Pasadena Continues to Gear Up for 2028 Olympic Soccer Matches in the Rose Bowl

Olympic soccer is coming to the Rose Bowl in 2028, and Pasadena officials are already deep into preparations to ensure the city is ready to shine on the global stage.

During a Pasadena City Council joint meeting with Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Pasadena City Council on Tuesday, Deputy City Manager Alex Souto announced that the city, the Rose Bowl Operating Company, and LA28 have finalized a “games agreement” to host multiple Olympic soccer matches — including both the men’s and women’s gold medal finals — as part of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase one of the most iconic stadiums in the world to billions across the globe,” Souto said, calling the agreement a historic moment for Pasadena.

Planning is already underway across multiple sectors, including transportation, public safety, energy, and tourism. Metro, Caltrans, and local transportation officials are working together to develop sustainable and long-term mobility improvements.

A grant application has been submitted to fund improvements to the first- and last-mile corridors connecting Memorial Park Station to the Rose Bowl.

In the tourism sector, several Pasadena hotels have already committed to providing accommodations for Olympic stakeholders.

Additional discussions are ongoing, and hotel assignments are expected to begin in 2026. Visit Pasadena and the Pasadena Center Operating Company are also preparing the Convention Center and Civic Auditorium as potential venues for activations and non-competition events.

Souto highlighted economic development efforts including a 2025 workshop to help small and local businesses prepare to compete for Olympic-related procurement opportunities.

Other initiatives include tourist guides, citywide watch parties, and a shop-local campaign designed to attract visitors to Pasadena restaurants and businesses during the Games.

Public safety planning is also in motion.

Pasadena’s police and fire departments are participating in the 2028 Games Executive Steering Committee and are training in preparation for the scale of international events.

Officials plan to observe and support the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl this June, as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, to identify best practices.

Pasadena Water and Power has joined the LA28-led Games Energy Council to help ensure reliable and sustainable energy delivery throughout the Games.

“This will be Pasadena’s third time hosting Olympic events — a remarkable distinction we share with only a few other cities worldwide,” said Councilmember Steve Madison, who sits on the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board. “We’re beyond excited.”

Madison recalled past highlights, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 Women’s World Cup, when Brandi Chastain’s winning goal became an iconic moment in sports history. He said the Rose Bowl’s scale and affordability make it an ideal venue for families and working residents to experience Olympic magic.

LA28 Director of Venue City Relations Vic Knoll, who was in attendance, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the entire region,” he said. “We’re thrilled to welcome the world to Pasadena.”

Supervisor Barger praised Pasadena’s leadership and community spirit. “This isn’t just about one city — it’s about all 88 cities in L.A. County working together,” she said. “And Pasadena is leading the way.”

The first test of Pasadena’s Olympic readiness will come this summer, as the Rose Bowl hosts several matches in the FIFA Club World Cup — a precursor to the Olympic spotlight ahead.