The city of Pasadena has confirmed that the Rose Bowl will host the men’s and women’s semifinal and final soccer matches for the 2028 Olympics. This announcement aligns with the ongoing finalization of venue allocations by LA28, the private committee organizing the event. Additionally, BMO Stadium will feature flag football and lacrosse, two of the newest Olympic sports.
Venue Adjustments to Enhance Games Experience
Los Angeles city officials and LA28 have been working to adjust venue assignments to maximize revenue and minimize risk. The L.A. City Council ad hoc committee has approved these changes, ensuring that the city can host the Games efficiently.
Key Venue Changes
- Basketball will be moved to the Intuit Dome.
- Olympic swimming will take place at SoFi Stadium, replacing USC’s campus pool plan.
- Gymnastics will move to Crypto.com Arena, offering a larger venue than The Forum.
- BMO Stadium will host flag football and lacrosse, marking their Olympic return.
- Sitting volleyball will be relocated from Pauley Pavilion to Long Beach Arena.
Financial Considerations: Balancing Costs and Benefits
The estimated budget for the 2028 Olympics stands at $7 billion, primarily funded through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and contributions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, city and state governments have agreed to act as financial backstops, with Los Angeles potentially covering up to $270 million in case of a shortfall.
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson emphasized the importance of executing the Games without burdening taxpayers, referencing the successful 1984 Olympics, which generated $250 million in profit.
Expanding Beyond Los Angeles
With 36 sports in the lineup, up from 21 in 1984, LA28 has expanded Olympic venues beyond Los Angeles to accommodate the increasing scale.
New Venue Allocations
- Sepulveda Basin will host modern pentathlon, BMX, skateboarding, and 3×3 basketball.
- Oklahoma City will host canoe slalom and softball.
- Temecula will host equestrian events.
- Shooting and para-shooting will be held at an undetermined location outside Los Angeles.
Soccer preliminaries, originally planned for BMO Stadium, will now take place in various stadiums nationwide, following recent Olympic trends.
Rose Bowl: A Historic Venue for Olympic Soccer
The Rose Bowl has a storied history in international soccer, having hosted major events such as the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final and the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final. Its selection for the 2028 Olympic soccer finals further cements its legacy in global sports.
Mayor Victor M. Gordo expressed Pasadena’s commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators:
“We are proud to welcome the world to the Rose Bowl and ensure they experience the very best of our city.”
New Olympic Sports & Unconfirmed Venues
In addition to flag football and lacrosse, other newly added sports, such as squash and cricket, are still awaiting venue assignments. Baseball and soccer finals also remain unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, LA28 projects that venue modifications will save approximately $156 million, while slightly reducing the percentage of tickets available for sale.
Preparing for the 2028 Olympics: What’s Next?
With less than four years to go, finalizing the transportation and operational logistics is the next priority for organizers. The City Council is going to vote on the updated venue plan on Friday, with the IOC executive board expected to approve it by April 9.
Los Angeles is not just hosting the world’s biggest sporting event, it is setting the stage for a historic and financially sustainable Olympics, ensuring that the city benefits long after the Games conclude.
