MacArthur Park’s World Cup makeover replaces drug users with soccer fans

MacArthur Park — better known as a magnet for drug users and homeless — drew a very different crowd on June 25: soccer fans.

As part of Los Angeles’ “Kick It In The Park” initiative, the city transformed the troubled park into a public World Cup watch party despite its notorious reputation.

The California Post arrived hours before the 1 p.m. kickoff and found the park looking strikingly different from just days earlier, when the same grounds were the scene of sweeping drug raids.

The park hosted its first World Cup watch party on June 15 and has since hosted a few outdoor movie nights.

By 10 a.m., city crews were hosing down the sidewalks, though there was little other cleanup underway.

“This place is so much more safe,” said a woman who goes by Mohini, who was once homeless and now visits MacArthur Park to meditate and spend time with unhoused people. “I can enjoy as the kids play.”

The cleaner conditions have also given Kevin Flores room to get back on the field, allowing him to practice soccer at the park once again.

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

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

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

“I think it’s pretty nice,” Sven said, noting that he’s happy 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 plans to host additional watch parties at MacArthur Park next month for the quarterfinal matches.

You can find more information about scheduled viewing events by visiting the city’s website.