San Pedro Prepares for Global Spotlight with World Cup and Olympics

West Harbor to host World Cup viewing parties, as port accelerates plans for 2028 Olympic sailing events

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The coastal town of San Pedro, California is scrambling to get ready for two major upcoming global events that will put the once-small fishing town in the international spotlight. West Harbor, San Pedro's new waterfront development, has been chosen as one of the official FIFA Fan Zones to host viewing parties for the final knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, San Pedro's Outer Harbor will host the sailing events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bringing huge crowds to the area. The port and developers are working quickly to prepare the venues, complete construction, and obtain all necessary permits and approvals ahead of the events.

Why it matters

These high-profile events represent a major opportunity for San Pedro to showcase itself on the global stage, but also come with significant logistical and infrastructure challenges as the town prepares to host large crowds and international media attention. The success of these events could have lasting impacts on San Pedro's economy and reputation.

The details

West Harbor, San Pedro's new waterfront development, has been chosen as one of only two official FIFA Fan Zones in the Los Angeles area to host viewing parties for the final knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup. This includes broadcasting the two semifinals, third-place match, and finals live at the venue's 6,200-seat open-air amphitheater. Additionally, San Pedro's Outer Harbor will host the sailing events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Port of Los Angeles is accelerating plans to complete a $22 million project to revamp Harbor Boulevard, as well as a $32 million parking lot project, to prepare the area for the influx of visitors.

  • West Harbor is set to have its grand opening this summer.
  • The World Cup viewing parties at West Harbor will take place July 14, 15, 18 and 19, 2026.
  • Construction on the Harbor Boulevard and parking lot projects is expected to begin in 2026, with completion in 2027 ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

The players

Alan Johnson

Chief executive of Jerico Development and director of communication and community relations for West Harbor.

Mike Galvin

Director of waterfront and commercial real estate at the Port of Los Angeles, where West Harbor is located.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first big, major thing that's going to kick us off at West Harbor.”

— Alan Johnson, Chief executive of Jerico Development and director of communication and community relations for West Harbor (dailybreeze.com)

“We're excited, but we're racing to get everything done.”

— Mike Galvin, Director of waterfront and commercial real estate at the Port of Los Angeles (dailybreeze.com)

What’s next

The Port of Los Angeles is set to put out bids for the $32 million parking lot project later this spring.

The takeaway

San Pedro is seizing a major opportunity to showcase itself on the global stage, but the town must quickly complete critical infrastructure projects and prepare its new waterfront development to successfully host the World Cup viewing parties and Olympic sailing events. The success of these high-profile events could have lasting impacts on San Pedro's economy and reputation.