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Country Fan Guides: New Zealand in Culver City (Pilot)

Kia ora! New Zealand is transforming Culver City’s Ivy Station into a vibrant fan village with performances, meet-and-greets, and live match screenings. Here’s your playbook for joining the whānau.

Kiwi fan essentials#

• Entry is free; RSVP opens 60 days before the Games. Limited VIP experiences will be ticketed.
• Bring valid ID. Alcohol service follows California law (21+).
• Arrive early on medal nights—capacity is capped and line-ups form quickly.
• Download the fan app for push alerts on schedule changes and autograph sessions.

Daily programming highlights#

• Morning: Coffee cart serving flat whites, kids’ rugby drills, and panel talks about high-performance sport.
• Afternoon: Live screenings of Olympic events, kapa haka and poi workshops, and Te Reo Māori language mini-classes.
• Evening: Athlete Q&As, DJ sets, and tie-ins with local craft breweries.
• Merch hub: Exclusive NZOC apparel, pin trading, and collaborative art wall.

Check the weekly schedule posted at the entrance or follow @NZTeam on social.

Where to stay#

• Walkable hotels: The Shay (steps from Ivy Station), Palihotel Culver City, and Courtyard Culver City.
• Budget picks: Boutique motels along Washington Boulevard or shared suites near the Culver City Metro stop.
• Pair with itineraries in our Culver City day plan to fill non-hospitality hours.

Eats and drinks nearby#

• Citizen Public Market: Grab Kiwi-inspired collabs from Go Go Bird (fried chicken) or Burritos La Palma.
• JOAN’s on Third and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream for sweet treats between sessions.
• Margot (rooftop) or Seventy7 Lounge for celebratory toasts after medal hauls.

Getting there#

• Metro: E Line to Culver City Station (Ivy Station exit). Transfer to the K Line for SoFi Stadium events afterward.
• Rideshare: Designated drop-off at Venice Blvd & National Blvd—use our rideshare guide for directions.
• Bike: Ivy Station offers secured bike parking and Metro Bike Share docks.

FAQs#

Q: Is the hospitality house family-friendly?
A: Yes. The daytime schedule caters to families with arts-and-crafts corners, kid-friendly performances, and stroller parking.

Q: Do I need to be a New Zealand citizen to enter?
A: No—everyone is welcome. Some athlete meet-and-greet sessions prioritize Kiwi passport holders, so bring your ID if applicable.