The 2016 West Hollywood Sports Festival (WSF) launches tomorrow with a party at the Mondrian hotel’s Skybar.
The party, which is from 5:30 to 10 p.m., will be followed Saturday and Sunday and Monday with a variety of events on various areas of the UCLA campus. They will include tennis, basketball, soccer, dodge ball and volleyball tournaments at venues that include Pauley Pavilion, Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, Student Activity Center, Pardee Gym and the Intramural Field, all at UCLA. There also will be a Health and Wellness Expo. The competitions will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The City of West Hollywood is a co-sponsor of the event. “The WeHo Sports Festival will unite athletes from around the country to enjoy competition and camaraderie in West Hollywood,” said City Councilmember John Heilman in an announcement of the event. “The city is excited to welcome sports enthusiasts; it will be a very exciting weekend of events.”
Spectators may attend by obtaining a “guest on campus” pass for $5, which is valid for both weekend days. Registration will be provided at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus during competition events. Free shuttles will be available connecting West Hollywood and UCLA on Saturday and Sunday. Shuttles will depart from the loading zone area at West Hollywood Park, adjacent to the West Hollywood Auditorium, at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. The first departure will take place at 6:45 a.m. each weekend day and shuttles will run approximately hourly.
Spectators may purchase a $10 pass in advance ($15 at the door) to attend the Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pauley Pavilion, 301 Strathmore Place, Los Angeles. There will be a dozen 30-minute sample classes by local fitness studios, prize drawings and giveaways at each exhibitor booth, as well as discounts and promotions for participating businesses around West Hollywood.
A Saturday-night party, “Meat Rack: Off the Hook,” will be held from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Penthouse nightclub, located at 661 N. Robertson Blvd. There will be a festival closing party on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., at La Bohème, 8400 Santa Monica Blvd.
But the festival won’t have closed. On Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a tennis finals competition at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.
Last year’s inaugural West Hollywood Sports Festival brought together approximately 800 athletes from multiple local LGBT sports. This year, WSF aims at exceeding this attendance. The mission of WHSF is to create an event that unites LGBT athletes and spectators while promoting fair play, the development of active and healthy communities and equality.
More information about the 2016 West Hollywood Sports Festival as well as registration as an athlete and purchase of tickets to the sports festival, the health and wellness expo and the various bar events can be found and done online.
