How to Have an Accessible Experience During the World Cup in Los Angeles
Los Angeles will be hosting eight matches for the World Cup starting in June. Not only will these matches be taking place at SoFi Stadium, but the city has set up 10 "Fan Zones" through different communities across the region. So even if you're not attending a match in-person, you'll have access to an immersive, fan-filled experience with live viewing, culture, and connection.
Wheel the World partnered with the City of Los Angeles to physically map SoFi Stadium, all ten official fan zones, and a selection of verified hotels and attractions. Every accessibility detail in this guide comes from real site visits and real measurements (not self-reported claims). So whether you're attending a match, catching the action at a fan zone close to home, or flying in for the full experience, here's what you actually need to know.
What's ahead?
→ Accessibility at SoFi Stadium
Going to a game? Here's what you need to know about accessibility at SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium earned an accessibility score of 4.81 out of 5 from Wheel the World's mappers, so it is very accessible. There are many designated accessible parking spaces in each section with obstacle-free routes to the entrances. Accessible drop-off zones are located at the Kareem Court and Pincay Drive entrances.
Entry is at ground level with no doors at the main approach, wide step-free paths, and smooth tile flooring across all concourses. Elevators and escalators reach every level of the stadium.
Wheelchair and companion seating is available on every level and at all price points. To find accessible tickets, toggle "show accessible tickets" on Ticketmaster when you purchase. One companion ticket is included at no additional charge through FIFA's official ticketing portal for disabled fans who need assistance.
Once you're inside, food and beverage options are spread across all levels. But keep in mind the stadium is cashless. Accessible restrooms are on Level 1, Level 3, and near the VIP area, each with 36-inch doors, grab bars, 17-inch toilet height, and 60+ inches of turning space. Family restrooms are available on every level. For guests who need a quieter space, SoFi has KultureCity certified sensory rooms, and assistive listening devices are available free of charge at any Guest Services Center – just bring a valid ID as deposit. Closed captioning runs on screens throughout.
View more photos and accessibility details for SoFi Stadium →
Can't get tickets? The fan zones have you covered
All ten official FIFA fan zones are open to the public. They're spread across LA County from the harbor in San Pedro to the foothills in Sylmar to downtown Burbank, so there's likely one near you. Each one has been physically visited and mapped by Wheel the World's team. Expand any zone below for the verified accessibility details.
A few things worth knowing before you go: fan zones are outdoor events, and conditions during June and July in LA can be warm. Most zones have accessible parking and restrooms, though the quality varies. The details below will tell you exactly what to expect at each one.
Fan zone dates at a glance:
- The Original Farmers Market – June 18-21
- City of Downey – June 20
- Heart of the City: Union Station – June 25-28
- Hansen Dam Lake – July 2-5
- LA County's Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park – July 4-5
- LA County Whittier Narrows –July 9-11
- Venice Beach – July 11
- Fairplex –July 14-15 and July 18-19
- West Harbor –July 14-15 and July 18-19
- Downtown Burbank – July 18-19
The Original Farmers Market — Midtown Los Angeles
The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax has been a Los Angeles institution since 1934. During the World Cup, it becomes a fan zone set within one of the city's most beloved gathering spots surrounded by dozens of food vendors and restaurant, shaded by the market's original wooden structures, and sitting in the middle of one of LA's most walkable neighborhoods. If you want to watch a match with good food within arm's reach, this is probably your best option in the city.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope
- West Patio: no door, 36+ inch entrance, concrete surface, 60+ inches turning space, step-free seating, tables at 28 inches with 27 inches knee clearance and 35 inches width
- Restroom: 33-inch shared area door, 34-inch stall door, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, 60+ inches turning space, automatic sensor faucet
- 7 designated accessible parking spaces
- Printed information available for hearing accessibility
City of Downey — Downey
The Downey fan zone is set up at the Stonewood Center area, about 12 miles southeast of downtown LA. It's a solid option for fans in the southeast county who want a local gathering spot without the drive into the city. The FIFA staging and activation areas are both at ground level with wide, step-free entries and flat surfaces throughout.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope throughout, accessible paths
- FIFA Staging Area: ground-level entry, no door, entrance wider than 36 inches, flat slope, accessible paths
- FIFA Activation Area: same configuration as staging area
- 2 designated accessible parking spaces with obstacle-free route to entrance
- Note: The on-site restroom is not designated as accessible. So just make sure to plan accordingly.
