Industry leaders convenedthis month to assess Southern California’s rapidly evolving sports entertainment landscape. They examined how the industry continues to respond to surging demand for live experiences while navigating rising construction costs, operational complexity, and raised expectations from both fans and communities. 

Moderated by SCDF Board Member, Abbey Ehman, the panel featured Dan Barrett, President of CAA ICON; Rick Mueller, President of Live Nation San Francisco; Matt Cacciato, Los Angeles Sports Council; and Harry Schauwecker, Associate Counsel at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. 

Together, they outlined how developers are financing projects today; what goes into identifying the best locations for the entertainment venues of tomorrow; and how to ultimately deliver destinations that generate both economic return and a long term community impact for the markets they serve. 

A Growing Economic Ecosystem 

Sports and entertainment venues have evolved into powerful economic engines, increasingly driven by mixed-use development. Panelists noted that Los Angeles alone generated a $12.1 billion economic impact in 2025—a 3.5% increase from the previous year—supporting nearly 100,000 jobs.  

Cacciato supported this trajectory, noting that the regional sports industry will continue to grow as Los Angeles prepares major events, including the FIFA Cup this summer, Super Bowl 2027, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

From Venues to Year-Round Districts 

Developers are shifting away from standalone venues and building fully integrated, year-round districts. They combine residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment use to create destinations that remain active beyond event days, weekends, and seasons.  

Schauwecker leads legal and master planning efforts for major sports developments, including the Rams headquarters project in Woodland Hills. This large-scale development will feature two indoor performance venues, office space, and approximately 3,100 residential units, illustrating how projects now integrate multiple uses to drive sustained activity. 

Schauwecker’s team is drawing lessons from the success of Hollywood Park, anchored by SoFi Stadium and home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. This district includes immersive venues like the YouTube Theater, COSM, and Hollywood Park Casino, all of which help activate the site year-round, well beyond the NFL season. 

Choosing Markets in a High-Cost Environment 

As costs rise, developers take a more strategic approach to site selection.They evaluate market demand, identify gaps in existing venue supply, and align projects with community needs. They also prioritize flexibility in venue size to accommodate a wider range of events and audiences. 

In land-constrained markets like California, developers move quickly once they secure viable sites. They design projects not just as venues, but as destinations that integrate into the surrounding community and drive year-round activity.  

Projects like the proposed Midway Rising arena in San Diegoreflect this approach, targeting underserved markets while expanding mixeduse development opportunities. 

Navigating Public-Private Partnerships 

Developers are actively seeking partnerships with the public sector to bring large-scale projects to life. Public-private partnerships provide funding mechanisms, incentives, and regulatory pathways that make projects financially viable.  

However, these partnerships also introduce complexity. Developers must align with evolving political leadership while structuring agreements to reduce risk and maintain long-term stability. Strong collaboration remains essential from entitlement through operations and long after political leadership changes. 

Barrett reflected on his experience with Petco Park and the Ballpark Village in San Diego, where the project was presented to the public as “More Than a Ballpark.” By aligning the development with broader downtown revitalization goals, the project gained stronger public support and demonstrated how venues can serve as solutions to existing urban challenges.  

Looking Ahead 

Los Angeles stands at the forefront of this transformation as it prepares for the upcoming global stages. Developers must balance rising costs with disciplined execution. Partners will continue to innovate strategies to draw more fans to these arenas. 

The direction of the sports industry is clear: success derives from integrated, mixed-use ecosystems that deliver economic impact, meet community needs, and create vibrant destinations that thrive year-round.