The much-anticipated cricket tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will take place at a temporary stadium constructed at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, California.
Located approximately an hour from the athletes’ village, the venue ensures players can stay among fellow Olympians while competing in the six-team T20 event.
Pomona’s selection came after extensive venue discussions, including proposals to host the tournament on the East Coast, where time zones could better suit India’s vast television audience.
However, LA 2028 organizers prioritized keeping the tournament within Los Angeles County, meeting financial and logistical criteria while fostering camaraderie among athletes.
The Fairgrounds, also known as Fairplex, boasts a rich history as the site of the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922 and has hosted concerts, trade shows, and cultural events with crowds of up to 60,000.
A purpose-built cricket stadium will be assembled on the site for the Games and then dismantled after the event, replicating the temporary nature of New York’s stadium from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Although Pomona’s existing grandstand—built in 1932 and seating 8,000—is set for renovation, it remains unclear whether it will be incorporated into cricket stadium plans. The decision to construct a temporary venue raises concerns over the use of drop-in pitches, which were criticized for poor quality during the T20 World Cup.
Cricket’s return to the Olympics marks its first appearance since Paris 1900, where Great Britain defeated France.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) chair Jay Shah expressed excitement, saying, “It will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board has initiated discussions with Cricket Scotland on forming a TeamGB side, pending ICC decisions on qualification.
