The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games announced Tuesday it will relocate diving competition to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena for the 2028 Olympics, achieving up to $17.6 million in combined savings and revenue growth.
The decision addresses athlete safety concerns, reduces operational complexities in the Exposition Park zone, and leverages an existing world-class venue, according to LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover.
"This presents a significant opportunity to deliver successful marquee events, with greater budget certainty, while also ensuring an exceptional competition venue for our diving athletes, with their safety remaining our top priority," Hoover said.
In June 2024, LA28 had identified the 1932 Pool in the Exposition Park Zone for diving competition as part of updates that achieved more than $150 million in combined cost savings and revenue increases, unanimously approved by the City Council in March 2025.
However, detailed planning over the past year determined the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is better suited to host diving events. The facility offers an existing world-class pool that meets Olympic diving standards and requires fewer improvements. It also provides additional athlete amenities and spectator seating while offering significant revenue increases and cost savings for the overall Games budget.
LA28 is discussing future improvements to the John C. Argue Swim Stadium pool in Exposition Park with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for long-term community benefit.
The Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games voted to move the venue relocation proposal to the full City Council for a future vote.
The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles' third time hosting the Olympic Games, following 1984 and 1932, and its first time hosting the Paralympic Games. The Games are independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs, and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.
Edited by SMDP Staff