As Los Angeles hosts six major events at stadiums and venues across the city on Friday evening, including Game 1 of the World Series, city leaders announced plans Thursday for improved security and traffic control.
Mayor Karen Bass convened the cluster of events Friday and Saturday to train for what lies ahead with the upcoming 2026 World Cup events and the 2028 Olympics.
“Our message is that LA is ready. Ready to host the World Series, ready to welcome visitors from far and wide, and most importantly, ready to win,” Bass said during a press conference Thursday.
Bass explained that the city’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated to a Level 3 to coordinate during the events as the Los Angeles Police Department strategically deploys officers and increases visibility at various locations, while the city’s fire department paramedics and medical personnel must be stationed strategically to be ready.
LAPD is also taking proactive steps to ensure the celebrations are peaceful. Because traffic is a major problem, the Ministry of Transport deploys more than 100 white-gloved traffic officers to guide drivers. The city also partners with app-based companies to provide accurate and efficient real-time GPS routes.
LA Metro will run additional service on the A, B, D and E lines both Friday and Saturday evenings as LAX prepares for heavier-than-normal traffic.
Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins said Metro is offering more rides on its Dodger Stadium Express, free with a Dodgers ticket.
“A normal Dodgers game would have 10 Shuttle Dodgers Expresses traveling. We double it for the World Series, traveling to the games and then leaving the games,” Wiggins said.
She also said the Dodger Stadium Express has been renamed Line 34 in honor of the late Fernando Valenzuela.
LAPD Interim Chief Dominic Choi said there will be an increased presence around the stadium and surrounding communities, and officers will conduct additional patrols.
Friday Night Events in Los Angeles:
- Dodger Stadium hosts Game 1 of the World Series, Yankees vs. Dodgers, 5:08 p.m
- Crypto.com Arena hosts Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m
- LA Coliseum, Rutgers vs. USC, 8 p.m
- Kia Forum hosts Jeff Lynne’s ELO, The Over and Out Tour, 8 p.m
- Intuit Dome presents David Gilmour, 7:30 p.m
- SoFi Stadium hosts East LA Classic, Garfield High School vs. Roosevelt High School, 6 p.m
