Tickets to watch the U.S. team triumph over Paraguay with a 4-1 win at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood were costly. Instead, around nine miles north, fans like Jose Santiago and Ivan Gonzalez found a budget-friendly option. Each paid $10 to view the match on large screens during Day 2 of the Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum.
Santiago, from Fullerton, shared, “We bought these tickets at the last minute, not knowing what to expect. And so far, we’ve been blown away. We definitely want to come back.” Ivan Gonzalez, from Yorba Linda, echoed these sentiments, “It’s dope. You feel it. You feel the game. You feel the atmosphere. It’s fun. Everyone’s into it right now.”
The festival included various amenities: food and drink options, pop-up tents from brands like Galaxy and LAFC, and an on-field experience at USC’s football home. Santiago expressed his excitement, “It makes you still feel like you’re a part of it. It still makes you feel like you’re at the stadium, because we’re all watching the game.”
Despite high ticket prices at SoFi Stadium, Santiago and Gonzalez appreciated their economical night in the City of Angels, as did Charlotte Cabeca, a 37-year-old from downtown L.A. Though her primary support is for Colombia and other South American teams, she valued the camaraderie at a reasonable rate.
“It’s so fun,” Cabeca laughed, as “USA” chants resonated. “It’s kid-friendly and family-oriented. It’s not as hectic as I had anticipated.”
Cabeca plans to attend more fan events throughout the tournament, embracing the local engagement. “I love that the city is coming together. I feel the unity. Even these fanfests bring us together. It brings all of us together as a country,” she remarked.
While the night offered smiles and affordability, some fans wish FIFA and the U.S. could make the World Cup more accessible by lowering costs. Kunal Mehrotra, a 25-year-old fan from Koreatown, expressed disappointment, “Without the fans, it isn’t really a World Cup. It shows that the U.S. is in it for the money and not at all for the football, which is disappointing.” Monica Unzueta, a Maywood resident and fan of Mexico and Spain, agreed, noting the need for free events.
For fans not attending live matches, nights like Friday at the Coliseum provide a favorable alternative. Tyler David, a 24-year-old from Tampa, Fla., found his experience remarkable. “Beyond belief,” David commented, appreciating the cultural mix and the exhilarating environment.
David remarked on the wonderful win, “Dude, absolutely magnificent,” impressed by the 3-0 lead by halftime. He praised players like Christian Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino, enjoying the game in L.A. “It’s getting me fired up; the fan base, the environment, the atmosphere — through the roof.”
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