The laid-back beauty of the Coachella Valley Invitational
“Hello from Coachella! Greatest place on Earth,” Max Bretos warmly exclaimed as I picked up my press credential. The gregarious Apple TV announcer was more excited than usual, and with good reason.
Now in its fourth iteration, the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio has quickly grown into an intriguing destination for MLS and NWSL fans eager to catch a sneak peek of their clubs preparing for the upcoming season.
Birds-eye view of the Coachella Valley Intivational (photo courtesy LA Galaxy)
Imagine taking the backdrop of one of the biggest musical festivals in the world, and dropping a preseason tournament on top of it. And while the CVI isn’t the same as watching acts like The White Stripes and Bad Bunny do their thing, it’s Coachella adjacent.
Like Coachella, you can opt for a day pass giving you access to all the games, or if you’re feeling saucy, splurge on a VIP hospitality experience and hobnob with unlimited food and drinks. Both options provide immaculate views of the pitch and exclusive access unavailable at your typical MLS stadium. You can hear the match more vividly, from crunching tackles to players barking instructions. After the final whistle, fans line the white picket fence surrounding the pitch to collect autographs and pose for photos with players, another perk of the CVI.
And there’s the world-class vibes, which you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. After walking through a lush jungle-like path and a large canopy featuring food trucks and family-friendly entertainment, the famous idyllic background appears with Patrick O’Mahoney’s iconic rainbow tower in the distance.
It’s only a matter of time before you loosen up and have a blast. (No wonder Stagecoach is here!) Resistance is futile amigos. One minute I’m in the bleachers talking tactics with my colleagues, the next we’re laughing like old friends.
At one point we spotted someone brandishing asada fries topped with shrimp. Later in the day I managed to hunt them down, and let me tell you something…they hit the spot. Certified scran. A satisfying snack to conclude a satisfying day.
Can’t go wrong with asada fries! (Vegan options are available too)
Coachella’s a vibe y’all. The only way to know for sure is to check it our yourself.