Heart of the City: Union Station — Downtown Los Angeles
Union Station is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Los Angeles — a 1939 Spanish Colonial Revival terminal that still functions as the city's main rail hub. The fan zone is set within and around the station, using both the historic passenger concourse and the outdoor patio spaces. It's also the most transit-accessible fan zone on the list: Metro trains and buses converge here, and the station's own accessibility infrastructure is among the best we've mapped.
The waiting room and main information booth both have automatic push-button doors and smooth tile floors. The ticket concourse FIFA fan zone area is wide open, step-free, and has 60+ inches of turning space. The passenger concourse is the same. For fans using public transit, this is the most convenient fan zone in the system.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry throughout, flat slope, accessible paths with benches (17-inch height, backrest, 59-inch length)
- Waiting Room: automatic push-button door, 36-inch width, smooth tile floor, slip-resistant
- Main Information Booth: automatic push-button door, 36-inch width, stone tile floor
- FIFA Activity Areas (Options 1 & 2): ground-level, no door, entrance wider than 36 inches, flat slope, accessible paths
- Ticket Concourse Fan Zone and Passenger Concourse: step-free, 60+ inches turning space, smooth tile floors
- South Patio: 32-inch manual door with push-pull handle
- Common Restroom: general bathroom with accessible stall, 36-inch doors, 60+ inches of turning space in stall, grab bars, 17-inch toilet height, automatic sensor faucet
- 1 designated accessible parking space — transit access via Metro is recommended
- Hearing accessibility: closed captioning and printed information available; reduced sensory areas available.
LA County's Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park — South Los Angeles
Magic Johnson Park is a 103-acre LA County park in South LA, about 10 miles from SoFi Stadium. The fan zone gives the communities closest to the stadium a local option for watching matches. Entry is at ground level, the paths are accessible, and the park is flat throughout.
One thing worth knowing: the on-site restroom was mapped as not designated for people with disabilities. The turning space inside is limited and there are no grab bars, so plan accordingly if restroom access is important for your visit.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope, accessible paths
- Benches available (17-inch height, 92-inch length) — note: no backrest
- 6 designated accessible parking spaces with obstacle-free route to entrance
- Restroom: not designated accessible — limited turning space, no grab bars. Plan ahead for longer visits.
Hansen Dam Recreational Lake — Sylmar
Hansen Dam is a 1,200-acre recreation area in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, about 25 miles from SoFi Stadium. The fan zone makes use of the lake area and the adjacent aquatic center grounds. It's a genuinely spacious outdoor setting — good for families and groups who want room to spread out.
The lake area has a gentle slope (grade 2, so slightly more noticeable than others on this list) and accessible paths. The aquatic center entry is a 170-inch-wide open gate. The parking and staging area has 18 designated accessible spaces — the most of any fan zone on this list, which matters at a large outdoor venue.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, accessible paths, benches with backrests (18-inch height, 68-inch length)
- Hansen Dam Lake: gentle slope (grade 2), accessible paths, wide step-free entry
- Hansen Dam Aquatic Center: 170-inch gate entry, remains open, concrete and grass surfaces, step-free
- Aquatic Center accessible restroom: private family/accessible bathroom, 36-inch door (outward opening), lever handle, 60+ inches turning space, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, push-button faucet
- FIFA VIP Area: ground-level entry, 45-inch fence gate, flat slope — note a small step/bump at entry, so just be aware of that
- Parking/Staging: 18 designated accessible spaces with obstacle-free route to entrance
- Hearing accessibility: closed captioning on screens.
