𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗢𝗙𝗙: 2,500 Drones Light Up Santa Monica Beach

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Thursday evening, June 11, 2026, 2,500 drones illuminated the skies above Santa Monica Beach in a spectacular drone light show celebrating the arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the opening of the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club at the Santa Monica Pier. Hundreds of spectators gathered along the beach, Pier, and surrounding areas to watch the synchronized aerial display as the drones performed a series of animated formations above the Pacific coastline. The show was produced by Pixis Drones, a leading U.S.-based drone light show company known for creating large-scale aerial displays for major brands, professional sports teams, entertainment companies, and high-profile events. The company has produced shows for organizations including the NFL, NASCAR, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., and specializes in using coordinated drone swarms to create large-scale visual storytelling in the sky. The drone show was part of an invite-only kickoff event launching the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, a temporary fan destination created in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup. The opening-night celebration featured appearances and performances by comedian Kevin Hart, rapper Snoop Dogg, DJ Pee .Wee, Disco Lines, soccer legends, and celebrity guests. Following the private launch event, the 21-and-over Pitchside Club will open to the public from June 12 through June 25. The activation will feature live World Cup match broadcasts, DJs, freestyle soccer demonstrations, interactive games, jersey customization stations, soccer-themed challenges, and special appearances tied to tournament events. The Santa Monica Pier activation is one of several World Cup-related events taking place throughout Southern California as the region hosts matches during FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers selected the iconic Santa Monica Pier as a gathering place for soccer fans from around the world during the tournament. Santa Monica Closeup documented the drone show and the crowds that gathered along Santa Monica Beach to witness the spectacle.