How fans can still experience World Cup fun in Los Angeles without pricey tickets

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As anticipation continues to build for the FIFA World Cup, the reality is that not everyone will be able to attend a match in person.

To help bring the excitement to the city, organizers are hosting 10 fan zone experiences across the Los Angeles area.

Not everyone can afford the steep price of tickets to go to the FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium, but the fan zones across the region will offer an option for fans to still experience the fun.

In addition to the Official FIFA Fan Festival Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from June 11-14, L.A. will host 10 other official fan zones countywide where participants can watch matches together and take part in fan activations.

"This is going to be huge for our local family businesses, our local entrepreneurs," said Lauren James, the board chair for the Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Gabriel Valley.

Eyewitness News got a sneak peek at what families can expect at one fan zone to be held in South El Monte in July.

"We want families to come together and have lots of fun," said Eric Elkaim, the creative director for Los Angeles Partyworks.

The fan event will feature games and activities, including inflatable flag photo opportunities, tabletop soccer and a game to test if you would make a good goalie.

The 10 fan zones will be held at 10 different venues spanning from Venice Beach to the Original Farmers Market at the Grove to Union Station, all showcasing different matches throughout June and July.

"This is a free opportunity to really be able to be a part of something, something bigger than our day-to-day," James said.

Officials say the goal is to make the World Cup accessible and affordable for all Angelenos.

Some of the fan zones are free, and others require a paid ticket. Either way, you have to reserve tickets online. Visit losangelesfwc26.com for more details and tickets.

The full list of 10 Los Angeles-area fan zones includes:

• The Original Farmers Market - June 18-21


• The city of Downey - June 20


• Union Station - June 25-28


• Hansen Dam Lake - July 2-5


• L.A. County's Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park - July 4-5


• Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows - July 9-11


• Venice Beach - July 10-11


• Fairplex - July 14-15, July 18-19


• West Harbor - July 14-15, July 18-19


• Downtown Burbank - July 18-19