L.A . City Rolls Out Massive Coordinated Preparation and Engagements Ahead of World Series and Major Events Across City
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaking during press conference Thursday. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
By Gloria Zuurveen
Editor-in-Chief
LOS ANGELES–On Thursday at City Hall, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with local leaders, held a press conference to discuss the city’s extensive preparations and coordinated efforts ahead of the upcoming World Series and other major events. However, the conference began on a somber note, as Mayor Bass paid tribute to Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away on Tuesday, October 22. Mayor Bass said, “I have to begin by acknowledging a great loss that is being mourned all across our city and actually our nation. To millions, Fernando Valenzuela was more than a baseball player. He was an icon who transcended the limits of hope and dreams. He was a world champion through and through. I know that he will be in the hearts of many here in L.A. and around the world in the coming days, and my thoughts are with his friends and family during this challenging time.”
Mayor Karen Bass and Fernando Valenzuela at a Dodger’s game. Photo courtesy Mayor Bass Twitter page.
The mayor also reflected on meeting Valenzuela on several occasions, including a few months ago when he was honored at City Hall. She shared that she had the privilege of meeting him and his family in her office. Valenzuela is being remembered as the Dodgers prepare for their first game of the World Series on Friday.
The press room was filled with reporters eager to hear Mayor Bass as she announced a series of coordinated actions aimed at ensuring Los Angeles is well-prepared to host the World Series, along with other major sporting and entertainment events throughout the weekend. While emphasizing her goal to make Los Angeles welcoming to visitors from near and far, Mayor Bass encouraged the use of public transportation to fully enjoy the city’s unique attractions, diverse culture, culinary scene, and vibrant neighborhoods that make L.A. an iconic international destination.
A reporter asking Mayor Bass a question during the press conference. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
The World Series is just the beginning of Mayor Bass’s ambitious plans as she continues critical preparations for major future events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “Ahead of the World Series tomorrow, we’re working to make sure the city is safe, traffic is minimized, and that visitors and Angelenos alike can enjoy the many attractions, culture, food, and neighborhoods that make L.A. an iconic international destination,” said Mayor Bass.
“My message is that L.A. is ready—ready to host the World Series, ready to welcome visitors from near and far, and we are ready to WIN! Go Dodgers!”
Mayor Karen Bass speaks at the podium during a press conference on Thursday regarding preparation for this weekend’s traffic due to the Dodger playing in the World Series beginning on Friday at Dodger Stadium and surrounding activities. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
ADDRESSING TRAFFIC AND STREET SAFETY
As with any large gathering, deploying traffic officers to manage car flow and improve traffic safety, LA Department of Transportation (LADOT) will deploy more than 100 white glove traffic officers to improve traffic flow at intersections near major events. Angelenos traveling to and near events are encouraged to allow extra time for travel.
Planning for Efficient and Safe Access to Venues – LADOT Special Traffic Operations (STO) has prepared traffic management plans and will deploy 28 traffic engineers to establish specialized routes including Dodger Stadium Express Lane and travel lane adjustments for efficient ingress and egress from major venues. Managing Traffic in Real-Time Traffic –The Automated Transportation Systems and Coordination (ATSAC) Center will be open and monitoring congestion at key intersections throughout Los Angeles to adjust signal timing in response to changing traffic conditions.
Coordinating with App-Based Companies For Accurate and Efficient GPS Routes – Mayor Bass’ Office of Finance, Operations and Innovations is coordinating with app-based companies to coordinate alternate routes and provide alerts about nearby major events.
Expanding Metro Rail Service – LA Metro will be running extra service on the A, B/D, and E Lines on Friday and Saturday night. More information here.
Operating the Dodger Stadium Express – The Dodger Stadium Express will start 3 hours ahead of the opening pitch and has added buses for this Friday and Saturday night. Dodger Stadium Express buses from Union Station run on demand, at least every 5-7 minutes. From Harbor Gateway, the Dodger Stadium Express will run every 20-30 minutes, depending on demand. For more information, visit: metro.net/dodgers Making Metro Safe and Clean – Public safety personnel and transit ambassadors will have an increased presence to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for riders.
