On April 15, 2025, the organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games confirmed that cricket — returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1900 — will be played at a newly constructed venue in Pomona, located just east of LA. The sport will feature a proposed six-team Twenty20 (T20) tournament for both men and women.
Cricket’s reintroduction comes after more than a century, with the last Olympic appearance dating back to the 1900 Paris Games. When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved its inclusion in October 2023, they cited the sport’s potential to attract a global audience, noting an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide.
Earlier speculations had suggested cricket could be held in New York, far from LA, but the final decision places the competition closer to the heart of the Games. The International Cricket Council (ICC) welcomed the announcement, with Chairman Jay Shah calling it “a significant step towards preparing for cricket’s Olympic comeback.”
Squash to Debut at a Hollywood Landmark
Squash will make its Olympic debut at none other than Universal Studios, with matches taking place at Courthouse Square — a well-known film set featured in classic movies like Back to the Future and To Kill a Mockingbird.
The LA28 organizers have unveiled a wide-ranging venue list that taps into the city’s iconic locations. Venice Beach will now host the triathlon, previously set for Long Beach, and will also serve as the starting point for the marathon and cycling road races.
Surfing, Baseball, and More Iconic Locations
Surfing competitions will take place at Trestles Beach in San Clemente, about 61 miles (98 km) south of Los Angeles. Trestles is celebrated for its consistent waves and is regarded as one of California’s top surfing destinations.
Baseball will return to Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which also served as the baseball venue during the 1984 LA Olympics.
Reynold Hoover, LA28 CEO, emphasized the inclusive and dynamic vision behind the venue selections:
“We promised the world an unforgettable Olympic Games, and today we’re excited to reveal a plan that brings that promise to life. By utilizing existing world-class stadiums, iconic beaches, and custom-built venues, we’re inviting communities from all across the region to be part of the Games.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the sentiment, noting that the plan showcases the entire city:
“From the Sepulveda Basin to the famous shores of Venice Beach, our neighborhoods — both iconic and under-the-radar — will take center stage for the world to see and enjoy.”
Other newly announced venues include Santa Anita Park, which will host equestrian events, and the Honda Center in Anaheim, where volleyball competitions will be held.
