2028 Summer Olympics Make Decision On Flag Football Stadium

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 6:45 PM ET

California continues to crystallize venue arrangements for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

On Thursday, Pasadena announced that the Rose Bowl will host the 2028 Olympic soccer games, including the men's and women's semifinals and finals. The LA28 organizing committee also reportedly secured a home for flag football.

According to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times, LA28 filed revised proposals to July plans earlier this month. The changes, pending City Council approval, would put flag football and lacrosse at BMO Stadium.

Opened in 2018, BMO Stadium hosts the MLS's Los Angeles FC and NWSL's Angel City FC. The open-air soccer venue has a seating capacity of 22,000.

It was formerly known as Banc of California Stadium before changing sponsors in 2023.

Flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028. While some past and present NFL stars have expressed interest in representing the U.S., it's unclear if they'll be eligible or invited to participate.

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 8: The Olympic rings is seen in Gangneung town, near the venue for the Speed Skating, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey ahead of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on February 8, 2017 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Nguyen reported proposed venue changes for the 2028 Olympics. If approved, basketball will move to the Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers' new arena. The Los Angeles Lakers' Crypto.com Arena would host gymnastics, and SoFi Stadium would hold Olympic swimming events.

LA's initial bid called to build a pool on USC's campus, but they're shifting to the football arena after seeing Lucas Oil Stadium hold the U.S. swimming trials last year.

Meanwhile, the Rose Bowl will host Olympic soccer matchups during the 2028 Games. The iconic football stadium held a gold-medal men's soccer matchup between France and Brazil in 1984.

“Pasadena is proud to be a Venue City supporting the Host City of Los Angeles for the 2028 Games, and we look forward to welcoming the world to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium," Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo said in a press release. "We will ensure all visitors enjoy the best Games experience possible with all our City has to offer."

Per Nguyen, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to review and approve the venue plans on April 9. City Council will first vote on the updated proposals Friday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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