LOS ANGELES : City to Use Tax Money for Some World Cup Costs

City taxpayers will absorb some costs for a World Cup festival and the installation of thousands of street banners for the soccer tournament, the Los Angeles City Council decided Wednesday.

The council granted waivers that include $161,000 to $184,000 in permit fees for 3,500 to 4,000 light pole banners and discounted rent for a festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“For us to host eight of the World Cup games, including the semifinals and the finals, is a boost to the city of Los Angeles,” Council President John Ferraro said. “I think it would be a shame if we don’t do everything we can to cooperate with the World Cup.”

Officials expect the arrival of soccer fans to be a boon for the city’s flagging tourism industry. The local matches will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The quadrennial event kicks off June 17.

More than 200,000 fans also are expected to attend the 10-day SoccerFest at the Convention Center.