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Watch Parties in LA: Where to Cheer by Neighborhood

Not every ticket request wins the lottery. Luckily, Los Angeles is building a network of official fan zones and neighborhood watch parties where you can cheer alongside locals, grab limited-edition merch, and catch every medal moment on giant screens.

Watch party essentials#

• Reserve early—capacity is capped at most official fan zones.
• Bring layers for late-night medal matches and sunrise screenings.
• Use Metro or rideshare to bounce between viewing hubs. Our car-free transport guide maps every line.
• Keep your TAP card topped up so you can pivot when the energy shifts to a different neighborhood.

Downtown LA & LA Live#

• Olympic Plaza at LA Live: Daily programming with DJs, athlete appearances, and two 40-foot LED screens. Free with RSVP; premium seating starts at $25.
• Figueroa Sports Bars: Tom’s Watch Bar and Yard House extend happy hour pricing during medal sessions. Book tables for national team games.
• Transit: E Line to Pico/Chick Hearn or walk over from the free Coliseum shuttle hub.

Round out the night with ideas from our DTLA dining and nightlife guide.

Westside & Beach Zones#

• Santa Monica Pier Fan Fest: Morning yoga, live DJ sets, and simultaneous feeds from beach volleyball and gymnastics. Family-friendly and free.
• Venice Rooftops: Hotel Erwin, High Rooftop Lounge, and Winston House run reservation-only screenings with coastal breezes.
• Long Beach Waterfront: Shoreline Village lines the boardwalk with jumbo screens plus rotating global food trucks.

Pair with our Venice & Santa Monica itinerary to build a full beach day.

Koreatown & Mid-City Energy#

• The Arena KTown: Known for global soccer; expect Korean national team takeovers, early-morning breakfast sets, and $6 beer towers until 2 a.m.
• The Prince: Vintage cocktails and small plates under $20, perfect for medal ceremonies in a lounge setting.
• Metro: Ride the B/D Lines to Wilshire/Vermont; most venues are a five-minute walk.

South Bay & SoFi Adjacent#

• Hollywood Park Plaza: Outdoor amphitheater streams competitions all day with pop-up merch drops and athlete Q&As.
• Manhattan & Hermosa Bars: Grunion’s, Game Changers, and Baja Sharkeez open early for aquatics and surfing fans, offering $12 brunch specials.
• Transit tip: Use the K Line to SoFi Station, then stroll through Hollywood Park’s fan experience.

Family-forward viewing#

• Grand Park Olympic Nights: Free screenings, cooling stations, and lawn games in the heart of Downtown.
• Griffith Park Observatory Lawn: Pack a picnic (budget-friendly thanks to our Budget Olympics guide) and watch sunset medal moments.
• The Bloc LA: Outdoor living room setup with beanbags, kids’ craft stations, and free Wi-Fi if you need to work between events.

FAQs#

Q: Do official fan zones require tickets?
A: Most are free but require timed-entry reservations through the LA28 app. Premium seating and hospitality tents sell out fast—book as soon as the schedule drops.

Q: Can I bring outside food or drinks?
A: Water bottles and small snacks are generally allowed, but alcohol must be purchased on-site. Check each venue’s posted rules—LA Live and Hollywood Park scan bags at entry.