In a move that underscores Los Angeles' emergence as a global sports capital, California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has announced a staggering $100 million state investment to transform Exposition Park ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. This landmark funding will pave the way for critical infrastructure upgrades, public safety enhancements, and a complete aesthetic overhaul of the iconic 160-acre venue.
Positioning LA as the World's Stage
What this really means is that Los Angeles is doubling down on its reputation as the premier destination for international sporting events. As Reuters reports, the city is about to embark on "the most intensive - and exciting - three-year period of major sporting events that any city in the world has ever experienced." With the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, this investment ensures that Angelenos and global fans alike will enjoy a world-class experience for decades to come.
Transforming Exposition Park
The bulk of the funding, a staggering $96.5 million, will come from California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. An additional $1 million in federal appropriations was secured by Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. As NPR explains, these funds will address "long-overdue surface and infrastructure repairs" to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience.
A Sporting Mecca Takes Shape
The timing of this investment could not be better, as Exposition Park is poised to welcome a slew of high-profile events in the coming years. In addition to hosting numerous 2026 World Cup matches and serving as the Olympic Park for the 2028 Summer Games, the park will also see the long-awaited openings of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The bigger picture here is that Los Angeles is cementing its status as a global sports mecca, one that can seamlessly integrate world-class cultural attractions and cutting-edge technology.
As BBC Sport reports, this investment will "ensure that Angelenos continue to benefit from these events for decades to come." With the eyes of the world fixed on Los Angeles, the city is seizing the moment to deliver an unforgettable experience that will cement its reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events.