The Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic Games has unveiled a series of iconic venues that will showcase the region's vast landscape and cultural richness. Spanning across an expansive 80-mile stretch from Sepulveda Basin to San Clemente and reaching as far east as Pomona, these locations promise to bring the Olympic spirit directly into local communities. Among the highlights is Dodger Stadium, which will once again host baseball, reviving its legacy from previous games. Other notable events such as 3x3 basketball, modern pentathlon, beach volleyball, and surfing are set to take place in unique settings around the city, reflecting LA’s dynamic character.
Dodger Stadium, a historic landmark, will serve as the epicenter for the Olympic baseball tournament in 2028, marking a significant return after hosting it as a demonstration sport in 1984. The stadium has been a part of the Olympic narrative since its inception as an official medal sport from 1992 to 2008, and later reappeared in 2020. Discussions with Major League Baseball regarding player participation for the upcoming L.A. games are currently underway, potentially enhancing the event's prestige. This decision aligns with LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover's vision of delivering "an incredible Olympic Games" by engaging various communities throughout Southern California.
In addition to baseball, other sports have found their homes within this sprawling metropolitan area. Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy both 3x3 tournaments expanding from eight to twelve teams each and traditional matches at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Beach Volleyball moves southward to Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, while surfing takes place at Trestles Beach in San Clemente—a location significantly closer than Tahiti was during the Paris Olympics. Boxing fans can look forward to preliminary rounds held at Peacock Theater downtown before advancing to Crypto.com Arena (referred to simply as 'Arena in Downtown Los Angeles' during the games).
Further north, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia becomes the hub for equestrian competitions, while Venice Beach hosts triathlon events alongside marathon and road cycling starts. Squash makes its debut on the Universal Studios lot, adding another layer of entertainment value. Meanwhile, archery finds its setting at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, rhythmic gymnastics graces USC's Galen Center, and target shooting occurs indoors at Long Beach Convention Center.
Apart from these major announcements, there are several other intriguing venues planned. Cricket and squash make their first appearances in the Olympics, hosted respectively at a temporary structure in Pomona and within Universal City's famed studio lots. Sport climbing enthusiasts will marvel at the dramatic backdrop provided by the Pacific Ocean when competing in Long Beach's convention center parking lot.
This comprehensive venue plan not only celebrates Los Angeles but also extends beyond Southern California. Oklahoma City has been chosen to host softball and canoe slalom events, making them the lone exceptions outside the state. With all sponsor names temporarily removed during the games, focus remains firmly placed on celebrating the essence of each location rather than commercial branding.
The unveiling of these diverse and strategic venues signifies a commitment to showcasing the best that Los Angeles and surrounding areas have to offer. By integrating numerous communities through sport, the 2028 Olympics aims to create lasting memories and inspire future generations. Through careful planning and innovative approaches, LA28 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike, highlighting the region's unparalleled breadth and depth.