Venice Beach — Venice
Venice Beach is Venice Beach. The boardwalk runs for miles along the Pacific, the crowd is unlike anything else in LA, and a World Cup fan zone here during a summer match day will be something. The boardwalk itself is flat and paved — easy to navigate — and the beach access points are at ground level.
The accessible restroom here is a private family/accessible bathroom with a 34-inch outward-opening door, grab bars, and a 19-inch toilet height. The turning space inside is approximately 40 inches — slightly less than the 60-inch standard, so users of larger chairs should factor that in.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope, accessible paths on the boardwalk
- Benches with backrests available (18-inch height, 85-inch length)
- Accessible restroom: private family/accessible bathroom, 34-inch door (outward opening), push-pull handle, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height — note: turning space is approximately 40 inches, slightly below the 60-inch standard
- 3 designated accessible parking spaces with obstacle-free route
Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows — South El Monte
Whittier Narrows is a large recreational area in the San Gabriel Valley, about 14 miles east of downtown LA. It's one of the larger, more open fan zone settings on the list. Ground-level entry, flat slope throughout, and a playground area that's also accessible. The FIFA parking and staging areas both have step-free ground-level entries.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope, accessible paths
- Benches available (18-inch height, 92-inch length) — note: no backrest
- Playground: ground-level, flat, accessible paths, no activity restrictions
- Common Restroom: general bathroom with accessible stall, 31-inch shared area door (push, no handle), 32-inch stall door (outward opening), grab bars, 18-inch toilet height, 60+ inches turning space in stall, push-button faucet
- FIFA Parking Space: ground-level, no door, entrance wider than 36 inches, flat
- FIFA Staging/Events Area: ground-level, no door, entrance wider than 36 inches, flat
- 1 designated accessible parking space
- Hearing accessibility: closed captioning and printed information available
West Harbor — San Pedro
West Harbor is a newly developed waterfront complex at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, about 20 miles south of downtown. It sits along the harbor with views of the main channel, and the San Pedro Fish Market — one of LA's most well-known seafood spots — is part of the complex. The fan zone here has ground-level entry, gentle slopes, and accessible paths along the waterfront.
The San Pedro Fish Market inside has a 50-inch open entrance, step-free access, and step-free seating with tables at 31 inches high and 28 inches of knee clearance. The accessible restroom has a 35-inch door, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, and 60+ inches of turning space.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope, accessible paths, benches (18-inch height, 71-inch length) — note: no backrest
- San Pedro Fish Market: 50-inch open entrance (no door), step-free throughout, ground/sand surface, step-free seating, tables at 31 inches with 28 inches knee clearance
- Common Restroom: general bathroom with accessible stall, 35-inch door (outward opening, lever handle), 60+ inches turning space, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, lever faucet
- 2 designated accessible parking spaces with obstacle-free route
- Hearing accessibility: printed information available
Fairplex — Pomona
Fairplex is the home of the LA County Fair, a massive event complex in Pomona, about 30 miles east of SoFi. The fan zone uses the expo hall facilities, which are fully step-free with smooth cement floors and 60+ inches of turning space throughout. Of all the indoor-capable fan zone settings on this list, Fairplex has the most infrastructure. It also has 150 designated accessible parking spaces — by far the most of any site we mapped.
Fairplex also has the most robust hearing accessibility of any fan zone: assistive listening devices are available with two weeks' advance notice, plus closed captioning and printed information.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry throughout, flat slope, accessible paths
- Expo Hall 7: ground-level, step-free, cement floor, 60+ inches turning space, no activity restrictions
- Expo Hall 10: ground-level, step-free, cement floor (slip-resistant), 60+ inches turning space
- Accessible shuttle on site with ramp, tie-down straps, and seatbelts for up to 2 wheelchair users
- Common Bathroom: general bathroom with accessible stall, 45-inch shared area door (push, no handle), 60+ inches turning space in shared area, push-button faucet — note: stall door is 28 inches, which is narrower than standard; users of wider chairs should be aware
- 150 designated accessible parking spaces with obstacle-free route to entrance
- Hearing accessibility: assistive listening devices available (2-week advance notice required), closed captioning, printed information.
