Sports Illustrated Launches ‘Beyond the Pitch’ World Cup Event Series

Sports Illustrated is launching SI Beyond the Pitch, a first-ever multi-city event series staged across four World Cup host cities this summer. The premium ticketed experiences bring together world-class performers including Diplo, 50 Cent, The Chainsmokers, Nelly, and Gordo as the eyes of the world turn to the United States for soccer's biggest tournament.

Marking the brand's biggest move yet in live events, the series is produced in partnership with Medium Rare and Authentic Live. Each event surrounds notable World Cup matches, with globally recognized brand partners including Verizon, Marriott Bonvoy, BetMGM, BOSS, Velocity Black, and Champion supporting the tour. Lenovo serves as Presenting Partner, officially powering the Los Angeles and Miami markets with their cutting-edge technology.

The four-city lineup includes Los Angeles opening weekend (June 12) headlined by Nelly, Dallas during group stage matches (June 20) headlined by Gordo, Miami during group stage matches (June 26) headlined by The Chainsmokers, and New York championship weekend (July 18) headlined by 50 Cent and Diplo.

From NYC's historic Cipriani Wall Street to the iconic Hollywood Palladium, the series creates an atmosphere that only Sports Illustrated can deliver. More talent and experiences are being announced for each market, with interactive brand activations from global partners enhancing the premium experience.

The announcement builds on the recent success of SI The Party at Big Game Weekend 2026, which welcomed thousands of fans and a guest list including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Travis Scott, Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Jon Hamm, Ciara and Russell Wilson for performances by Ludacris and The Chainsmokers.

“SI has firmly established itself as the place to be on sports’ biggest weekends,” said Matt Goldstein, EVP of Authentic Live. “Whether it’s Travis Kelce and Justin Bieber or the next generation of athletes and icons, the guest list reads like a who’s who of sports and culture. That’s what we build toward every time.”

The Schedule

Los Angeles, June 12, Hollywood Palladium – Presented by Lenovo: Headlined by Nelly

SI Beyond the Pitch Los Angeles will welcome fans to the legendary Hollywood Palladium for an exclusive performance by iconic rapper Nelly, with additional surprise performances to be announced. The event serves as a central hub for the kickoff weekend of the world's biggest soccer tournament at the newly renovated Hollywood Palladium, enhanced by brand partners including Lenovo, Verizon, BOSS, Aéropostale, and Champion.

“Sports Illustrated is synonymous with the biggest moments in sports and entertainment and Lenovo is proud to help bring this VIP event series to fans this summer,” said Milo Speranzo, Chief Marketing Officer, Lenovo North America. “As guests arrive at the Los Angeles and Miami events, they will be greeted with an immersive and interactive experience powered by Lenovo technology.”

Dallas, June 20, SILO: Headlined by Gordo

SI Beyond the Pitch Dallas brings fans to SILO, one of the city's most dynamic venues, for a headline performance by Gordo. The rising house and techno producer has become a festival favorite with his high-energy sets and collaborations across the electronic music spectrum.

Miami, June 26, DAER – Presented by Lenovo: Headlined by The Chainsmokers

SI Beyond the Pitch Miami, presented by Lenovo, will welcome fans to DAER for a headline performance by The Chainsmokers, with additional talent to be announced. The party will arrive in Miami to help fans celebrate the global group stage matches. Brand partners like Lenovo, Verizon, and Nautica will help bring the heat to the city.

New York, July 18, Cipriani Wall St: Headlined by 50 Cent & Diplo

SI Beyond the Pitch New York will welcome fans to the iconic Cipriani for headline performances by 50 Cent and Diplo, closing out the series with one of the most anticipated nights of the summer. New York will bring the energy during championship weekend to redefine how fans celebrate the game. Brand partners like Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM, BOSS, Velocity Black, and Verizon will create experiences to help close out the world’s biggest tournament.

Tickets and VIP tables go on sale this Friday, May 15th at 10AM ET for all four cities. Fans can preregister now at SIBeyondThePitch.com for what promises to be Sports Illustrated's biggest live event series yet.