Friday, 29 May 2026 22:30

LA prepares for fans beyond the footy

Kickin’ it… Ana-Gabriella Garcia at IPW recently Kickin’ it… Ana-Gabriella Garcia at IPW recently

New Zealanders visiting Los Angeles in June and July for FIFA World Cup will find plenty of fun and festivity before, between or after the game – and can enjoy the occasion even if they don’t actually get into SOFI Stadium, says Ana-Gabriella Garcia of Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Bureau.

‘We’ll have multiple watch-points around the city so people can mix with other fans from New Zealand and around the world as well as the locals. It will be a great way for clients to soak up the atmosphere even if they can’t make it to the game,’ Garcia says.

She says a fan festival will operate from 11-14 June (the New Zealand-Iran match is scheduled for 15 June), focusing on local food, music, interactive experiences and cultural performances. ‘There will be Mexican food of course but also things like the classic LA hotdog.’

Garcia points out that the bureau has released a special map and explorer’s guide entitled Let’s Kick It especially for the tournament.

ProMag