Earlier this month the world had the chance to see amazing athletes competing at the highest level in the Paris Olympics. We follow that up today with even more incredible sights thanks to the start of the 2024 Paralympics. We can also look ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. In fact, we want to do that today to explore the venues. Then, if you need help with commercial architecture and other projects, you can speak to us.
A notable change
In the past, the tradition has been for host cities to create iconic new venues for the Olympics. However, in recent years we’ve seen a more sustainable choice to utilise existing venues and infrastructure. Paris did if effectively by incorporating landmarks into the games to reduce the need for new construction. Los Angeles will go a step further and have not announced the creation of any new venues. Instead, they will utilise the array of existing venues already in the city.
Interestingly, the venues for LA are typically in sports parks. For example, there is Carson, Downtown, Oklahoma, and Long Beach. Let’s look at some of the most impressive ones.
SoFi Stadium
Starting off with one of the largest and most interesting venues, we have the home stadium of NFL teams the Rams and the Chargers. It will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as football and archery. However, it doesn’t end there. More impressively there will be modifications to have swimming at the stadium. This will involve big changes to build the pool and infrastructure, but it will create the largest swimming venue in the history of the Olympics with 38,000 spectators. However, it does mean that the events will take place in the second week rather than the traditional opening week.
Arena Downtown
Next we have a multi-purpose venue that is currently home to a number of different sports teams. Notably, it is home to the NBA’s Lakers, the WNBA’s Sparks, and the NHL’s Kings. During the Olympics, it will be the location for gymnastics.
LA memorial Coliseum
This is one of the most iconic stadiums in the US and was a venue for both the 1923 and 1984 Olympics. So, it is fitting it is returning for the city’s third time hosting the event. It will be the base for track and field events.
The Convention Centre
In the 1984 Olympics this was the press HQ. Since then it has become a vital piece of commercial architecture for the city, hosting hundreds of events every year. For 2028 it will host numerous sports, including fencing, table tennis, and wrestling.
Long Beach Marine Stadium
The rowing course here was built for the 1932 Olympics, becoming the first manmade venue of its type in the US. It makes a triumphant return in 2028 to welcome rowers and canoeists.
Long Beach Waterfront
Another stunning location in Long Beach will be an Olympic venue. The Waterfront has amazing green spaces, a park, and miles of beaches. It will be used for triathlon and swimming marathon events.
Dignity Health Sports Park
As we said above, there will be a number of sports parks. One in Carson has three different amazing venues. The first is the Velodrome, the biggest indoor venue of its type in America. In 2028, it will host all of the track cycling events. Secondly, we have Stadium Carson, home of the LA Galaxy. It will host rugby sevens. Finally, we have the Tennis Center.
Do you want some help with commercial architecture?
That is just a quick look at a few of the 2028 Olympics venues. Some will be largely ready to go for the Games, only needing slight changes. Others will have temporary modifications. Impressively, the estimate is the decision to use existing buildings and infrastructure will save $150m and make the event more sustainable.
If any of the venues have given you inspiration for commercial architecture, we would love to help. You can rely on Coffey Architects to assist you with numerous projects. So, get in touch today and let us know your ideas.