LAFC has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019. LAFC tops the Live Events category of the list. Since its inception, LAFC has been defined by its creative approach to technology, partnerships and sustainability. The club joins only a handful of sports organizations to have earned this prestigious recognition.
The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world.
“It is a true honor to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most Innovative Companies in the world,” LAFC President and Co-Owner Tom Penn said. “From the beginning, we focused on taking chances and building an organization obsessed with what is new and next and forward. Thanks to our fans, Supporters and the 3252, there is nothing like experiencing an LAFC match at Banc of California Stadium.”
Fast Company has had the Live Events category since 2015, and LAFC is the first professional sports team to be recognized in that specialty. Previous companies recognized as the top ranking in the Live Events category are Populous (2018), WME-IMG (2017), Periscope (2016) and WeWork (2015).
LAFC has quickly established itself as a force in the Los Angeles sports landscape, selling-out every MLS game at the state-of-the art, 22,000 seat Banc of California Stadium. Overall, 452,864 fans enjoyed games at the new stadium in The Heart of Los Angeles, which provided a unique and special atmosphere unlike anything in North American sports.
Additionally, LAFC helped redefine how a professional sports club interacts with its community, as Banc of California Stadium includes 125,000 square feet of publicly accessible plazas and open space. The club used local workers in both the construction and operation of its new South Los Angeles home and has made millions in investments aimed at impacting the South Los Angeles community.
LAFC has also worked hard to set new standards for environmental stewardship. Its new stadium is LEED Silver certified, transit friendly and includes parking infrastructure that is equipped to handle up to 20 percent electric vehicle. The club partnered with Metro for a first-of-its-kind activation to distribute LAFC branded Metro cards throughout Los Angeles, making it possible for fans to take public transportation to games. LAFC’s television deal was a first of its kind in North American professional sports – a deal with YouTube to provide exclusive live coverage to the streaming service.
This year, Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. They also judged nominations received through their application process.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online at https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27th. The hashtag is #fcmostinnovative.
