Exposition Park to Receive Nearly $100M for Upgrades Ahead of World Cup, LA28 Olympics

The funding will address infrastructure repairs and improve accessibility for visitors to the historic Los Angeles park.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Exposition Park in Los Angeles is expected to receive nearly $100 million in funding for beautification and infrastructure improvements ahead of major upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The funding, which includes $97 million from the state budget and $1 million in federal funds, will go towards renovations, public safety upgrades, and other essential projects to transform the 160-acre park into a premier global destination.

Why it matters

As Los Angeles prepares to host a series of high-profile international sporting events over the next few years, the investment in Exposition Park will help ensure the city's iconic green space is equipped to handle the influx of visitors and provide a welcoming, accessible experience. The upgrades also benefit local residents by improving the safety and usability of the park for everyday recreational use.

The details

The funding will cover a range of improvements at Exposition Park, including surface and infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and accessibility upgrades. Officials say the project is expected to create over 300 jobs. In addition to the park's role in the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, it will also soon be home to new attractions like the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

  • The $97 million in state funding is proposed for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
  • The $1 million in federal funding was secured by Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove.
  • Eight World Cup games are scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in 2026.
  • Exposition Park will serve as the Olympic Park for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
  • The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is scheduled to open in September 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has proposed the $97 million in state funding for the Exposition Park upgrades in his 2026-27 budget.

Sydney Kamlager-Dove

A U.S. Representative who secured the $1 million in federal funding for the project.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who led a news conference to announce the investment in Exposition Park.

Andrea Ambriz

The General Manager of Exposition Park, who said the upgrades will transform the park into a "premier global destination."

Wade Crowfoot

The California Natural Resources Secretary, who described the planned upgrades as "essential" for improving safety and usability of the park.

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What they’re saying

“This critical funding will address long-overdue surface and infrastructure repairs that will improve safety and accessibility for all who come to the park.”

— Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senator, California's 28th District (abc7.com)

“Los Angeles is about to enter the most intensive -- and exciting -- three-year period of sporting events that any city in the world has ever experienced, and these investments will ensure that Angelenos continue to benefit from these events for decades to come.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (abc7.com)

“These valuable state and federal investments will advance our efforts to transform Exposition Park into a premier global destination.”

— Andrea Ambriz, General Manager, Exposition Park (abc7.com)

“Just as important, these upgrades also improve the safety and usability of the park for Angelenos who need it to get outdoors.”

— Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Secretary (abc7.com)

“This is a win for LA and for America, and it will benefit communities for years to come.”

— Sydney Kamlager-Dove, U.S. Representative (abc7.com)

What’s next

The $97 million in state funding for the Exposition Park upgrades is proposed in Governor Newsom's 2026-27 budget, which will need to be approved by the state legislature.

The takeaway

The nearly $100 million investment in Exposition Park is a significant commitment to ensuring Los Angeles' iconic green space is prepared to host major international events like the World Cup and Olympics, while also improving accessibility and usability for local residents. The upgrades demonstrate the city's focus on leveraging these high-profile sporting events to drive long-term benefits for the community.