2028 Summer Olympics Expand Beyond L.A.
The 2028 Summer Olympics, set for Los Angeles, promise a unique approach by extending events beyond California. Softball and canoe slalom will move to Oklahoma City to capitalize on existing high-quality venues and save on costs. Organizers emphasize fewer new constructions, aligning with the successful minimal infrastructure approach of the 1984 L.A. Games. Swimming events will be held in a temporary pool at SoFi Stadium, home to Los Angeles’s NFL teams, switching from the initially planned USC baseball stadium due to renovation needs.
Los Angeles lacks facilities for white-water sports, making Oklahoma City an optimal choice. The city boasts a premier canoeing facility along the Oklahoma River and a top-tier softball venue, Devon Park, which recently underwent significant upgrades. This multi-location strategy isn’t new; Paris’s 2024 Olympics will host surfing in Tahiti, and Milan-Cortina’s 2026 Winter Games will use distant venues for certain events. Such arrangements underscore the trend of utilizing existing infrastructure to manage costs and meet International Olympic Committee guidelines.
Swimming at SoFi Stadium imposes a logistical challenge, sharing responsibilities with the Los Angeles Coliseum for the Opening Ceremonies. Typically held in the first week, swimming now swaps schedule spots with track and field to facilitate venue transitions. The SoFi pool will be pre-constructed and covered for the ceremonies. Efforts ensure athletes in Oklahoma aren’t sidelined, allowing them to participate in either the opening or closing celebrations. This approach demonstrates a pragmatic and inclusive vision for the 2028 Games, enhancing the event’s reach and operational efficiency.
