MacArthur Park draws World Cup fans despite notorious reputation

MacArthur Park, often associated with drug users and the homeless, welcomed a new crowd on June 25: soccer fans.

Under Los Angeles’ “Kick It In The Park” initiative, the city converted the troubled park into a public World Cup watch party venue, defying its notorious reputation.

The California Post arrived at the park hours before the 1 p.m. kickoff and noted a remarkable transformation from just a few days prior, when the area was the site of extensive drug raids.

The park held its inaugural World Cup watch party on June 15 and has since hosted several outdoor movie nights.

By 10 a.m., city crews were busy washing down the sidewalks, although there was little other cleanup activity.

“This place is so much more safe,” remarked a woman known as Mohini, who was once homeless and now frequents MacArthur Park to meditate and interact with unhoused individuals. “I can enjoy as the kids play.”

The improved conditions have also allowed Kevin Flores to return to the field, giving him the opportunity to practice soccer at the park once more.

“I’m surprised,” he said. “Maybe two months ago, it was really dirty with homeless, but now it actually looks really nice.”

“Yeah, this area, it’s not really that good, so definitely surprised,” added Alejandro Villegas, a nearby resident.

The Post spoke to Sven, a soccer fan from Germany, who traveled to Los Angeles for the World Cup and discovered the watch parties online.

“I think it’s pretty nice,” Sven commented, expressing happiness for the locals. “When the World Cup goes, the people stay here, they will have this park cleaned up and can use it. So it’s a good idea to do that of the city.”

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The city is planning more watch parties at MacArthur Park next month for the quarterfinal matches.

Further information on scheduled viewing events can be found on the city’s website.