Fears for LAs opening World Cup game as experts reveal how mass strike could hit USMNTs match

The USMNT’s opening World Cup game in Los Angeles could be marred by long lines, traffic chaos and fewer refreshment options as stadium workers are poised to strike, experts have warned.Unite Here Local 11, which represents nearly 2,000 SoFi Stadium employees, voted 96% in favor of authorizing industrial action on Friday as talks of a deal faltered.The planned walkout, which is expected to include cooks, concession workers and bartenders, may spoil the event for the 70,000 fans set to attend the game against Paraguay, the industry insiders said.They warned if the strike goes ahead it will also cause massive operational issues for organizers tasked with managing the huge mass of people arriving all at once.Staff have been pushing for weeks for stronger protections against ICE agents, higher wages, premium pay for events like the World Cup and safeguards against outsourcing.A high-profile hospitality expert who has catered events for stars such as Selena Gomez and Tyga told the California Post that even small staffing shortages could quickly snowball into larger operational problems.They said: “It would cause chaos.It’s a huge influx of people, and minimal or inexperienced personnel would create a major bottleneck.

Fans would likely be dealing with longer lines for food and drinks.“Keeping concession stands stocked during the busiest periods would become a huge challenge.Premium suites and hospitality areas could also see service issues, which is an expensive problem when hosting VIP guests and high-profile clients.“Dealing with crowds that size, small staffing shortages can have a major ripple effect and create bigger operational problems.”The blockbuster match marks the start of the tournament on US soil, with the first game of the entire event happening in Mexico a day earlier.Patrick Rishe, director of sports business at Washington University, said any disruption would likely be felt most in the overall fan experience rather than in the matches thems...