LA28 Ushers in a New Era for Olympic Soccer: A Nationwide Spectacle
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are taking shape and a key piece of the puzzle has been revealed: the six U.S. Stadiums selected to host the group stage matches for Olympic soccer. This marks a significant shift in how the Games will be experienced, bringing the excitement to fans across the country, culminating in the final stages at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
A Coast-to-Coast Tournament
LA28 is pioneering a unique approach to the soccer tournament, designed to minimize travel demands for participating teams. The competition will begin on the East Coast and progressively move westward, with teams advancing closer to the knockout rounds held at the Rose Bowl. This strategic scheduling aims to optimize athlete recovery and enhance the overall competitive experience.
The selected venues include:
- New York Stadium (New York) – slated for completion in 2027, this will be the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City.
- Columbus Stadium (Ohio) – home of the Columbus Crew.
- Nashville Stadium (Tennessee) – home of Nashville Soccer Club.
- St. Louis Stadium (Missouri) – home of St. Louis CITY Soccer Club.
- San José Stadium (California) – home of the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay Football Club.
- San Diego Stadium (California) – shared by San Diego Football Club, San Diego Wave Football Club, and San Diego State University.
The Rose Bowl: A Historic Venue for a Grand Finale
The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, will serve as the epicenter for the final stages of the Olympic soccer tournaments. It will host the men’s and women’s gold medal matches on July 28th and 29th, 2028, respectively. This isn’t the first time the Rose Bowl has been a part of Olympic history. it hosted track cycling in 1932 and soccer matches in 1984. LA28 marks the third time Pasadena will play a role in the Olympic Games at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
With a capacity of 88,000, the Rose Bowl is well-equipped to handle the high-profile competitions and welcome tens of thousands of fans.
A Commitment to Gender Equality
The LA28 Games are breaking new ground in gender equality. For the first time in Olympic history, there will be more female teams (16) competing in soccer than male teams (12). This reflects a broader commitment from LA28 to host an equal number of female and male athletes, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the Games.
New York’s Etihad Park: A Sustainable Soccer Landmark
The New York Stadium, also known as Etihad Park, is set to grow a landmark in sustainable sports infrastructure. Fully funded by New York City FC at a cost of approximately $780 million, the stadium will be entirely electric, featuring solar panels and a backup generator. It will also incorporate a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and prioritize local sourcing of materials to minimize its carbon footprint.
The stadium’s design emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, with transparent facades and public spaces integrated into the surrounding development. The iconic “Cube” entrance, illuminated with LED panels, promises an immersive experience for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the LA28 Olympic soccer tournament begin?
A: The tournament will begin with group stage matches on the East Coast and progress westward.
Q: Where will the final matches be held?
A: The final matches will be held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
Q: How many teams will compete in the women’s soccer tournament?
A: 16 teams will compete in the women’s soccer tournament, a historic first for the Olympics.
Q: What makes the New York Stadium unique?
A: The New York Stadium will be the first fully electric soccer-specific stadium in New York City, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Did you know? The Rose Bowl will be only one of two venues in the U.S. To host the Olympic Games three times.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the LA28 website (https://la28.org/en/games-plan/venues.html) for updates on ticket availability and event schedules.
Explore more about the venues and plans for the LA28 Olympic Games here.
