Santa Monica Brew Works has unveiled an 11.5-foot outdoor jumbotron in its beer garden, a custom-engineered installation the brewery says will transform the space into one of the Westside's premier destinations for live sports, outdoor movies and community events.
The new LED video wall, which went live April 2, measures 11.5 feet wide by 6.6 feet tall and features 2.9-pixel pitch resolution and 5,000 nits of brightness — enough to deliver sharp, full-color images in direct Southern California sunlight. Mounted on a hydraulic lift system, the screen can extend more than 15 feet into the air, offering unobstructed sightlines from across the open-air beer garden at the brewery's Colorado Avenue location.
"We've always believed Santa Monica Brew Works should be more than just a place to grab a beer — it's where the community comes together," said Scott Francis, co-founder, president and CEO. "This jumbotron takes that experience to the next level. Whether you're here for a major match, a hometown game, or a movie night — it will feel electric."
The screen, which previously appeared at San Diego State University, is composed of 14 individual LED panels. While the display itself can be assembled in a matter of hours, the installation required a more inventive approach. A team led by Avery Colomb and Steve Rogers repurposed a former beer can elevator into a frame system, which was then mounted to the hydraulic lift to achieve the elevated height and flexibility the space required.
The timing of the installation is no coincidence. Santa Monica Brew Works is positioning itself as a go-to viewing destination for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. The brewery plans to activate the screen for marquee Los Angeles matchups, select Dodgers and Lakers games, NFL and college football, and — looking further ahead — the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.
"We know people are looking for ways to gather and be together, and this investment felt like a natural extension of that," Francis said. "If this jumbotron helps turn a group chat into a real-life hang, then it's absolutely worth it."
Beyond sports, the brewery is developing a recurring outdoor movie night series, with programming details to be announced. The screen can also be reserved for private events and, when weather demands it, moved indoors.
The jumbotron adds another dimension to a venue that has built a loyal following since opening in 2014 as the first and only locally owned craft production brewery on the Westside. All beers are brewed on-site, and the taproom is paired with Emmy Squared Pizza, whose pies and pub fare have earned critical acclaim and further distinguish the brewery from the area's more conventional sports bars.
"Santa Monica Brew Works offers a unique setting that combines scale, authenticity, and community," Francis said. "Add in critically acclaimed food from Emmy Squared Pizza and recognition as one of LA's best spots for large groups, and Santa Monica Brew Works delivers a one-of-a-kind experience."
Francis said the decision to invest in the jumbotron came down to the brewery's founding philosophy.
"Our goal is to create an exceptional experience — not just a place to grab a beer, but a place where people genuinely connect," he said. "At the end of the day, we're focused on fostering a space where people can connect through shared interests — and there's no better way to do that than rooting alongside fellow fans with a beer in hand."
Santa Monica Brew Works is located at 1920 Colorado Ave. in Santa Monica. For more information, visit santamonicabrewworks.com.