The Fairplex in Pomona, California has been chosen to host several cricket matches during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This announcement follows a fruitful partnership between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee. Collectively, they put in the effort to ensure that it was the most fitting arena for the sport.
Fairplex is an enormous, adaptable Fair site well-equipped to accommodate massive crowds under one roof. It had hosted concerts in the past with attendance as high as 40,000 to 60,000. The host location has already started the construction of a purpose-built cricket stadium expressly for the Olympic Games. Once the event is over, though, the stadium will be dismantled. This echoes the approach taken at last year’s T20 World Cup in New York, another tournament that was held at a temporary stadium.
The subsequent venue selection process involved extensive walk-throughs and crafting of detailed plans. LA 2028 officials held one final test event two months ago at Fairplex. This visit led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the non-profit group that manages the 500-acre property. According to one person familiar with the planning committee, they considered at least a half dozen possible locations. Ultimately, Fairplex emerged as the only workable solution.
Fairplex is steeped in fascinating history. Come to chow. On top of that, since 1922, it’s been home to L.A.’s County Fair and becomes a lively year-round venue for trade shows and cultural events. Featuring a grandstand built in 1932, the facility holds up to 8,000 fans, giving an incredible historic backdrop for the matches to come!
Fairplex is preparing for this year’s Olympic cricket tournament. Besides that, they will remodel the grounds to make room for the thrilling fast-paced T20 cricket format. It’s still not clear exactly what concrete improvements will be folded into the stadium plans.
The cricket tournament at LA 2028 is going to be a powerful tool to attract those new audiences. Additionally, it will enhance cricket’s presence on the international stage. Jay Shah, Asia Cricket Council President and a key figure in cricket administration, spoke of his excitement about this move.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries when it features in the Olympics in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format that should appeal to new audiences.” – Jay Shah
Oakland Coliseum, formerly home of the Oakland Athletics major-league baseball team. Now, it’s undergoing a metamorphosis for use as a cricket venue and will host Major League Cricket matches there this July. The England and Wales Cricket Board is still in keen conversations to finalize plans with Cricket Scotland. Their ultimate goal is to get a Team GB side into the Olympic Games.
As preparations advance, the ICC is set to determine the qualification process for teams competing in cricket during the Games. This initiative reflects a significant step toward integrating cricket into the Olympic framework and promoting its growth within the United States.
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