event—the early morning training sessions, the late-night rehearsals, the sheer hard work that goes unnoticed by most. It reminds me of a sentiment I once heard, something along the lines of, “Let them have their swag; they’ve earned it through sacrifice.” And honestly, that ethos permeates every corner of this park.

Let’s talk about the facilities, because they’re what set this place apart. The main stadium seats roughly 27,000 people, but it never feels overwhelmingly massive. Instead, it balances grandeur with intimacy, whether you’re watching the LA Galaxy dominate the pitch or screaming along to a pop superstar’s encore. I’ve always appreciated the sightlines—no matter where I’ve sat, I’ve had a clear view of the action, which isn’t something I can say for every venue I’ve visited. Beyond the stadium, there are multiple training fields, a tennis stadium that hosts the annual Oracle Challenger Series, and even a velodrome for cycling enthusiasts. I once spent an afternoon exploring the sprawling complex and stumbled upon a youth soccer tournament. Watching those kids pour their hearts out under the California sun, I couldn’t help but think how this park nurtures dreams at every level. It’s not just about the professionals; it’s about the community that gathers here, the families cheering from the sidelines, the aspiring athletes who see the venue as a symbol of what’s possible.

When it comes to events, Dignity Health Sports Park delivers an astonishing variety. I’ve lost count of the concerts I’ve attended here—around 15, if I had to guess—and each one has left me with lasting memories. From rock legends like The Rolling Stones to modern icons like Beyoncé, the sound quality and production values are consistently top-notch. But it’s the smaller, more personal events that often stand out. I recall a charity run last spring where thousands of participants, from seasoned marathoners to first-timers, crossed the finish line with tears and smiles. That’s the thing about this place: it celebrates effort in all its forms. And yes, the “swag”—the jerseys, the medals, the post-event festivities—feels deserved. These participants, these performers, these athletes, they’ve put in the work day in and day out, and the park gives them a stage to shine. It’s a reminder that celebration isn’t frivolous; it’s a necessary part of the journey.

Logistically, the park is a dream for visitors. With over 10,000 parking spots spread across multiple lots, I’ve rarely struggled to find a space, though I’d recommend arriving early for high-profile events. The food and beverage options have improved dramatically over the years, moving beyond typical stadium fare to include local food trucks and craft beer stands. On a personal note, I’m a sucker for the Korean BBQ tacos from one of the rotating vendors—they’re a game-changer during halftime. Accessibility is another strong suit; the venue offers ample accommodations for guests with disabilities, and the staff are consistently friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve chatted with security guards who’ve worked here for decades, and their stories add a layer of warmth to the experience. They’ve seen it all, from nail-biting playoff games to tearful proposals in the stands, and they treat every visitor like part of the family.

Of course, no venue is perfect. I’ve noticed that traffic can bottleneck on major event days, and the Wi-Fi—while functional—isn’t always reliable during sold-out shows. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme. What keeps me coming back is the atmosphere, that intangible energy that makes every visit feel special. I’ve seen fans from opposing teams share laughs over a beer, couples dancing under the stars during a concert, and kids wide-eyed as they meet their sports heroes. It’s a place where hard work meets celebration, where sacrifice is honored with roaring applause and flashing lights. In my view, Dignity Health Sports Park isn’t just a venue; it’s a testament to the idea that everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a casual concertgoer, you’ll find something to love here—and you’ll leave understanding why this park has become such an iconic part of Southern California’s cultural landscape.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.