Downtown Burbank — Burbank
Downtown Burbank is about 12 miles north of Hollywood and a short drive from Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The fan zone uses the pedestrianized San Fernando Boulevard corridor and the Burbank Town Center area. The streets are flat, wide, and well-maintained — some of the most consistently accessible outdoor street infrastructure we've measured across all ten fan zones.
Two public elevators serve the area (42-inch doors, 81-inch width, 65-inch depth, braille and raised-number buttons). The Burbank Town Center has an automatic door at 60 inches wide and a gentle ramp with handrails at the entrance. The town center restroom has an accessible stall with a 36-inch outward-opening door, grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, and 60+ inches of turning space.
Accessibility
- Ground-level entry, flat slope, accessible paths throughout
- Two public elevators: 42-inch doors, 81-inch width, 65-inch depth, braille and raised-number buttons at accessible height
- San Fernando x Magnolia intersection and San Fernando x Olive Ave intersection: ground-level, ramp available, no door, accessible paths
- Burbank Town Center: gentle ramp with handrails (grade 2), automatic door at 60 inches, smooth tile floor, 60+ inches turning space
- Town Center Restroom: general bathroom with accessible stall, 33-inch shared area door (lever handle), 36-inch stall door (outward opening, push-pull handle), grab bars, 19-inch toilet height, 60+ inches turning space in both areas, automatic sensor faucet
- City Hall Public Parking: 4 designated accessible spaces with obstacle-free route
Where to stay: accessible hotels in LA
There are 11 verified hotels across the city, but we will highlight just a few of the top ones here. Make sure to check out the full list of hotels to see detailed accessibility info for each.
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE — Downtown
The JW Marriott sits at LA LIVE in Downtown, about 8 miles from SoFi Stadium and walkable to the surrounding entertainment complex. It's the closest verified hotel to the stadium on this list. The Heart of the City fan zone at Union Station is about a 10-minute drive, or a short Metro ride on the A Line. The hotel has four on-site restaurants, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center.
Accessibility
- Entrance: Automatic doors, 62 inches wide, ground-level, step-free
- Lobby: Smooth tile floors, step-free throughout
- Elevator: 48-inch door, braille and raised-number buttons at accessible height
- Room: 60+ inches turning space, thin carpet, step-free entry, 36-inch door with lever handle
- Bed: 26 inches high but no clearance under bed. If you use a Hoyer lift, bringing or shipping bed risers in advance may be a good option.
- Bathroom: Roll-in shower with flat entry at 58 inches wide, grab bars, handheld showerhead, portable shower seat with backrest, sliding bathroom door, 36-inch bathroom door, 60+ inches turning space, smooth tile floors
- Restaurant: Designated accessible seating, step-free access, tables at 31 inches with 30 inches knee clearance
- Pool: Pool lift available
- Hearing accessibility: Assistive listening devices available
- Staff assistance: Wheelchair pushing, transfers, and mobility guidance available
- Equipment: Adaptive equipment deliveries accepted before arrival
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown by IHG — Downtown
Also on Wilshire Boulevard in Downtown, about 10 miles from SoFi and about 15 minutes by car, InterContinental Los Angeles is a great option. The Heart of the City fan zone at Union Station is under 10 minutes away. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, rooftop terrace, fitness center, and pool, all with step-free access.
Accessibility
- Entrance: Automatic doors, 61 inches wide, ground-level, step-free
- Lobby: Smooth tile floors, step-free throughout
- Elevator: 42-inch door, auditory guidance, braille and raised-number buttons at accessible height
- Room: 60+ inches turning space, thin carpet, step-free entry, 36-inch door with lever handle
- Bed: 26 inches high, 73 inches of space on side of bed. No clearance under bed, so if you use a Hoyer lift, bringing or shipping bed risers in advance may be a good option.
