LA 2028 Unveils Venue List as Cricket Returns to Olympics After 128 Years

Los Angeles 2028 Announces Venue Line-Up as Cricket Rejoins Olympic Stage After Over a Century

In a groundbreaking announcement, the organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have confirmed the full list of venues for the event, highlighting the return of cricket to the Olympic fold after a staggering 128-year hiatus. The sport, which last featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics, will be played at a newly constructed facility in Pomona, located just east of Los Angeles.

Cricket will make its Olympic comeback with a proposed six-team Twenty20 format for both men’s and women’s competitions. The return is widely seen as an effort to capture a global audience, with the sport boasting a massive fan base of over 2.5 billion worldwide.

Previously, there had been speculation that the cricket tournament might be held in New York, but that has now been put to rest with the confirmation of Pomona as the official site.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrated the announcement, calling it a crucial milestone in the preparations for the sport’s Olympic return. ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm in a press release, emphasizing the importance of this step in engaging new global audiences.

Squash Steps Into the Olympic Spotlight at an Iconic Location

For the first time in Olympic history, squash will feature as an official sport. Its debut will take place at Universal Studios, specifically on Courthouse Square — a famed movie set seen in films like Back to the Future and To Kill a Mockingbird. This location adds a cinematic flair to the sport’s Olympic premiere.

LA Landmarks Set to Shine

A variety of Los Angeles’ most recognized venues and natural backdrops will host different sporting events, offering a unique and immersive Olympic experience:

• Venice Beach has been chosen as the new location for the triathlon, shifting from its original home in Long Beach. It will also serve as the launch point for the men’s and women’s marathons and road cycling races.
• Trestles Beach in San Clemente — renowned for its consistently high-quality waves and iconic point break — will host the surfing competitions. This beach lies about 61 miles (98 km) south of downtown LA.
• Dodger Stadium, home to Major League Baseball’s LA Dodgers and previously used during the 1984 Olympics, will once again welcome baseball fans from around the globe.

Additional Noteworthy Venues

• Santa Anita Park, a historic horse racing track, will serve as the venue for equestrian events.
• Honda Center in Anaheim, typically home to hockey games and concerts, will transform to accommodate Olympic volleyball.

According to LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, the updated venue plan reflects the organizers’ commitment to delivering an unforgettable Olympic experience. “We’ve pledged to host a spectacular Olympics, and this blueprint ensures just that. From world-class arenas to stunning beaches, we’re utilizing the best Southern California has to offer,” he said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed this sentiment, stating that the new venue layout ensures the Games reach every corner of the city. “Our diverse neighborhoods, from the Sepulveda Basin to the vibrant shores of Venice Beach, will be showcased to the world like never before,” she remarked.

FAQs About LA 2028 Olympic Venues and Cricket’s Return

1. Why is cricket being included in the LA 2028 Olympics?

Cricket’s inclusion is aimed at attracting a wider global audience, especially from regions where the sport enjoys immense popularity, such as South Asia, the UK, and Australia.

2. Where will Olympic cricket matches be played?

The cricket tournament will take place at a specially designed venue in Pomona, California, just east of Los Angeles.

3. Has cricket ever been played in the Olympics before?

Yes, but only once — at the 1900 Paris Olympics. The LA 2028 Games mark cricket’s return after 128 years.

4. What format of cricket will be used?

A six-team Twenty20 (T20) format will be used for both men’s and women’s competitions.

5. What other unique venues will be part of LA 2028?

Notable sites include Venice Beach for triathlon and marathons, Universal Studios for squash, Trestles Beach for surfing, and Dodger Stadium for baseball.