LA to Host Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has selected Los Angeles to host the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) for the next three years. E3 is now the largest convention scheduled for 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Los Angeles. The 2009 event, which will take place June 2-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), will account for more than 33,000 room nights and more than $18 million in economic impact for Los Angeles. E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology. Changes were made from the previously held E for All expos to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees, including larger booths, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry. E3 will be open to ESA members and non-members. IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E3 since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

LACC Goes Green

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently honored the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) with certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB). LEED is a rating system for sustainable buildings. The voluntary program was designed to encourage building owners to run and operate their properties as efficiently and as economically as possible without negatively impacting the surrounding community and environment. Known for being the largest solar-generating convention center in North America, the Los Angeles Convention Center's solar panels are capable of meeting the electricity needs of an estimated 100 homes. The LACC's recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation programs also help to conserve the environment. Not to mention, the 145,000-square-foot West Hall now features a "cool roof" that can reduce surface temperature by more than 50 degrees. The reflective coating provides significant reduction in the demand for air conditioning and dramatically reduces energy usage. The facility plans to immediately work on enhancing its LEED certification by looking at thermal storage, which will significantly reduce the facility's heating, ventilation and air conditioning loads even further. Looking forward, the LACC aspires to become a zero waste facility and is committed to researching ways to add more green space.

Los Angeles International Airport Celebrates 80 Years

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is now celebrating its 80th anniversary year. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) invites the public to explore the history of LAX through the galleries at the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum that feature an array of memorabilia and classic photos of aviation pioneers and airport history. Vintage aircraft models, airline pilot and flight attendant uniforms from Pan Am, TWA and other carriers are on display, and an on-site research library that was formally dedicated earlier this year in honor of William A. Schoneberger (noted aviation historian and author) is now open. Flight Path is located in the Imperial Terminal (6661 W. Imperial Highway) and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays (admission and parking are free). The museum can be rented out for special events. Originally known as Mines Field, the LAX site has been used as a general aviation field since 1928. During World War II, it was used for military flights. Commercial airline service started in December 1946. The present terminal complex was constructed in 1961. In the early 1980s, LAX added domestic and international terminals and a second-level roadway.

New Hop-on, Hop-off Downtown Tour

Starline Tours is now offering a Downtown LA Hop-on, Hop-off tour. The London style double-decker bus tour is narrated and has 13 stops in Downtown where guests can hop-on and hop-off for a 24- or 48-hour period from the time they begin using their tickets. As part of the new service, and at no extra cost, Starline Tours will connect the Downtown LA route with the popular Hollywood Hop-on, Hop-off tour. This will make it possible for visitors to sightsee throughout LA with only one ticket. Tour buses depart Grauman's Chinese Theatre from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and pick up from hop-on, hop-off locations every half hour. Downtown service runs until 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at LA INC.'s Visitor Information Centers in Downtown and Hollywood. Group rates are available. Among the tour stops are Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street, the historic movie theaters along Broadway, the Los Angeles Central Library, STAPLES Center and the L.A. LIVE entertainment district. Riders also have the opportunity to hop-off the bus and take a tour with companies that offer more detailed tours of Downtown, such as the Los Angeles Conservancy, Red Line Tours, Esotouric Bus Adventures and Urban Shopping Adventures.

Sports Museum Opens in LA

Arguably the largest and broadest known collection of iconic sports memorabilia and collectibles in the world will be unveiled to the public on Nov. 28, 2008. Located at the corner of Main Street and Washington Boulevard in Downtown, just one Metro station south of STAPLES Center, the 32,000-square-foot Sports Museum of Los Angeles (SMLA) will house more than 10,000 pieces of memorabilia and collectibles in more than 30 galleries. The collection is valued in the millions and contains items dating back to the 19th century from football, basketball and baseball to golf, tennis and biking, among many other sports. The museum celebrates the advances of sports equipment through the centuries and the intersection of sports and pop culture. In addition to a treasure trove of Southern California sports artifacts, SMLA possesses objects that chronicle American and international sports history. What makes the museum even more unique is that the unparalleled collection belongs to just one person, the museum founder and CEO Gary Cypres. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays. Hours are extended during the summer months. Admission is $17.50 for adults; $14 for seniors and students with ID; $11 for children ages 5-12; and free for children under the age of 5. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Though food and beverage is not allowed in the museum itself, 10,000 square feet of space is available in the back that can be tented. Catering options include sports-themed favorites, such as hot dogs and hamburgers.

Root for LA

American Express® Cardmembers can help bring more trees to LA's streets. Eight cities nationwide are competing for the largest portion of the American Express $1 million tree-planting grant. Simply pay with any American Express Card when you see the ROOT FOR LA tree icon displayed at participating businesses to vote for LA through Oct. 31. The city with the most votes gets the most green (funding for trees). Million Trees LA, a project of the City of Los Angeles in affiliation with Community Partners for nonprofit administrative support, will be the beneficiary of the funds raised from this program for Los Angeles. So look for the tree, use your card and vote for Los Angeles. It's that easy to help make a difference.