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SoFi Stadium stands as one of the most impressive architectural marvels in sports history and will play a major role in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This breathtaking venue in Inglewood, California offers fans a truly remarkable experience with its cutting-edge design, massive capacity, and an array of amenities that put it in a league of its own.
Soccer fans from across the globe will soon experience this stadium’s magnificence during the world’s biggest sporting event. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this crown jewel of American sports venues as it prepares to welcome the beautiful game’s grandest tournament.
SoFi Stadium Capacity and Seating
SoFi Stadium boasts an impressive standard capacity of 70,240 seats for regular events including NFL games. What makes this venue particularly suitable for major international events like the FIFA World Cup is its expandability – the stadium can accommodate up to 100,240 spectators for marquee occasions.
The seating configuration at SoFi Stadium places fans closer to the action than many other NFL venues, creating an intimate atmosphere despite its massive size. This proximity to the field generates electric energy during events, which will undoubtedly enhance the World Cup experience.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup specifically, SoFi Stadium will undergo modifications to ensure optimal viewing angles for soccer. The stadium’s innovative design includes a demountable seating system, allowing sections near the field to be reconfigured to create additional space for a regulation-size FIFA pitch.
The stadium features 260 luxury suites across various tiers, providing premium experiences for those seeking upscale accommodations during matches. These suites offer privileged vantage points, creating unmatched viewing experiences for the most discerning spectators.
Premium Seating and Suite Options
SoFi Stadium sets new benchmarks for luxury sports viewing with its extensive suite offerings. The venue features 260 luxury suites across seven distinct concepts, each providing unique experiences at various price points.
Terrace Suites & Party Suites accommodate 30-36 guests with climate-controlled environments, private balconies, and in-suite restrooms. These premium spaces offer excellent sightlines from the Terrace Level above the 300-Level seating sections, spanning each sideline.
Patio Suites sit above the 200-level club seating on two separate levels, hosting 20-26 guests with kitchenettes, bars, lounge seating, and private restrooms. These suites provide a traditional luxury box experience with exceptional views.
Google Cloud Suites (called Executive Suites for Chargers games) accommodate 18-30 guests above the 100-Level sections. These premium offerings include multiple HDTVs, comfortable seating arrangements, and in-suite restrooms.
Bungalow Suites, located at field level behind the north end zone, offer a unique perspective for 12 guests with comfortable couches and high-top barstools facing the field. Field Cabanas provide an even more exclusive field-level experience.
Perch Suites offer intimate settings for 8-12 guests in the northwest and northeast corners above the 200-Level, providing a cozy yet upscale environment for smaller groups.
Suite prices vary substantially based on event type, location, and included amenities. For standard events, pricing ranges from $8,000 for basic options to over $100,000 for premium offerings. FIFA World Cup matches will likely command premium rates due to their international significance and limited availability.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 1001 South Stadium Drive in Inglewood, California, SoFi Stadium occupies the former site of the historic Hollywood Park Racetrack. The stadium’s geographic coordinates place it at 33.953587° N latitude and -118.339630° W longitude, nestled in the heart of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
SoFi Stadium enjoys a strategic location just 4 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it exceptionally convenient for international visitors flying in for World Cup matches. This proximity to a major global transportation hub proves invaluable for a tournament drawing fans from around the world.
The stadium serves as the centerpiece of a massive 298-acre mixed-use development. This Hollywood Park complex includes retail spaces, commercial offices, residential units, a hotel with 300 rooms, and numerous green spaces covering approximately 2.5 acres divided into 25 sections.
Nearby landmarks include the iconic Kia Forum (located just 0.15 miles northwest) and the new Intuit Dome (positioned 0.2 miles southeast). These venues create a premier sports and entertainment district in Inglewood, offering additional activities for World Cup visitors.
Architectural Design and Construction
SoFi Stadium represents a triumph of modern architectural innovation. Designed by renowned firm HKS, Inc., with structural engineering by Walter P Moore Engineers and Consultants, the stadium opened in September 2020 after a four-year construction period. The reported development cost ranged between $5-6 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever constructed.
The most distinctive feature of SoFi Stadium is its classification as an indoor-outdoor facility – the NFL’s first such venue. This unique design concept allows natural airflow from the nearby Pacific Ocean to circulate throughout the stadium while still providing protection from inclement weather via its remarkable roof.
