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LA28 Selects Stadiums from New York to California for 2028 Olympic Soccer

In New York News by Newsroom February 3, 2026

LA28 Selects Stadiums from New York to California for 2028 Olympic Soccer

Credit: la28.org

  • LA28 announces 10 stadiums across eight US states, from New York to California, to host 52 soccer matches at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Venues include Rose Bowl (Pasadena finals hub), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Yankee Stadium (New York), and SoFi Stadium (Inglewood), using existing NFL, MLS, and college facilities.
  • Matches start 23 July over 16 days, preceding the 2 August opening ceremony, reducing costs and travel with widest geographic spread since 1904 St Louis Games.
  • Selection prioritises FIFA-compliant sites for cost savings within $4.9bn budget; LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman highlights national soccer showcase.

Los Angeles (Washington Insider Magazine) February 3, 2026 – LA28 has announced 10 stadiums across eight states from New York to California to host soccer matches at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The venues will stage 52 matches over 16 days, starting 23 July, with Rose Bowl in Pasadena as the primary site for finals. The selection reduces costs by using existing NFL, MLS, and college facilities, marking the widest geographic spread for Olympic soccer since 1904.

LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman revealed the list after evaluating sites on capacity, logistics, and sustainability. The plan minimises new construction and athlete travel. FIFA approved all venues for pitch standards and security.

Soccer precedes the opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium on 2 August. Men's under-23 and women's tournaments feature 16 and 12 teams respectively.

Which Stadiums Across the US Did LA28 Choose for Olympic Soccer?

LA28 selected Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA; 92,542 capacity) for medal matches, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA; 71,000), and SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA; 70,240). Yankee Stadium (New York, NY; 54,000) joins Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA; 68,500), Lumen Field (Seattle, WA; 37,722), Audi Field (Washington DC; 20,000), Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, TX; 22,000), Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL; 60,219), and Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, CA; 34,000).

All hosted prior FIFA events. Early rounds spread nationally; knockouts centralise in California.

St. Louis sports journalist Tom Timmermann noted a specific venue inclusion. Tom Timmermann (@tomtimm) said in X post,

Energizer Park among venues choses for early round play for the 2028 Olympic soccer tournament”

Why Extend 2028 Olympic Soccer Venues from Coast to Coast?

LA28 prioritised cost savings, projecting $4.9 billion operating budget without public funds for venues. Existing stadiums cut construction needs. Geographic spread reduces long-haul flights for teams versus Los Angeles-only hosting.

Wasserman stated: "These world-class venues showcase American soccer while delivering fan access." Paris 2024's multi-city model influenced the approach. US Soccer Federation supports national engagement.

Timeline and Structure of Soccer at LA28 Olympics 2028

Group stages run 23-30 July across sites. Quarterfinals start 2 August at Rose Bowl and SoFi. Semifinals and medals follow through 10 August. Women's matches interleave with men's.

Official schedule releases April 2026. Opening ceremony at SoFi on 2 August closes soccer preliminaries.

Capacities and Key Features of Selected LA28 Soccer Stadiums

Rose Bowl, 1984 Olympics host, leads at 92,542. Mercedes-Benz features retractable roof. Yankee Stadium adapts MLB field for soccer.

Levi's Stadium emphasises sustainability. SoFi, newest venue, seats 70,240. Smaller sites like Audi Field suit group play.

New York City FC reporter Juan Carlos celebrated the East Coast pick. Juan Carlos (@JUAN_C71) said in X post,

“OLYMPIC EXPANSION New York City has been selected among the venues to hold some of the soccer matches for the LA28 Olympics. The official schedule is set to be announced on April 2026. Great news for #NYCFC and their new stadium.#MLS”

How LA28 Venue Plan Saves Costs and Boosts Legacy

No temporary builds required. Local organisers manage operations via NFL/MLS partnerships. Budget avoids 1984's $8.1 billion spend adjusted for inflation.

Post-Games, enhanced pitches benefit pro leagues. Economic impact projected at $1.8 billion nationally.

Rose Bowl and SoFi Stadium's Central Roles in Soccer Finals

Rose Bowl Stadium 

Rose Bowl hosts semifinals, bronze, gold medals. SoFi stages opening ceremony, group/knockout games. Proximity aids logistics.

Both meet FIFA semifinals capacity over 35,000. Pasadena's history adds prestige.

LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman's Comments on Stadium Selection

Wasserman: "We partnered with venues representing soccer's growth in America." USSF's Cindy Parlow Cone: "Perfect showcase for the sport." MLS Commissioner Don Garber welcomed usage.

FIFA inspections confirmed compliance.

FIFA Standards Met by All 2028 Olympic Soccer Venues

Mandates include pitch dimensions, floodlights, broadcasting. Semifinals require 35,000+ seats; others 20,000+. Security, doping controls verified.

Post-NFL conversions standard.

Economic Benefits for Host Cities from Olympic Soccer

Atlanta, New York expect tourism surges. California venues gain international exposure. LA28 forecasts job creation, hotel fills.

Eight states benefit equally.

Precedents for Multi-State Olympic Soccer Hosting in History

Paris 2024 spanned France; Tokyo 2020 Japan-wide. Atlanta 1996 centralised. St Louis 1904 used regional sites.

LA28 expands US model.

LA28 Selection Criteria for Cross-Country Soccer Stadiums

2025 RFP assessed 20 sites on capacity, access, sustainability. Shortlist October. Locals form committees.

No new taxpayer costs.

Logistics for Teams Travelling Multi-Venue Soccer Schedule

Regional basing minimises moves. Charters link coasts. IOC approves footprint.

East groups play consecutively.

Broadcasting Plans for Nationwide 2028 Olympic Soccer Matches

NBCUniversal US rights; FIFA global. Time zones optimise. 4K multi-venue feeds.

Single platform coordinates.

Sustainability Measures in Chosen Olympic Soccer Facilities

Levi's solar arrays; Mercedes-Benz LEED certified. SoFi recycling. LA28 net-zero goal.

Ticketing and Fan Access for Coast-to-Coast Soccer Venues

2027 platform launches. Bundles available. Locals prioritised at 80% capacity.

US Soccer Federation Endorsement of LA28 Venue Choices

Parlow Cone: "Growth across America." MLS integrates schedules.

National team trains similarly.

International Federations' Views on US Multi-Venue Format

Brazil, Mexico welcome tours. Europe notes efficiencies.

IOC supports.

Post-Olympics Legacy for Selected Soccer Stadiums

Pro leagues gain upgrades. Communities retain facilities.

LA28 funds maintenance.