Construction has officially begun on a dedicated cricket venue in Pomona, California, for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a key milestone in the sport’s long-awaited return to the global stage.
The new venue, located at the Fairplex Grounds in Los Angeles County, will host cricket matches during the 2028 Olympics, scheduled from July 14 to July 30. The project represents a significant step in expanding cricket’s footprint in the United States while supporting Olympic infrastructure development.
International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah described the groundbreaking as a major moment for the sport’s international growth and Olympic resurgence.
“These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport. Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket, and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it,” Jay Shah said.
“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket's return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC Members and stakeholders worldwide. We're confident this venue will take centre-stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA,” he added.
Cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Games will mark its first Olympic appearance since the 1900 Paris Olympics, where the sport was played in a single match between Great Britain and France.
The Pomona facility is expected to play a dual role, serving both Olympic competition needs and the growing U.S. domestic cricket market. The venue will host Twenty20 (T20) matches for both men’s and women’s competitions during the Games.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, the site is also slated to host fixtures for Major League Cricket, including games featuring the Los Angeles Knight Riders. This integration with domestic leagues is expected to strengthen cricket’s presence in the American sports landscape.
The development underscores broader efforts to position cricket as a mainstream sport in the U.S., leveraging the global visibility of the Olympics to drive long-term growth.
For the construction industry, the project highlights continued investment in sports infrastructure tied to major international events, with facilities designed not only for temporary use but also for lasting legacy and community engagement.
As preparations for LA 2028 accelerate, the Pomona cricket venue stands out as a symbol of the sport’s global ambitions and its renewed place on the Olympic stage.
Originally reported by Asianet News Central| ANI in Asianet News.
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