City of Long Beach to Host LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration
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Above: The City of Long Beach is partnering with LA Galaxy, Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Metro and more to offer a series of unforgettable fan experiences, soccer activations and events across Long Beach during soccer's global summer tournament. Photo courtesy of LA Galaxy.

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is partnering with the LA Galaxy and Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLBA) to host the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, a series of events, fan experiences and cultural celebrations in Downtown Long Beach during this summer's global soccer tournament. Also partnering with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), DTLBA and more, the City will offer a wide variety of unforgettable programming and locally driven activations in neighborhoods across the city throughout the tournament. From the group stage beginning June 11 to the final on July 19, the City's community-focused programming will also highlight small businesses, community organizations and cultural partners while ensuring the economic and cultural benefits of the activations are shared across the city.

"As Southern California prepares to welcome the world, Long Beach is proud to host the official LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration — part of a multi-week, citywide fan experience that reflects who we are," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "From major Downtown programming to youth soccer clinics and park activations across our neighborhoods, we're bringing the global game to the coast in a way that uplifts local businesses, celebrates our diversity and creates shared moments for families and fans alike. This summer, the excitement of this global moment will be felt in every neighborhood and shared by every resident, and Long Beach welcomes the world to celebrate with us."

As announced today, beginning June 11, the City will partner with the LA Galaxy and DTLBA to host the LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration, a series of exciting events and experiences in Downtown Long Beach for people of all ages, including Galaxy player and alumni appearances, family-friendly fan areas and youth programming, giveaways, limited‑edition merchandise offerings and sponsor activations. The LA Galaxy Soccer Celebration will also look to feature big‑screen live FIFA World Cup 26™ match viewings with more details to come.

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Marquee event dates, daily schedules and other details will be announced at a later date. Fans interested in attending are asked to complete the Interest Form to be the first to know as details are confirmed.

"We are excited to welcome fans, residents and visitors to our vibrant, community-centered experiences right in our beautiful Downtown," said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. "These events will foster community connection through shared global excitement while showcasing the energy, diversity and culture that define our city."

"This summer, Southern California will feel like the center of the soccer universe, and we want fans to have a home for every moment," said Tom Braun, President and Chief Operating Officer for the LA Galaxy. "In Long Beach, we're bringing the excitement of the group stages to the heart of Downtown, creating inclusive, high‑energy environments where families, supporters and casual fans can come together and experience the drama of world football."

"These locally driven events will show what's possible when our community comes together around culture, sport, and shared experience," said Austin Metoyer, President and CEO of the DTLB Alliance. "With summer vibes, programming for all ages and the excitement of international competition, Downtown Long Beach will deliver an experience that is truly 'Opposite of Ordinary', bringing people together while supporting our local businesses and entertainment scene."

Following the group stage, the City will host soccer activations at local parks across the city during the knockout stage of the tournament. These events will offer residents chances to gather, connect and celebrate soccer in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. More information will be announced by the City in the coming weeks.

The City's extensive local soccer programming will also include an open streets event, providing residents opportunities to celebrate the tournament while also promoting multimodal and sustainable transportation, supporting local businesses and fostering community connection. Hosted by the City and presented by Metro, this one-day event will open streets in multiple neighborhoods across Long Beach, transforming them into safe, open areas for people to bike, walk and explore. More information about this event will be announced in the coming weeks.

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"We look forward to partnering with the City of Long Beach to provide a world-class experience for everyone taking part in the festivities during this global tournament," said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. "We urge everyone in Long Beach and across the South Bay to go Metro and enjoy this once-in-a-generation moment for our region as we cheer on some of the world's greatest athletes and teams."

As Long Beach prepares to welcome the world in the coming months, the City has also created a centralized Long Beach community soccer event and activation calendar, inviting neighborhood associations, community organizations and local businesses to create memorable moments, benefit from official City promotion and connect with other organizations hosting events throughout the tournament. Businesses and organizations interested in having their global tournament events featured on the City of Long Beach Event Calendar can visit longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC to submit their events for consideration.

With these events and experiences, the City is embracing the opportunity to contribute to the regional energy surrounding the tournament through a community-focused approach to tournament programming. This approach will bring the excitement of the global game to communities across Long Beach while providing the flexibility to partner with local organizations to incorporate youth sports programming, interactive activities, local businesses and cultural celebrations that reflect Long Beach's diversity and love of sports. This approach also allows the City to leverage partnerships to supplement City resources and maximize community benefit, while also laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration that supports youth sports development and sustained regional interest in soccer beyond 2026.

To stay updated, visit the City's summer soccer programming webpage at longbeach.gov/SoccerInTheLBC.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
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