2028 Olympics Events Coming to The City of Inglewood

By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer

www.eyeoninglewood.com

Olympic Games:

● Aquatics/Swimming: to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood

● Basketball: to Intuit Dome in Inglewood

Inglewood - The Los Angeles committee has approved moving some events of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games to our very own backyard. This decision has the potential to reshape our city, bringing in not just tourism but an influx of revenue that could benefit local businesses and infrastructure.

During a recent meeting, the seven-member Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games reviewed the updated venue plans, ultimately giving the green light to move significant events like basketball to the upcoming Intuit Dome, and swimming to SoFi Stadium. Gymnastics will find its home in the iconic Crypto.com Arena. These changes, officials have argued, will help mitigate financial risks for the city while boosting sales potential.

Many may not know this, but the original venue plan was established back in 2017 when Los Angeles was bidding for the 2024 Games. Revisions to the plan were unveiled just this past summer, and any adjustments need the city's approval. It's heartening to see our community being considered for such high-profile events, especially as the San Fernando Valley hasn’t hosted Olympic events before.

It looks like Inglewood is set to be a sports hub this summer—imagine the excitement as modern pentathlon, skateboarding, and 3×3 basketball unfold in our spacious Sepulveda Basin! These events represent a first for our city, which historically has not been in the spotlight during previous Olympic years (1932 and 1984).

Of course, while some events will physically take place in our neighborhoods, others are being facilitated elsewhere. Canoe slalom will be held in Oklahoma City, equestrian events will occur in Temecula, and similar arrangements have been made for para shooting. It’s both a convenience and a bit of a letdown for those of us hoping to catch as much Olympic excitement as possible right here in Inglewood.

I’m also aware that the decision to host events in existing venues, termed “no-build,” aims to minimize the financial strain on the city. I understand that city economists project a $162 million boost from this revised venue plan, reflecting only a fraction of the $6.8 billion budget allocated for the Games.

However, there’s a word of caution echoing in the halls of city government. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson expressed serious concern over the potential $270 million liability the city faces if LA28—responsible for organizing the Games—falls short financially. It’s a stark reminder that while the Games promise much, they also come with significant risks.

As an Inglewood resident, I am hopeful this opportunity can transform our city for the better in terms of economic growth and community pride. Still, I can’t help but wonder, are we prepared for the scale of attention and the challenges that come with hosting such a monumental global event? As plans solidify and preparations ramp up, I just hope we can showcase Inglewood as a vibrant and capable host to the world.