The Los Angeles City Council has officially approved the use of SoFi Stadium as the venue for swimming events at the 2028 Summer Olympics. This decision marks a significant shift from the original plan and solidifies Inglewood’s state-of-the-art stadium as the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, with a seating capacity of 38,000.
From Dedeaux Field to SoFi: A Change in Course
Initially, LA28 organizers had planned to build a temporary swimming facility at USC’s Dedeaux Field. However, after the success of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, organizers reconsidered their approach. The trials demonstrated that a professional sports stadium could effectively host world-class swimming events, prompting LA28 officials to pivot to SoFi Stadium.
Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, praised the city’s leadership for their role in finalizing this venue shift. “Los Angeles has been an incredible partner throughout this process, and this decision ensures that swimming will take place in a world-class environment,” Hoover stated.
Mayor Bass Calls It a Win for Los Angeles
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the financial and logistical benefits of the move. “This venue plan ensures the Games will be a success and will leave a lasting impact on Los Angeles. By utilizing existing infrastructure like SoFi Stadium, we reduce costs and maximize efficiency while creating an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.”
With this move, swimming joins a list of other Olympic sports that will be staged outside Los Angeles’ city limits. In addition to SoFi hosting swimming, other relocated events include Olympic and Paralympic basketball, canoe slalom, equestrian, and sitting volleyball.
Relocations and New Sporting Additions
The council’s decision also included the approval of new sports for the 2028 Games. Flag football will make its Olympic debut, while lacrosse returns as a medal sport for the first time in over 100 years. These events will take place at the Stadium in Exposition Park, adjacent to the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum.
Additional notable venue changes include:
- Softball & Canoe Slalom: Moved to Oklahoma City, which boasts the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium and an existing canoe slalom facility.
- Archery: Relocated to Carson to optimize existing venues.
- BMX Freestyle, BMX Racing, Modern Pentathlon, Skateboarding & 3×3 Basketball: Approved for the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
The decision to shift events outside of LA proper has drawn mixed reactions. While some praise the financial and logistical advantages, others question the impact on athlete accommodations and transportation.
Athlete Village & Travel Considerations
The Olympic Village for LA28 will be housed at UCLA, roughly 13 miles from SoFi Stadium. While the distance may seem manageable on paper, Los Angeles’ notorious traffic is a concern. Travel estimates suggest a commute of 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Some athletes and fans have voiced concerns about accessibility, but organizers remain confident in their ability to streamline transportation. With more than three years until the Games, solutions such as dedicated traffic lanes and expanded public transit options are still on the table.
SoFi’s Transformation Into a Swimming Venue
Unlike traditional aquatic venues, SoFi Stadium will require significant modifications to accommodate Olympic swimming events. Temporary pools will be installed, similar to the setup at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2024. The process will involve constructing a competition pool, a warm-up pool, and seating configurations optimized for optimal viewing angles.
A rendering shared by LA28 organizers provides a glimpse into how the stadium will be reimagined for the event. The visual highlights a bold transformation, blending the cutting-edge design of SoFi with the precision and spectacle of Olympic swimming.
A Look Back & A Step Forward
This isn’t the first time Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics, but the 2028 Games will be unlike any before. The city has made strategic decisions to modernize its approach while capitalizing on its existing sports infrastructure. SoFi Stadium’s inclusion as an Olympic swimming venue is just one example of this evolving strategy.
While some traditionalists lament the departure from an on-campus aquatic center, others see the move as a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the changing landscape of major sporting events. Either way, when the world turns its eyes to Los Angeles in 2028, SoFi Stadium will take center stage as it hosts some of the most anticipated races of the Games.
