U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, D-California, announced Tuesday that more than $18 million appropriated by Congress will be used to help public transit agencies in the Bay Area and Los Angeles prepare for FIFA World Cup soccer matches set to begin in June.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will receive $8.8 million that will go toward public transportation planning, operations — such as drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, customer service, or security personnel — and infrastructure improvements related to the matches.
Both senators spoke about their commitment to make the games in the state as smooth as possible.
“With thousands of people traveling for these matches, we’re working to ensure the fan experience is a resounding success as California showcases our cities to the world,” said Padilla.
“I’m proud to have helped deliver millions in federal investments for California that will ensure critical transportation and infrastructure upgrades are made ahead of the World Cup this summer,” said Schiff.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the main transit agency around Levi’s Stadium, will play a large planning role for the six matches set to kick off there.
“These investments will help ensure a seamless, secure, and successful experience for fans and our community alike,” said VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot.
Super Bowl 60 took place at Levi’s Stadium last month, after which the VTA announced record-breaking ridership that exceeded their initial estimates. The agency said their planning helped move over 30,000 people to and from the stadium and now hopes to be similarly equipped for the World Cup.
Alongside the Bay Area, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will receive $9.6 million to help prepare the Los Angeles metropolitan area for the eight matches scheduled there.