Inglewood, California – SoFi Stadium, the expansive home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, is preparing for a unique transformation: a temporary conversion into a world-class swimming venue for the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The decision, announced by World Aquatics, marks a significant departure from traditional Olympic swimming locations and aims to shatter attendance records.
For nine days during the Games, the stadium’s football field will give way to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, hosting some of the world’s most elite aquatic athletes. The move comes after plans to expand Dedeaux Field, a baseball stadium at the University of Southern California, were shelved in favor of utilizing the already-established infrastructure of SoFi Stadium. This decision was facilitated by a scheduling adjustment that moves swimming events to the second week of the Games, allowing the stadium to first host the Opening Ceremony.
Juan Carrero, Vice President of Operations at SoFi Stadium, expressed both pride and responsibility regarding the upcoming event. “It’s a huge pride to be part of the Olympics, but also a great responsibility, as the eyes of the world will be here at SoFi Stadium,” Carrero stated. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of the undertaking, describing the construction of an Olympic pool on the stadium’s square foot field as something “never seen before.”
The scale of the planned swimming venue is ambitious. Officials anticipate accommodating over spectators, a figure that would far surpass the current world record of fans, set at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Carrero highlighted the potential for a record-breaking event, stating, “We are going to be the largest swimming event in the history of the Olympics, and, well, the field of play will become a pool that will be one of the largest in the history of the city.”
SoFi Stadium’s selection as a swimming venue is part of a broader strategy by LA28, the organizing committee for the Games, to leverage existing infrastructure and minimize the need for new construction. The stadium, which opened in as part of the Hollywood Park complex, is designed for adaptability, hosting not only sporting events but also concerts and entertainment. Its seating capacity can expand from to depending on the event.
The stadium will also share hosting duties for the Opening Ceremony with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue steeped in Olympic history, having previously hosted the Games in and . This dual-venue approach acknowledges the Coliseum’s legacy while showcasing the modernity of SoFi Stadium.
The next two years will be busy for SoFi Stadium, serving as a proving ground for the Olympic Games. The venue is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in and eight matches during the FIFA World Cup. Carrero views these events as valuable preparation. “The Super Bowl is a good rehearsal. And also, the next eight matches that we will host for the World Cup (of FIFA). It will also be a good rehearsal to finalize and take many of those lessons to apply them to the Olympic Games,” he said.
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the pool will be dismantled, and the field will be restored to its original state in time for the start of the NFL season. This temporary transformation underscores the stadium’s versatility and its ability to accommodate a wide range of large-scale events.
The decision to host swimming at SoFi Stadium reflects a broader trend in Olympic planning towards utilizing existing venues and creating a more sustainable Games. By minimizing new construction, LA28 aims to reduce costs and environmental impact while maximizing the use of established infrastructure. The innovative approach also promises to deliver a unique and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike, potentially redefining the landscape of Olympic swimming events.
