SeeCalifornia.com

By C. MacDonald

ONLY IN LOS ANGELES- Billed as “the most entertaining day on the planet,” in an unprecedented series of events, tens of thousands of athletes, spectators and officials are coming and going from the Staples Center on Sunday, May 20, 2012  as the Amgen Tour of California cycling race ends there, followed by the LA Kings-Phoenix Coyotes NHL Western Conference Finals game, followed by the LA Clippers-San Antonio Spurs NBA Western Conference Semifinals game.

Adding to the excitement is the fact that the center’s floor has to be changed from hockey to basketball–something that one report said might take over 2 hours.

Talk about Three’s Company, when the Amgen Tour’s final race stage was scheduled (the tour has its own thousands of spectators), not too many guessed that the Kings and Clippers would be in their respective playoffs on the same day, at the same location, perhaps within minutes of each other.

The Amgen Race conclusion may occur around 11:45am, the Kings game may start around Noon, and what if it goes into overtime or overtimes? Who knows when the Clippers game will start. How would you like to be a TV executive trying to figure it out or a center employee planning different scenarios or city officials trying to help make it all work?

Life’s all about flexibility. You never really know what’s going to happen. It may teach patience. It sure as heck will be exciting. It’s unlikely to ever happen again.

Kings fans are being urged to arrive early (doors open at 9am). Special pedestrian bridges can help you get over Figueroa Street. But we advise all readers going to Downtown LA on Sunday to look at the Staples Center website (lalive.com)  advisory for all the street closures, the location of free shuttles and other valuable tips. Definitely allow yourself LOTS of extra time. Remember, no matter what, keep your sense of humor and follow the Golden Rule (treat others like you want to be treated). Hey, you’re going to be part of history. It’s something you’ll never forget!