The question on every sports enthusiast’s mind, “Where Are The 2028 Olympics?”, now has an even more exciting answer for fans of fast-paced, dynamic sports. Los Angeles, California, is proudly hosting the 2028 Olympic Games, and among the thrilling additions to the program is the sport of lacrosse, marking a historic return to the Olympic stage after decades of anticipation.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially approved the inclusion of lacrosse in the LA28 Olympic Games, a decision ratified by the IOC Session, comprised of 99 global sports leaders. This landmark vote, the culmination of a formal process initiated by the LA28 Organizing Committee, paves the way for lacrosse to captivate a new generation on the world’s biggest sporting stage in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles: The Stage for the 2028 Olympics
For those wondering specifically about “where are the 2028 Olympics” being held, Los Angeles is the designated city. This vibrant metropolis is gearing up to host an unforgettable Games, and the inclusion of lacrosse adds another layer of excitement to the event. LA28 will represent the third time lacrosse has been featured in the Olympic Games, solidifying its place in Olympic history. Previously, lacrosse was contested in 1904 in St. Louis and 1908 in London. The sport also appeared as a demonstration sport at the Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932, and London 1948 Olympics, further underscoring its long-held Olympic aspirations.
Lacrosse’s Olympic Comeback at LA28
To commemorate this momentous occasion – lacrosse’s official return to the Olympics in Los Angeles – World Lacrosse is launching A New Era, a campaign designed to propel the sport into a new phase of growth. This initiative focuses on expanding participation, boosting popularity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of lacrosse globally, all with the backdrop of the LA28 Olympics.
In 2028, when the world turns its attention to Los Angeles for the Olympics, both men’s and women’s lacrosse competitions will showcase the electrifying ‘sixes’ format. This version of lacrosse is known for its fast pace, compact gameplay, and blend of field and box lacrosse elements. Sixes offers a welcoming environment for both seasoned lacrosse players and newcomers, characterized by rapid transitions and high-scoring action, promising to be a fan favorite at the LA28 Games.
Developed in 2018, the sixes format has already proven to be a catalyst for global expansion, making lacrosse more accessible and approachable. It has fostered greater competitive balance and reduced the logistical complexities and costs associated with participation and event organization, making it the ideal format for showcasing lacrosse at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Sue Redfern, President of World Lacrosse, emphasized the significance of this Olympic recognition: “There is no greater designation than to be recognized as an Olympic sport. The global lacrosse family has been passionately working toward reaching this pinnacle for more than a decade. This seminal achievement would not have been possible without the effort of many visionary and dedicated individuals who collectively recognized that Olympic inclusion is the most significant catalyst for the continued growth of a sport. I offer our sincere gratitude to LA28 and the IOC for allowing us to realize our vision; now is our time to shine and show the world how lacrosse contributes to a better tomorrow.”
Jim Scherr, CEO of World Lacrosse, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the historical importance of this decision for both lacrosse and the Olympic Games: “Today is a remarkable moment in the history of both lacrosse and the Olympic Games. The inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is a testament to our sport’s enduring legacy, worldwide popularity and unique ability to bring people together. It also signifies the culmination of an extraordinary journey to return North America’s first game to the Olympics, a journey made possible by the unwavering passion of our lacrosse community.”
“This decision reaffirms the Olympic values of unity, diversity and athletic excellence. We eagerly anticipate sharing the beauty of lacrosse with the world and take immense pride in participating in an Olympic Games that champions inclusion and diversity. Together, we will make history on the grandest stage in sports and inspire future generations with the power of lacrosse,” Scherr added.
A Sport with Deep Roots Ready for the Olympic Stage in Los Angeles
Lacrosse’s origins trace back to the 12th century and the Indigenous peoples of North America. It remains deeply embedded in Native American culture, evidenced by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s consistent participation in World Lacrosse events. Notably, both men’s and women’s organized lacrosse evolved concurrently from the 19th century, spearheaded by nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Separate International Federations formed in the 1970s before merging in 2008, united by the shared ambition of returning lacrosse to the Olympic Games.
World Lacrosse achieved provisional recognition from the IOC in 2018, following endorsements from numerous global sports organizations. Full IOC recognition followed in 2021, making the Olympic vision a tangible possibility. In 2022, lacrosse was shortlisted for inclusion in LA28 and underwent a rigorous evaluation, culminating in the momentous decision to include it in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Over the past two decades, lacrosse has experienced unprecedented growth, doubling its member National Federations from 45 to 90. The sport now spans all five continents, with representation from four continents in the world’s top-10 rankings for both men’s and women’s lacrosse, demonstrating its truly global appeal as it heads to the Olympics in Los Angeles.
Lacrosse joins baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, and squash as one of five new sports set to debut at LA28. As the global lacrosse community and the broader Olympic family celebrate this union, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are poised to become a defining moment for lacrosse, showcasing its elite athletes as they compete for the ultimate honor in their sport at the world’s grandest sporting event.
