Sports

NFL Kicks Off 2022 Season In Long Beach (Photos)

Alamitos Beach was packed with football fans excited to support their favorite teams this season.

Rachel Barnes's profile picture
Rachel Barnes, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26158341/20220908/115040/styles/patch_image/public/img-0083___08230027410.jpg
Colombian music artist J Balvin performed for the crowd of football fans at the 2022 NFL Season Kickoff event in Long Beach. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26158341/20220908/115040/styles/patch_image/public/img-0109___08230512949.jpg
King Ramirez, 9, throws a football at the Touch Pass game. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26158341/20220908/115040/styles/patch_image/public/img-0070___08230457617.jpg
Fans cheered and danced while J Balvin performed onstage. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26158341/20220908/115040/styles/patch_image/public/img-0123___08230713620.jpg
(From left to right) Martha, Robert and Roman Islas (7) watch the game to support their family team The Los Angeles Rams. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/26158341/20220908/115040/styles/patch_image/public/img-0113___08230752247.jpg
Alamitos Beach was packed with people getting ready to watch the opening game of the 2022 NFL season. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)

LONG BEACH, CA — Hundreds of football fans hit the sand in Alamitos Beach Thursday to celebrate the start of the 2022 NFL season.

Los Angeles Rams fans celebrate as the football team gets closer to the endzone in the first quarter. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)

From games to a J Balvin concert, the day was packed with fun and excitement. Fans stood in line to view the full collection of Super Bowl championship rings and some even got autographs from Former NFL players like Steven Jackson.

"I just live in Belmont Shore and I thought 'gotta go,'" Katrina Endres, who got Jackson's autograph on a dollar bill, said. "So I just put all my chores aside and said off to the beach I go."

Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Karrina Endres takes a picture with Steven Jackson, who played for the LA Rams, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.(Rachel Barnes/Patch)
Steven Jackson, former LA Rams player, signs autographs and meets fans at the 2022 NFL Kickoff event in Long Beach. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)

One of the highlights of the day was when Grammy-nominated artist J Balvin took the stage. His fans sang along as he performed many of his hits like "I Like It," "Loco Contigo" and "RITMO."

Rachel Barnes/Patch
Rachel Barnes/Patch
Rachel Barnes/Patch

Fans who didn't have tickets to the Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams game at SoFi Stadium were able to enjoy a different kind of experience while still supporting their favorite team. There was a mix of fans of different teams, but the general theme of the day was a readiness to start watching games every Sunday again.

Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Antonio Holmes plays catch before J Balvin comes on stage at the 2022 NFL Kickoff in Long Beach. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)
Fans of all ages could enjoy activities such as flag football. (Rachel Barnes/Patch)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Long Beach