- Bathroom (suite): Low-entry bathtub, portable wheeled shower seat, grab bars, handheld showerhead, outward-opening 36-inch door, 60+ inches turning space
- Bathroom (accessible room): Roll-in shower with flat entry at 65 inches wide, portable shower seat with backrest, grab bars, handheld showerhead, outward-opening 36-inch door, 60+ inches turning space
- Pool: Pool lift available
- Hearing accessibility: Assistive listening devices available
- Staff assistance: Wheelchair pushing, transfers, and lifting available
- Equipment: Adaptive equipment deliveries accepted before arrival
Sofitel LA at Beverly Hills — West Hollywood
The Sofitel sits on Beverly Boulevard between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, about 18 minutes from SoFi Stadium by car. The Original Farmers Market fan zone is about a mile away, so close enough to drive in minutes or, if you're up for it, walkable. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center, and consistently gets strong reviews for staff and atmosphere.
Accessibility
- Entrance: Automatic doors, 61 inches wide, ground-level, step-free
- Lobby: Smooth tile floors, step-free throughout
- Elevator: 40-inch door, raised-number buttons at accessible height
- Room: 60+ inches turning space, thin carpet, step-free entry, 36-inch door with lever handle
- Bed: 26 inches high, 71 inches of space on side of bed. No clearance under bed, so if you use a Hoyer lift, bringing or shipping bed risers in advance may be a good option.
- Bathroom: Roll-in shower with flat entry at 60 inches wide, fixed shower seat, grab bars, handheld showerhead, outward-opening 36-inch door, 60+ inches turning space
- Pool: Pool lift available, accessible via ramp and stairlift
- Hearing accessibility: Assistive listening devices available
- Staff assistance: Wheelchair pushing, transfers, and lifting available
- Equipment: Adaptive equipment deliveries accepted before arrival
Make a trip out of it: accessible things to do in LA
Why not make a whole thing of it? LA has a range of verified attractions and things to do, from Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studio Tour, to The Natural History Museum and California Science Center. Intuit Dome in Inglewood is also verified and close to the stadium if you want to catch another live event while you're in the area.
Check out all 40 verified attractions and things to do →
Plan your World Cup experience with trusted accessibility
Find and book accessible hotels, things to do, and more in Los Angeles.
Get startedFrequently asked questions
Are the FIFA fan zones in Los Angeles free and accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes. All ten official fan zones are free to enter and have been physically mapped by Wheel the World for accessibility. Most have ground-level entries, accessible paths, and accessible restrooms. A few have limitations — Downey and Magic Johnson Park have restrooms that are not designated accessible, and Venice Beach's restroom has limited turning space. The details above cover what to expect at each one.
How accessible is SoFi Stadium for wheelchair users?
SoFi Stadium scored 4.81 out of 5 on Wheel the World's accessibility scale — one of the highest scores we've measured for any major venue. It has step-free entry, smooth tile floors, accessible restrooms on multiple levels with grab bars and 60+ inches of turning space, assistive listening devices, closed captioning, and 12 accessible parking spaces. Guest Services is step-free and staffed to assist.
Which hotels are closest to SoFi Stadium?
For verified hotels by Wheel the World, The Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles is the closest verified hotel, located near LAX about 10–15 minutes from the stadium. The JW Marriott at LA LIVE in downtown is about 8 miles away and walkable to the LA LIVE entertainment complex. For full details on all verified hotels, click here.
Do any fan zones have public transit access?
Yes. The Heart of the City fan zone at Union Station is the most transit-accessible, served by multiple Metro lines and bus routes. Downtown Burbank is served by the Metrolink and Metro B Line. For other fan zones, driving or rideshare is generally more practical.
Can I stay in my wheelchair the entire time at a World Cup match at SoFi?
Yes. SoFi Stadium has accessible seating areas and step-free access throughout. There are no areas requiring transfer from your wheelchair to attend a match. Accessible restrooms are available on multiple levels.
Comments ()