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2028 LA Olympics Venue Changes Could Shift Major Events, Report Finds

2028 LA Olympics Venue Changes Could Shift Major Events, Report Finds

A report recommending venue changes for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles is moving to the City Council for review and approval on Thursday. Officials say the adjustments will boost revenue and reduce financial risk for the city.

On Wednesday, the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, made up of seven members, approved amendments to the venue plan and requested an economic analysis of the proposed changes.

Council members also asked LA28, the private group overseeing the Games, to carry out an independent economic study. This report will evaluate the proposed changes, added sports, and lessons from the 2024 Paris Games. The study is due to the City Council no later than June 30.

The original venue plan was approved in 2017 when the City Council made its bid to host the 2024 Olympics. Any revisions to that plan must be approved by the city.

The updated plan was released during the summer and includes changes to key venues. Some of the proposed shifts include:

  • Moving basketball to the Intuit Dome

  • Olympic swimming to SoFi Stadium

  • Gymnastics to Crypto.com Arena

“The (Crypto.com) Arena in downtown Los Angeles offers more seats with more hospitality facilities for more spectators to watch one of the more marquee sports of the Games,” according to a joint report from the City Administrative Office and Chief Legislative Analyst.

The San Fernando Valley is set to host multiple Olympic events for the first time in Los Angeles history. Under the updated plan, Sepulveda Basin will host modern pentathlon, BMX, skateboarding, and 3×3 basketball.

Some events will take place outside Los Angeles city limits. Canoe slalom will be held in Oklahoma City, equestrian events will move to Temecula, and para shooting will take place at a yet-to-be-determined location outside of the city.

Other updates include:

  • BMO Stadium will host flag football and lacrosse

  • Volleyball will move from Pauley Pavilion to Long Beach

The 2028 Games will debut three new sports: flag football, squash, and cricket. Squash and cricket still need venue assignments. Preliminary soccer rounds will be played across various stadiums in Los Angeles County, but a location for the final has not been set. The baseball venue is also still under consideration. Softball will be played in Oklahoma City.

LA28 and city officials maintain the Games will be “no-build,” using existing venues to avoid new construction.

The updated venue plan is expected to generate $162 million in combined cost savings and increased revenue. However, the report estimates a 5% decline in ticket sales, with more sales expected outside of California.

Funding for the Games will come from LA28 through ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and support from the International Olympic Committee.

Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson warned of financial risk to the city.

“We absolutely cannot afford that under any circumstance,” Harris-Dawson said Wednesday. “We can’t even afford half of that, much less the full strength.”

“So we have to make sure this is done and done right — and done in a way like 1984, where the city of L.A. is left with assets as a result of the Summer Games, as opposed to debt,” he added.

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote on the new venue plan Friday. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board is scheduled to finalize the plan on April 9.

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