While the upcoming Olympics are branded as the Los Angeles Games, soccer fans might want to prepare for a bit of travel.
On Tuesday, LA28 organizers unveiled details that highlighted a key point: “This tournament will not be confined to the City of Angels; it’s for the entire nation.”
Out of 58 scheduled matches, a mere five will take place in Los Angeles and Orange County. Yes, just five. The remaining games will be distributed among various stadiums in San Diego, St. Louis, Nashville, Columbus, New York, and San Jose.
Interestingly, this strategy appears calculated rather than haphazard. Smaller, soccer-specific venues, varying from a cozy 18,000-seat arena to a 35,000-seat venue, can provide an atmosphere that larger stadiums might lack.
In light of the limited audience expected at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the focus seems to be on maximizing attendance over grand spectacle. The aim is to fill the seats—creating the right ambiance. Plus, fans outside of Los Angeles will have a chance to engage by attending matches closer to home during the 2028 Olympics.
Meanwhile, Pasadena’s Rose Bowl will be a key location, hosting the gold medal games along with the semifinals and quarterfinals on July 28 and 29. However, it too faces challenges like field maintenance and security concerns. In a rather ironic twist, neither BMO Stadium nor Dignity Health Sports Park, home to Los Angeles MLS teams, will hold any soccer matches; they will be repurposed for flag football, lacrosse, rugby, and archery.
The tournament kicks off even before the Olympic flame is lit. The men’s soccer matches will start on July 10, four days ahead of the opening ceremony, and will be played in a jam-packed 20-day schedule, leaving players little time to recuperate.
If you’re looking to catch the action, it’s time to act. The registration for the first LA28 ticket lottery is currently open. The initial ticket drop is set for April 2nd to 6th (pre-sale), followed by sales for the general public from April 9th to 19th. There’s already significant interest, with over 5 million fans vying for tickets.
