A Galaxy soccer match at the Rose Bowl (File Photo – lagalaxy.com)
Pasadena will once again take center stage in the Olympic Games, marking its third time hosting events at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium.
By News Desk
The city has signed an agreement with the organizers of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) to host Olympic soccer, including the semifinal and final matches for both men and women.
“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,” states Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo.
Pasadena’s Olympic legacy dates back nearly a century. The city first hosted events in 1932, when track cycling was held at the Rose Bowl Stadium. In 1984, the stadium welcomed Olympic soccer, including the gold medal match between France and Brazil, which drew a record-breaking crowd of 101,799 spectators.
Now, Pasadena prepares to make history again. Under the signed agreement, the LA28 Organizing Committee and the City of Pasadena will collaborate on event planning and logistics, with final venue and sport assignments pending approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board. This agreement also establishes a framework for three additional negotiations leading up to 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,” said LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover. “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.
Beyond its Olympic legacy, the Rose Bowl Stadium has long been a stage for some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and entertainment events. “The Rose Bowl Stadium is America’s Stadium and one of the most iconic venues in the world, said Rose Bowl Stadium CEO Jens Weiden. “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 Games will also be a major economic boost for Pasadena. “This is a huge win for Pasadena’s tourism community,” said Michael Ross, CEO of Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC). “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.”
As Pasadena prepares to welcome the world once again, the 2028 Olympic Games promise to reinforce the city’s legacy as a global sports and cultural hub.
I believe it’s the largest capacity stadium in the area, which is why it gets picked for the big games.