Pasadena is expected to be among the busiest parts of Los Angeles County during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a county analysis that projects the Games will generate $19.2 billion in economic output and support more than 88,000 jobs countywide from 2024 through 2028.
The Rose Bowl Stadium is slated to host men’s and women’s Olympic soccer, including the semifinals and finals. The men’s gold medal match is scheduled for July 28, 2028, and the women’s for July 29. Diving is planned for the nearby Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.
The county Department of Economic Opportunity and Chief Executive Office released the analysis Monday.
It identifies Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles, Venice, Inglewood and Long Beach as areas likely to see substantial activity during the Games because of planned events, hotels and transit connections.
The report projects more than $13 billion in direct spending, including $5.5 billion in public infrastructure investment and $7.1 billion that Games organizer LA28 planned, as of February, to spend on operations. Tourist spending could exceed that of a typical summer by $1 billion, the report says.
The estimates cover Los Angeles County, rather than the broader region, and include investments and tourism increases directly tied to the Games. The report reviewed county and LA28 plans through early 2026.
County officials said planning will be needed to spread the economic benefits. Some communities hosting events could see more visitors and traffic without gaining much spending at nearby businesses, while neighborhoods farther from venues may see little direct activity.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games present a unique opportunity to expand economic opportunity, strengthen our infrastructure and invest in communities that have too often been overlooked,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement.
The county and LA28 have set goals of directing about 75% of local spending within the county and filling 40% of jobs with local workers. They also aim to help small businesses compete for Games contracts.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell said the commitments must be measured publicly. “That means setting real targets, tracking whether we meet them, and being honest with the public when we fall short,” she said.
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