'Star Wars' lightsaber battle draws thousands for world record

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES -- A lightsaber battle took place in downtown Los Angeles Friday night, where thousands of "Star Wars" fans gathered to set a world record.

Fans were dressed as fighters from the "Jedi" side and the "dark" side during the friendly fight which started around 9 p.m. at Pershing Square in the 500 block of Olive Street.

The record was set for the world's largest lightsaber battle over 24 hours and was aided by participating cities in San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

The light saber battle coincided with the opening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Life-long fans said being there with others who share their passion created an incredible energy.

"It's just really nice to be able to come out and just be with other people who feel the same way that you do," said Lisa Tran, a "Star Wars" fan. "You just get to be someone you don't usually get to be during your regular work week."