Imagine a place where watching a football game combines the endless screens of a sports bar, the comfort of a movie theater, and the immersive experience of a planetarium. That’s what it’s like at Cosm, a cutting-edge sports bar near SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Opened in June, Cosm has quickly gone viral during this college football season—and for good reason.
Cosm offers more than just an array of screens; its real star is the Dome, a massive, curved display that brings fans right into the action. Watching a game here feels like you’re on the sidelines or even standing in the end zone. The Tennessee-Oklahoma game on Saturday, for example, was a prime showcase of the bar’s unique viewing experience. Robert Washington, a 53-year-old Tennessee fan, said, “It’s almost like you’re at the game… we literally feel like we’re there.”
For the Tennessee-Oklahoma game, For The Win's @MMartinelli4 went to @experiencecosm, the viral sports bar that makes you feel like you’re watching from the field. pic.twitter.com/YphlVjIcVu
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) September 25, 2024
On the surface, Cosm may seem like just another sports bar, but the Dome elevates it into an immersive experience. The screen’s sheer size and positioning make it feel like you’re watching a live event from the best seat in the house, with close-up angles of plays that make field goals and running backs seem like they’re coming straight toward you. CEO and former NFL player Jeb Terry explained that while they aren’t aiming to replace the energy of a live stadium crowd, the goal is to offer fans—especially those far from their team’s home field—a next-best experience.
Terry shared, “We want to create an experience for fans that can’t get there… Tennessee and Oklahoma fans in California can watch like they’re in Norman.” To achieve this, Cosm collaborates with major networks like ESPN and NBC Sports, delivering its own feed with multiple camera angles, some placed below the goalposts and others offering wide, sweeping views.
However, the Dome isn’t without its quirks. While the center of the screen is almost crystal clear, images around the curved edges can become a bit distorted, and some fans commented that the resolution could be sharper. Still, for most, the unique experience outweighs these minor issues.
The price of admission is higher than your typical sports bar outing. General admission to the Dome starts at $22, while reserved seating can range from $77 and up, depending on the event. Despite the cost, many fans who initially bought cheaper tickets said they’d be willing to splurge for a more premium experience next time, complete with table service.
For some fans, like 31-year-old Scotty McClure from Nashville, Cosm offers a hybrid experience that combines the comfort of watching a game from home with the thrill of a live event. “It’s like a mini version of the Sphere in Vegas,” McClure noted.
Ultimately, Cosm is carving out a niche in the sports world—not as a replacement for live games or home viewing, but as a high-tech alternative for those who want something more immersive. With another location in Dallas and one under construction in Atlanta, the bar aims to complement the traditional sports-watching experience, not compete with it. Terry emphasized, “We’re really not cannibalizing anything here; we’re trying to be a net positive in the sports ecosystem.”
For now, Cosm is a must-visit for sports fans looking to get as close to the action as possible without leaving the city. Whether you’re a casual viewer or die-hard supporter, the experience offers something for everyone.
