Today marked the official first day of the Los Angeles Rams’ return home for the regular season. Its “Kickoff for Charity” luncheon, benefitting the Los Angeles Rams Foundation, presented its new 2016 team for the first time.
Star Rams players, such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, and wide receiver Tavon Austin were in attendance, along with the rest of the NFL team’s final 53-man roster and 10-man practice squad – which was finalized over the weekend.
The team was introduced at downtown’s Westin Bonaventure Hotel by KCBS (Channel 2) Sports Director Jim Hill. After a special invocation by former L.A. Ram Rosey Grier, the 2016 players, coaches and staff were seated at tables throughout the hotel’s California ballroom for lunch and conversation with L.A.-area media and company sponsors.
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“All of you are, in some way, responsible for bringing us home,” said Kevin Demoff, chief operating officer for the Rams, during his remarks.
He noted several community outreach efforts of which the organization is most proud, including 800 tickets for each game donated to youth and the team’s recent “Play 60” event in Inglewood.
“In California, sports are a real connector to community,” said Steven Sugarman, chairman and chief executive of Banc of California, the official banking partner of the Rams’ foundation. “When business and community objectives align, great things can happen.”
The Rams will meet the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 12 for their first regular season game.
Media and entertainment reporter Kristin Marguerite Doidge can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kmarguerite_usc for the latest in L.A. media news.
