The Hollywood Palladium welcomed celebrities, athletes and football supporters as Sports Illustrated introduced its newest event series alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
On Friday night, June 12, Nelly headlined Sports Illustrated’s SI Beyond the Pitch LA, presented by Lenovo, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Held during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the evening welcomed football supporters from around the world, combining live music with the tournament’s energy.
Alongside a performance by TWINSICK, attendees explored interactive experiences from Lenovo, Verizon, Champion, Aéropostale and BOSS. Throughout the venue, the brands showcased activations reflecting the intersection of sport, fashion and entertainment.
Among those in attendance were Harry Jowsey, Yung Gravy, Andreina Santos, Joey Zauzig, Kristin Juszczyk, Michael Blackson, Ryan Garcia and Angel McCoughtry, joining Nelly and TWINSICK for the opening night celebration.
The Los Angeles stop marked the beginning of SI Beyond the Pitch, Sports Illustrated’s inaugural four-city event series produced by Authentic Live and Medium Rare. Created to accompany the World Cup, the initiative brings live performances and fan experiences to host cities across the United States.
Following Los Angeles, the tour continued in Dallas before arriving in Miami, where The Chainsmokers headlined the next stop at DAER Nightclub inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The final event is scheduled for July 18 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, featuring performances by 50 Cent and Diplo.
As the tournament continues across North America, SI Beyond the Pitch reflects how football’s biggest stage extends beyond the matches themselves, creating opportunities for supporters to connect through music, culture, and shared experiences.