Rams play homecoming game in preseason opener with Cowboys

Crew members paint the endzone with the Rams lettering at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are about to make their return to Los Angeles a reality in what might be called their homecoming game. Technically, Saturday's game with the Dallas Cowboys is just a preseason opener at a temporary home for a relocating team that hasn't made the playoffs in 11 years. But that temporary home is also the team???s traditional home, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where they'll play as the host team for the first time in 36 years, giving the day huge symbolic importance for fans. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

By Associated Press August 12, 2016 4 min read

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) – Technically, the Los Angeles Rams’ game Saturday with the Dallas Cowboys is just a preseason opener at a temporary home for a relocating team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 11 years.

But that temporary home is also the team’s traditional home, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where they’ll play as the host team for the first time in 36 years, giving the day huge sentimental and symbolic importance for fans.

“I’m really ecstatic to see my team back on the field in LA,” said longtime fan and local native Dan Salcedo.

For now fans have to watch a rebuilding Rams team, though with reasons for excitement including explosive young running back Todd Gurley and No. 1 overall draft pick quarterback Jared Goff, who for now will back up starter Case Keenum.

The young players have been getting the Hollywood treatment already.