With arguably the most anticipated World Series in decades kicking off this week in Los Angeles, city leaders say a massive effort is underway to ensure the Fall Classic and other local events go off without a hitch.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local leaders announced a comprehensive plan on Thursday to prepare for a full slate of events beginning Friday and taking place throughout the weekend, including Game 1 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
Bass said the city is gearing up to welcome visitors while ensuring safety, minimizing traffic and highlighting its cultural landmarks.
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“We’re working to make sure the City is safe, that traffic is minimized, and that visitors and Angelenos alike are able to enjoy the many attractions, culture, food and neighborhoods that make L.A. an iconic international destination,” Bass said.
Below are some of the efforts Los Angeles and its regional partners are planning to institute in the coming days:
Traffic and safety measures
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Expanded Metro service: Extra service on the A, B/D, and E Metro lines will be available, along with increased Dodger Stadium Express buses.
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Deploying traffic officers: Over 100 LA Department of Transportation officers will manage car flow near major events.
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Specialized traffic management: LADOT’s Special Traffic Operations will implement plans for efficient access to venues, including Dodger Stadium Express lane adjustments.
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Real-time traffic monitoring: The Automated Transportation Systems and Coordination Center will manage congestion at key intersections.
Safety Efforts
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Law enforcement visibility: Los Angeles Police Department officers will be deployed at event locations and pedestrian corridors to ensure safety.
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Emergency services: The Los Angeles Fire Department is coordinating with Dodgers’ Public Safety Team for medical support.
Welcoming Visitors
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Cultural landmarks: The City Tourism Department is promoting free admission to many local cultural landmarks, and highlighting the diversity of its neighborhoods through discoverlosangeles.com
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Airline traffic: LAX expects increased traffic ahead of the World Series, with tips for early arrivals and pre-booking services for departing guests.
Supporting businesses
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Assistance for local businesses: The Mayor’s Office Business Concierge will provide resources to help businesses benefit from the influx of visitors. Additionally, the new “ProcureLA” program aims to prepare businesses for upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
The city is also hosting watch parties for Game 4 of the World Series at El Sereno Recreation Center, Algin Sutton Recreation Center, Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, and Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex. Additional watch parties will be held for Games 5-7, if needed.
Those watch party events will feature entertainment, activities and a PlayLA sports zone for kids to inspire the “next generation of world champions.”
“My message is that L.A. is ready – ready to host the World Series, ready to welcome visitors from near and far, and we are ready to win,” Bass said. “Go Dodgers!”
In addition to Game 1 of the World Series, Friday also features USC vs. Rutgers at the L.A. Coliseum, Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, and the 89th East LA Classic between James A. Garfield High School and Theodore Roosevelt High School taking place at SoFi Stadium. The Lakers will also host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
World Series, other events prompting likely traffic nightmare in L.A. on Friday
The Intuit Dome will host English singer-songwriter David Gilmour Friday, and the Kia Forum will have two nights of performances from classic rock band Electric Light Orchestra, or at least, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Friday and Saturday.
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