The city of Pasadena has signed a agreement with organizers of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the Rose Bowl Stadium to host Olympic soccer, officials announced Thursday.
Games at the Rose Bowl will include the men’s and women’s semifinal and final matches, marking the venue and Pasadena’s third time hosting Olympic events.
“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. We will ensure all visitors enjoy the best Games experience possible with all our City has to offer,” Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement.
The agreement, which awaits final approval from the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, outlines the roles of the LA28 Organizing Committee and the city to bring the 2028 Games to Pasadena, officials said. It puts in place a tiered framework that will take shape over the course of three additional agreements that will be negotiated through October 2027.
“The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium have a rich Olympic history, having hosted events for both the 1932 and 1984 Games,” LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover said in a statement. “In 2028, the Rose Bowl will support its third Olympic Games, making history as only the second venue in the world with this distinction. LA28 is looking forward to working closely with Mayor Gordo and the City Council further cementing its legacy within the Olympic Movement.”
Pasadena hosted the Olympic Games in 1932, when track cycling was held at the Rose Bowl Stadium. In 1984, the Rose Bowl hosted Olympic soccer that featured a gold medal match between France and Brazil before 101,799 spectators.
“The Rose Bowl Stadium is America’s Stadium and one of the most iconic venues in the world,” Rose Bowl CEO Jens Weiden said in a statement. “Our incredibly rich history is filled with major global sporting and music events, and our setting is undeniably one of the best in the world. The 2028 Olympic Games will uplift the entire Southern California community, and we are honored to play a part in hosting Olympic soccer when once again, Pasadena will welcome the world to our city.”
The city’s tourism sector also welcomed the Olympics.
“This is a huge win for Pasadena’s tourism community,” Michael Ross, CEO of Pasadena Center Operating Company, said in a statement. “The 2028 Olympics will attract visitors from across the globe, looking to experience all that Pasadena has to offer—whether it’s our beautiful and iconic landmarks, creative arts scene, or world-class dining. This is our moment to show the world why Pasadena is not only a premier destination to explore during the games but a top choice for travelers well into the future. The economic impact from hosting the Games at the Rose Bowl Stadium will be substantial to the City, the Rose Bowl, and the local and regional community.”
More information on the upcoming Olympics in the Los Angeles Area is available at la28.org/en.html.
