The United States’ World Cup debut drew attention for more than just its dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. While Christian Pulisic’s performance impressed viewers, much of the conversation also focused on the extraordinary Los Angeles stadium that hosted the match. The arena, among the most expensive ever built at a cost of $5 billion, was designed not only for sports but as a massive entertainment venue capable of dazzling spectators even when the game itself is not the main attraction.
A key feature of the stadium is its “Infinity Screen,” a double-sided 4K display covering 6,500 square meters with 80 million pixels, making it the largest of its kind in the world. Shaped like a ring, it is designed so every fan has a clear view. The sound system includes 260 speakers that make concerts and events feel immersive from anywhere in the venue. The translucent roof is covered with programmable LEDs and can also function as a giant screen visible from the sky, including for passengers arriving or departing from Los Angeles International Airport, several kilometers away. Ventilation panels in the roof open to reduce the intense summer heat.
Inside and around the stands, more screens enhance the atmosphere by displaying team colors or advertising. Along the pitch, premium hospitality suites serve champagne to elite guests, while other visitors have access to bars, restaurants, and social spaces throughout the stadium. The idea is to ensure there is always something to see, even if the match is dull.
The stadium belongs to billionaire Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams. Opened in 2020, it was built to host major sporting events, concerts, and cultural spectacles. It has already staged the 2022 Super Bowl, which the Rams won before more than 100,000 fans thanks to expandable seating. Outside FIFA tournaments, when corporate naming rights are restricted, it is known as SoFi Stadium. It has also hosted major events such as WrestleMania and concerts by artists including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and BTS. It is now considered the highest-grossing live-event stadium in the world.
The surrounding Hollywood Park complex turns the site into a full entertainment district. Covering 1.2 million square meters, it includes the YouTube Theater, a casino, luxury apartments, restaurants, shops, parks, trails, an artificial waterfall, and a film production studio that will serve as the International Broadcast Center for the 2028 Olympics. The stadium is just the centerpiece of a larger entertainment city.
The article contrasts this modern approach with traditional football cathedrals such as Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro and La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, where the match itself is the only real show. In Los Angeles, the stadium was built to challenge that idea. According to architect Lance Evans, the goal was to create an experience that works equally well for passionate fans and occasional visitors.
The World Cup will return to the stadium seven more times, including an Iran vs. New Zealand match on Monday, June 15. In total, the venue will host eight World Cup games: five group-stage matches, two round-of-16 games, and one quarterfinal.
