Olympic Diving May Move to Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

Mayor Victor Gordo said on Thursday he is excited about the prospect of Olympic diving moving to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. The proposed venue change for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games would relocate the event from Exposition Park to Pasadena.

“On behalf of the Pasadena City Council and our community, I am excited that the Los Angeles City Council’s Olympic Games Ad Hoc Committee has moved us one step closer to seeing the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center host Olympic diving in 2028,” said Gordo.

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center already has a pool that meets Olympic standards and would require fewer improvements ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. The center would also provide additional amenities for athletes and seating for spectators.

“In the weeks ahead, we are hopeful the Los Angeles City Council will take that final step. Such a decision would mark an exciting milestone for our historic venue,” Gordo said.

Pasadena is already set to host the men’s and women’s soccer semifinals and finals in the Rose Bowl. The city previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, and will become the
third city to host the Olympic Games for a third time, joining London and Paris.

LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover expressed support for the change, saying, “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.”

Organizers have proposed the venue change to “address athlete safety concerns, reduce operational complexities in the Exposition Park zone, and leverage an existing world-class venue.”

Gordo emphasized the positive impact the event would have on Pasadena. “It will be a moment that brings energy, meaningful economic opportunity, and pride to our entire city,” he said. “We hope to celebrate this win with Los Angeles and our entire region, our businesses, residents, and visitors who will come here from across the globe. For generations, Pasadena has welcomed the world to share in events that inspire and uplift. And this will be another chance to add to that proud legacy. It is a reminder of who we are: a city that rises to the occasion, embraces historic moments, and does it together.”