With an already illustrious sports heritage, Los Angeles will be propelled into full sporting force over the coming years as it welcomes the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Long established as the global capital of entertainment, the city has spent decades perfecting the art of storytelling, spectacle and cultural relevance. And, as the lines between sport and entertainment continue to blur, few destinations possess the scale, ambition and cultural influence to shape the future of sport quite like this one.Â
Home to ten professional sports teams (more than any other US city), Los Angeles’ sporting credentials include everything from sold-out arenas and sunset baseball games to celebrity-backed teams, immersive fan experiences and world-class hospitality. Starting with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Los Angeles will welcome the world’s biggest sporting events over the coming years, cementing the City of Angels as the ultimate destination for fans, athletes, celebrities and culture seekers and making it one of the most exciting destinations to experience sport.
Hollywood’s major studios (Universal, Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Sony) have called the city home for more than a century. The next chapter is happening in Inglewood, where the 300-acre state-of-the-art Hollywood Park Studios will open in 2027, alongside the brand-new YouTube Studios – bringing together traditional sports, entertainment and the creator economy on an unprecedented scale. Another example of this sports-entertainment crossover is Angel City FC, the first womens’ pro football club in LA in a decade; co-founded by Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria, it’s backed by a roster of Hollywood Stars and athletes and has become a global blueprint for the future of women’s sport.
Yet, to focus solely on the headline events would be to miss the energy transforming the city. New venues, design-led hotels, celebrated restaurants and cultural hotspots mean Los Angeles is entering a once-in-a-generation sporting golden age. These are some of the places any sports fan (or not) should know and visit on their next trip to LA.
To Do
SoFi Stadium
The world’s most expensive sporting venue, SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and quickly established itself as one of the most influential arenas in global sport. The $5.5 billion stadium resembles a futuristic spacecraft, encompassing plazas, restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces, alongside more than 260 luxury suites. SoFi Stadium is home to the American football teams Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, and has welcomed blockbuster concerts from Taylor Swift to Beyonce. The venue will also host eight matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. Watch a game and soak up the electric atmosphere, or go behind the scenes to appreciate the sheer scale of the stadium on a special behind-the-scenes tour. SoFi takes centre stage again in 2028, at LA28, where it will host the Olympic Opening Ceremony and transform into the world’s largest aquatics venue for Olympic swimming and diving competitions.
Intuit Dome
Jennifer Steinkamp’s digital artwork Swoosh lights up the exterior of Intuit Dome.
One of Los Angeles’ most exciting new arrivals, Intuit Dome has evolved from the home of the LA Clippers into a major cultural entertainment destination. The venue first made headlines with an opening performance by Bruno Mars, in summer 2024, and also showcases an impressive public art collection developed in collaboration with local artists. An NBA game is a must on any Los Angeles itinerary, and the Intuit Dome has created one of the most sophisticated technological experiences in live sport globally: facial recognition is your ticket to a reimagined experience.
Cosm
Cosm is seriously cool: part sports bar, part immersive theatre and a glimpse into the future of watching sport in America. The venue is centred around a giant LED dome and ultra-high-definition camera feeds, captured from inside the world’s most iconic sporting arenas. The experience places fans at the heart of the action of Premier League football, NFL games and other major international tournaments, offering the best seats in the house – with perspectives usually reserved for athletes and broadcasters. Located within Hollywood Park, a stone’s throw away from SoFi, Cosm opened its doors in 2024 and is fast becoming one of LA’s most talked about sporting attractions.
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in American sports, best known for its sweeping city views and spectacular sunsets. The historic ballpark offers a quintessential slice of Californian culture and, while baseball remains the main attraction, the experience is as much about soaking up the atmosphere as watching a game. Arrive early for golden hour, grab a Dodger Dog and embrace one of the city’s top sporting attractions. Go Dodgers!
STAY
The Garland
Set across seven leafy acres in North Hollywood, The Garland is one of Los Angeles’ most charming family-friendly stays. Minutes from Universal Studios and Warner Bros., this hotel combines a relaxed resort atmosphere with an impressive programme of activities – poolside movie screenings, live music and complimentary Californian wine tastings, to start. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring many of the city’s biggest attractions, including Dodger Stadium and LA’s Disneyland Park.
Dream Hollywood, by Hyatt
Dream Hollywood is conveniently located in the heart of Hollywood, just moments from the city’s iconic Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Walk of Fame, making it perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s (very good!) nightlife scene. The hotel’s rooftop pool and grill offers unbeatable views of the Hollywood Sign, alongside classic Californian dishes, cocktails and luxe poolside cabanas. By night, it transforms into one of Hollywood’s most coveted rooftop destinations known for its live DJs and party atmosphere.
EAT + DRINK
The Strand House, Manhattan Beach
Image credit: Stacey Davis
The Strand House is one of the most celebrated dining experiences on Manhattan Beach – no surprise when you see its sweeping ocean views and pair them with chef Greg Hozinsky’s seasonal Californian menu. Arrive at sunset and you’ll quickly understand why this beachfront restaurant remains a favourite with both Angelenos and visitors.
Joan’s on Third
A long-standing Los Angeles favourite, Joan’s on Third is the go-to spot for healthy daytime dining (something LA knows a thing or two about). This gourmet café is loved for its fresh salads, sandwiches and takeaway treats – and regulars know to order the Caesar salad, widely regarded as one of the best in the city.
KA’TEEN
Created by chef Wes Avila, Ka’Teen brings the Yucatan Peninsula to Hollywood; this restaurant and mezcal bar has become an icon of the city’s food scene set within 5,000 square feet of Aztec-inspired tropical gardens, complete with nightly DJ sets. It also offers complimentary non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers in your group. Â
Lead image: Los Angeles, CA USA- April 15 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers VS Washington. Shutterstock.
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