Speaking of that roof – it’s truly an engineering marvel. The translucent canopy spans 13 acres and consists of 302 ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) panels, including 46 mechanized vents that facilitate natural heat dissipation. This massive structure contains over 1,400 tons of double orthogonal grid steel and approximately 67,000 tons of support materials.
The roof receives structural support from an arching steel truss compression ring that contacts the ground at three points, supplemented by 37 earthquake-resistant columns reaching heights up to 100 feet. Critically, the entire roof structure remains seismically isolated from the stadium bowl – an essential safety feature given Los Angeles’ location in an active earthquake zone.
Due to the stadium’s proximity to LAX flight paths, height restrictions necessitated placing much of the structure below ground level. This design requirement transformed into an advantage, creating a bowl-like configuration that enhances acoustics and viewing angles throughout the venue.
Perhaps the most impressive technological feature is the oval-shaped, dual-sided video display suspended above the field. Nicknamed “The Infinity Screen,” this 4K videoboard extends 120 yards, providing crystal-clear views from every seat in the house. This display system represents the largest LED content playback system ever deployed.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations
As one of 11 U.S. stadiums selected to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SoFi Stadium will undergo several modifications to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements. During the tournament, the venue will officially operate under the name “Los Angeles Stadium” in accordance with FIFA regulations prohibiting corporate naming during international competitions.
The most significant changes involve the playing surface. FIFA mandates natural grass for all World Cup matches, meaning SoFi’s current artificial Matrix Turf will be temporarily replaced with a natural surface. Additionally, the field dimensions must meet FIFA’s international standards, necessitating expansion of the current playing area.
SoFi Stadium will host a total of eight matches during the 2026 World Cup:
- Five group stage matches (including two featuring the USA national team) on June 12, 15, 18, 21, and 25
- Two Round of 32 matches on June 28 and July 2
- One quarterfinal match on July 10
The stadium’s design anticipated these World Cup requirements from its inception. The innovative demountable seating system allows sections near the field to be removed and reconfigured, creating additional space for the expanded soccer pitch without compromising structural integrity.
These preparations highlight both the stadium’s remarkable adaptability and the foresight of its designers, who planned for World Cup soccer from the earliest stages of development.
Transportation Options
Getting to SoFi Stadium for World Cup matches will be possible through multiple convenient transportation options. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) offers several public transit services to the venue.
The SoFi Stadium Express shuttle bus service provides direct access from the Hawthorne/Lennox C Line (Green) Station. During events, these shuttles run every 7-8 minutes, beginning three hours before start time and continuing until 90 minutes after conclusion. This service offers a traffic-free alternative to driving and reduces congestion around the stadium.
Additional Metro Bus lines serving the stadium include Line 115 (Manchester Ave.), Line 117 (Century Blvd.), and Line 212 (La Brea/Prairie). These regular routes operate year-round, though they may experience delays during heavy event traffic.
For those arriving via Metrolink trains, connections from L.A. Union Station involve transferring to several Metro lines before reaching downtown Inglewood Station, where shuttle buses provide the final leg to the stadium.
Other transit options include G-Trans service linking Harbor Gateway Transit Center to SoFi Stadium and Torrance Transit Line 10X from Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center, offering additional regional accessibility.
Visitors opting to drive can find parking at various locations, including Metro’s Hawthorne/Lennox Station. Pre-paid parking costs $25 online or $30 on-site during event days. Free or discounted parking options exist at other stations along Metro’s C Line, with connections to shuttle services.
Fan Amenities and Services
SoFi Stadium prides itself on providing world-class amenities for all visitors. The concession program, directed by James Beard Award-winning chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, features four themed areas inspired by Los Angeles’ famous dining streets.
These themed concession areas include Olvera Street (Mexican cuisine), Fairfax Avenue (deli-style foods), San Vicente Boulevard (Italian options), and Sawtelle Boulevard (Japanese offerings). This diverse culinary program showcases Los Angeles’ multicultural food scene and provides options for every taste preference.
The stadium operates as a cashless venue, accepting only credit/debit cards and mobile payments. Free Wi-Fi throughout the facility ensures guests remain connected, with the robust network infrastructure supporting thousands of simultaneous connections.