WELCOMING VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND WORLD
Showcasing LA’s Cultural Landmarks and Supporting the Tourism Industry – Visitors and residents alike can explore LA’s neighborhoods to find fun places and cultural landmarks to visit – and most are free admission. Cataloged by the City Tourism Department, these gems are brought to you by the City of Los Angeles: on City property, and many are cared for and operated by our employees and departments. More information and interactive map here. Highlighting LA’s Neighborhoods – The City Tourism Department is working to provide information about restaurants, itineraries and guides for visitors coming to the World Series. Visit discoverlosangeles.com for more information. Preparing For Increased Airline Traffic – LAX is prepared to receive busier-than-usual travel beginning on Thursday, October 24, ahead of Game 1 of the World Series. For guests departing from the airport after Games 1 and 2, LAX offers practical tips including arriving early, pre-booking parking, and ordering food ahead of time using LAXOrderNow.
PROACTIVELY WORKING TO KEEP LOS ANGELES SAFE
Activating City’s Emergency Operations Center – The Mayor’s Office of Public Safety is working with the Los Angeles City Emergency Management Department to activate L.A.’s Emergency Operations Center to support the coordination of city services for successful operations during the sporting and entertainment events. Increasing LAPD Officer Visibility – The LAPD is on heightened alert and is closely monitoring the World Series games as well as other major L.A. events to keep Angelenos and visitors safe.
LAPD will strategically deploy officers and ensure their visibility to the public at locations of events but also along pedestrian corridors to and from venues. Protecting Businesses and Communities — LAPD is taking proactive strategic action to protect businesses and to ensure there are peaceful celebrations. Violence will not be tolerated. Collaborating with Local and Regional Law Enforcement Jurisdictions – In keeping with operating procedures for major events, LAPD will coordinate closely with local and regional law enforcement partners. Strategically Stationing Paramedic and Medical Support – LAFD is helping to coordinate emergency medical services with the Dodgers’s Public Safety Team.
BRINGING THE GAMES TO ALL ANGELENOS
World Series Viewing Parties – The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will host World Series Viewing Parties at four locations across Los Angeles for Game 4 on Tuesday, October 29. The City plans to continue offering watch parties for Games 5-7 if they are played. The locations include El Sereno Recreation Center, Algin Sutton Recreation Center, Ritchie Valens Recreation Center and Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex. Watch party locations will be open 4 PM – 9 PM. Providing Activities for the Next Generation of World Champions – Each Department of Recreation and Parks Watch Party site will offer entertainment, activities, and a PlayLA sports zone for youth. Many professional athletes credit similar city programs with their development.
PROVIDING SERVICES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THE WORLD SERIES
Helping and Supporting Businesses – The Mayor’s Office Business Concierge is available via email at [email protected] to connect to assistance within City departments as businesses work to benefit from the World Series. Offering Technical Assistance – The Mayor recently launched a new program ‘ProcureLA’, creating a pipeline of businesses that are ready to take on City contracts ahead of major upcoming events in the region. Through the program, businesses will receive one-on-one consultation from the City’s Business Source Centers, training and assistance with certification, proposal development, registration to procurement portals and so much more to equip small businesses for successful bidding. Equipping Businesses For Future Major Sporting Events – To continue preparing for upcoming major events, the Mayor’s office hosted the first annual Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit to help small businesses get certified, prepared, and connected in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics. More than 1,500 people attended and had access to onsite certification and networking opportunities and expert panels to tap into upcoming procurement opportunities.
LOCKING ARMS WITH GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
Locking Arms With Regional Partners – The Mayor’s Office and City Departments are working with regional partners to ensure that Angelenos and visitors from across the country feel safe and are safe, as well as ensuring effective information flow and communication ahead of the World Series.
