July 19, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Westwood’s World Cup Win

Football fans hit the Hammer Museum for weekend World Cup watching.

Saturday July 7, the FIFA World Cup headed into the quarter-finals, with Russia and Croatia facing off at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia. The 40,000-capacity stadium was filled to the brim, however not everyone could make the trip. Fortunately the Hammer Museum in Westwood had locals covered. The cultural hub on Wilshire Boulevard hosted a live screening of the game inside the Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy Studio and simultaneously in the Billy Wilder Theater.

Photos: Michael Ray.

The global event brought together more than 250 people together locally, some wearing the jerseys of their favorite team, while others were there for the love of the game.

“The Hammer is more than an art museum, we are a cultural center and community gathering place,” said Nancy Lee, Senior Manager of Public Relations at Hammer Museum. “The World Cup is a great occasion for our audience to come together to enjoy this international sporting event.”

While some fans watched the quarter-final game inside the Billy Wilder Theater, many opted to cheer, clap and laugh inside the studio. Raahi Sheth, Ankit Patel, Shawna Sheth, and Sahil Shethl were among those cheering in support of Croatia, and watched the game together.

During halftime Ankit Patel told Century City – Westwood News, “I love soccer! I love football!” Patel is an alumni of California State University, Los Angeles, and the group had found out about the event through the Hammer’s website.

Heading into the second half, the game was tied with both teams having scored one goal. Inside the studio, guests had returned with a variety of food and drink. For the special event, the Hammer hosted a cash bar, serving both beer and liquor. Domagoj Vida’s goal on Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev sent the Croatian fans into a flurry of joy and brought many to their feet in celebration.

As the final minutes of the game drew near Mário Fernandes’ goal for the Russian team brought the crowd to their feet again, tying the quarter-final game once more. Five members from each team lined up to take a one-on-one shot at the goal in penalties. It was Ivan Rakitic’s goal that made the difference for Croatia, taking the team to the semifinals.

As attendees walked out of the theater and studio, Jack was among those in high spirits; he has followed the FIFA World Cup since 1974. He was one of the 80-plus people that watched inside the game from inside the Billy Wilder Theater. “I moved to the theatre and the theatre was excellent,” he said. In addition to live broadcasts of the quarter and semifinals, the Hammer Museum will also screen the final match Sunday, July 15 at 8 a.m. For more information head to: www.hammer.ucla.edu/programs-events/2018/07/fifa-world-cup-live-broadcasts.

in News
Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...