Visitors should note the stadium’s strict bag policy, which restricts large bags and backpacks. The venue recommends using clear bags or small clutches to expedite security screening processes.
For accessibility, SoFi Stadium provides accommodations for persons with disabilities, including designated seating areas, ramps, elevators, and assistive listening devices. Staff members receive training to assist guests with special needs throughout their visit.
Additional amenities include numerous restroom facilities throughout the venue, first aid stations, guest services booths, and a variety of merchandise outlets selling team and event memorabilia.
SoFi Stadium Features
SoFi Stadium stands as arguably the most technologically advanced sports venue ever built. The stadium utilizes a converged network design where all network-attached devices connect to a single Cisco Catalyst-based system. This innovative approach brings together all building functionality into one unified platform.
The wireless infrastructure features approximately 2,400 access points inside the venue, making it one of the largest Wi-Fi deployments in any stadium globally. This robust network supports the thousands of concurrent connections expected during World Cup matches.
The crown jewel of SoFi’s technology is its massive oval videoboard, “The Infinity Screen.” Suspended above the field, this dual-sided 4K display extends 120 yards, enabling crystal-clear viewing from any seat. The unique design allows spectators on both sides of the stadium to view high-definition content simultaneously.
The stadium’s audio system complements this visual experience with carefully engineered acoustics that balance sound clarity with the natural crowd atmosphere essential to sporting events.
Mobile integration extends to nearly every aspect of the visitor experience. Fans can use smartphones for ticketing, concession ordering, wayfinding, and accessing event information through dedicated apps, creating a seamless digital experience.
FAQs
1. How many FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will SoFi Stadium host?
SoFi Stadium will host a total of eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches (two featuring Team USA), two Round of 32 matches, and one quarterfinal match scheduled between June 12 and July 10.
2. Will SoFi Stadium’s artificial turf be replaced for the World Cup?
Yes, FIFA requires natural grass for all World Cup matches, so SoFi Stadium’s current artificial Matrix Turf will be temporarily replaced with natural turf to meet international soccer standards and provide the playing surface preferred by professional soccer players.
3. What will SoFi Stadium be called during the 2026 World Cup?
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SoFi Stadium will be officially referred to as “Los Angeles Stadium” in accordance with FIFA regulations that prohibit corporate naming during international tournaments to avoid conflicts with official tournament sponsors.
4. How will SoFi Stadium expand its field size for soccer matches?
SoFi Stadium was designed with soccer in mind and features an innovative demountable seating system where sections near the field can be removed and reconfigured to create additional space for a regulation-size FIFA pitch without compromising structural integrity.
5. What is the capacity of SoFi Stadium for World Cup matches?
SoFi Stadium’s regular capacity is 70,240, but it can expand to approximately 100,240 for major events like the FIFA World Cup through additional temporary seating configurations, making it one of the largest venues in the tournament.
6. What transportation options will be available for attending World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium?
Visitors can use Metro’s SoFi Stadium Express shuttle from Hawthorne/Lennox Station, regular bus lines (115, 117, 212), G-Trans and Torrance Transit services, or drive and park at various nearby facilities, providing multiple convenient ways to reach the venue.
7. What dining options will be available during World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium features four themed concession areas inspired by Los Angeles’ famous dining streets, offering Mexican, deli-style, Italian, and Japanese cuisine created under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.
8. Are there luxury viewing options for FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium?
Yes, SoFi Stadium offers seven types of luxury suites ranging from intimate Perch Suites for 8-12 guests to expansive Terrace Suites accommodating up to 36 people, with prices varying based on match importance and premium amenities included.
9. How accessible is SoFi Stadium from Los Angeles International Airport?
SoFi Stadium is located approximately 4 miles east of LAX, making it extremely convenient for international visitors flying in for World Cup matches, with multiple transportation options available between the airport and stadium for quick transfers.
10. What technological features enhance the viewing experience at SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium features a massive dual-sided 4K videoboard extending 120 yards above the field, approximately 2,400 Wi-Fi access points providing free connectivity, advanced acoustics for optimal sound, and mobile integration for ticketing, concessions, and navigation.
