LA28 Olympic venues and a cultural celebration hub will spotlight local sports facilities and international heritage across the San Gabriel Valley, according to announcements on Tuesday, April 15, from the LA28 organization and local cities.
The release of the venue plans follows approval from the International Olympic Committee Executive Board last week.
“We’ve promised the world an incredible Olympic Games and today we’re proud to share the plan that will make it happen,” LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover said. “Los Angeles is the epicenter of sports, culture and entertainment, and every venue selected for the 2028 Games will provide athletes and fans the best possible experience.”
Venue cities will include Pomona, South El Monte, and Arcadia.
A temporary structure will be built at the Fairplex in Pomona for cricket, which is returning to the Olympic stage for the first time since making its only Olympics appearance at the Paris Games in 1900. The sport was included in the L.A. Olympics after an IOC meeting in Oct 2023.
The shotgun shooting events will be held at the Shotgun Center in South El Monte, which LA28 called “one of Southern California’s premier shotgun ranges.”
“Both of these venues, deeply rooted in the San Gabriel Valley, highlight a strong commitment to equity, regional representation, and inclusion,” L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis said of the Pomona and South El Monte facilities. “For too long, communities like ours have been excluded from global events of this magnitude. Now, the Games will shine a spotlight on neighborhoods that reflect the true diversity and spirit of Los Angeles County.”
Equestrian returns to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, which previously hosted the sport during the 1984 Olympics. The 90-year-old historic racetrack is the only of its kind in the county, according to LA28.
“The city of Arcadia is excited to be part of LA28, an incredible event that will leave a lasting impact on our community,” Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao said. “The selection of Santa Anita Park for the Olympic Games further solidifies our ability to host a renowned event on a global stage. LA28 will mark a historic return to the region, and we are thrilled to showcase the very best of our city to billions of spectators around the world.”
Pico Rivera, which is located along the Rosemead/Lakewood Blvd. corridor connecting Pasadena and Long Beach, announced on Tuesday that the city will establish a Cultural Celebration Hub for not only the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, but also the 2026 World Cup.
The city’s goal with the Hub is to create community-oriented gathering space for fans, athletes, and dignitaries to be together and celebrate in a way that reflects the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.
“Pico Rivera is ready to welcome the world,” said John R. Garcia, mayor of Pico Rivera. “As a city with a rich history of cultural celebrations and large-scale community events, we are excited to create a space where people from all backgrounds can come together to experience the excitement of the World Cup and the Olympic Games right here in our community.”
Cultural Celebration Hubs allow communities that may not attend in-person competitions to experience the Games’ energy, culture, and excitement from their neighborhoods. The Hub will offer live event broadcasting of World Cup and Olympic Games competitions, as well as interactive exhibits; athlete meet-and-greets; music, arts, and cultural showcases; and food festivals highlighting international cuisine.
“Our goal is to make the global sports experience accessible to everyone,” Pico Rivera City Manager Steve Carmona said.