[Source: Paris 2024] Following initial validation by the Executive Board on 23 June, Paris 2024 is continuing its efforts to optimise the Olympic and Paralympic venues master plan, which ensures enhanced competition conditions, helps keep control of the budget, and preserves the legacy of the Games for local residents and regional authorities. The Board of Directors of Paris 2024 has approved the potential solutions identified, and granted a mandate to the organisation to continue working with the stakeholders involved, before the propositions are officially presented to the IOC and IPC for final validation.
Châteauroux identified as a venue for shooting and shooting Para sport
The Board of Directors of Paris 2024 has confirmed that the shooting and shooting Para sport events are to be moved and the venue in Châteauroux as the favoured option offering the best conditions for the organisation of the competitions in 2024. Drawing upon the positive exchanges with the Fédération Nationale de Tir (National Shooting Federation), and the enthusiasm of the elected regional authorities, Paris 2024 is continuing discussions with the actors involved to finalise the technical and financial matters relating to this new host territory.
The “Terrain des Essences”, in La Courneuve, which was initially identified to host the shooting and shooting Para sport, will remain a competition venue. It will serve as the starting point for the Para marathon and the Mass Event Road cycling; there is less temporary infrastructure required for these two events. The large-scale decontamination and renaturing work will continue on the 13-hectare site, meaning the Games leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the area and its residents.
With Villepinte, new competitions will be hosted in Seine-Saint-Denis
The Board of Directors has approved the site of Villepinte, in Seine-Saint-Denis, to host the boxing preliminaries, the fencing ranking round of modern pentathlon and sitting volleyball during the Paralympic Games. The venue is subject to validation by the relevant international federations. The final stages of the boxing events will be held in Roland Garros, on the Philippe-Chatrier court, after the Tennis competition.
With Villepinte, and with the para cycling events being held at Clichy-Sous-Bois, in addition to all the sites that are already on the venues master plan, Seine-Saint-Denis is, even more than before, at the very heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille has been selected to host the basketball preliminary rounds
Following discussions with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the IOC, the Board of Directors has mandated Paris 2024 to propose the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille for the organisation of the preliminary phase of the basketball events.
Stade Pierre Mauroy has a history of hosting major international competitions. The record attendance for a basketball match in Europe was broken at Stade Pierre-Mauroy at the EuroBasket final in 2015 (27,372 spectators).
This new arrangement has the benefit of providing greater coherence between different team sports. With the basketball preliminaries being held in Lille, the handball preliminaries can be staged in Paris, in Hall 6 of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles. Thus, handball players will have the possibility of competing in Paris. From the quarterfinals onwards, the basketball competition will take place at Arena Bercy in the heart of Paris. This option also helps optimise the use of existing competition venues and keeps the budget under control thanks to the exceptional capacity of the competition site in Lille.
Next step
The IOC will provide a final approval of these venues after full completion of the technical assessments as to the Pierre Mauroy Stadium’s compliance with FIBA’s requirements.
Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games planned to take place in the very heart of the city
The Board of Directors has officially mandated Paris 2024 to present to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) the alternative concept of a Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in the heart of the host city, Paris. Organised on the iconic Place De La Concorde, the Ceremony would be offering Paralympic athletes a unique experience.
Discussions will be held in the coming weeks with the IPC to agree on areas such as spectator capacity, accessibility, athletes’ experience and budget, to define the most appropriate scenario for the Paralympics Games Opening Ceremony.
The two closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place at the Stade De France, in Saint-Denis.
Category: Sporting Venues
-
Paris 2024 board approves optimised masterplan with competitions in new host territory
-
SMG takes sports surface care to next level with AR
[Source: SMG] SMG launched a rocket with the introduction of AR (Augmented Reality) in 2021, once again distinguishing itself as a pacesetter in the industry.
And now the company is igniting the second stage of this future-oriented application, which will make technical support much easier in the future.
Excellent service is not based on standards, but on the customer’s individual requirements, as CEO Tobias Owegeser explains. “Our intention is to be there for customers with a complete full service as long as they use our products. And that’s usually decades.”
SMG customers have always appreciated the high availability of original SMG spare parts across the entire range of machines. And now they also benefit from the use of “augmented reality”. This not only boosts the perception of reality with computer support, but also represents an extremely useful tool for service assistance that is self-explanatory.
The example of the TurfCare TCA1400 shows how SMG supports its customers and creates real added value. The new AR application, instruction manual video and brochure provides even more information about the product. Whether in person on site, online or via the service hotline, service experts from SMG can now train even more clearly, and quickly clarify problems or uncertainties. And customers can optimize their current use of the TCA with SMG Service 4.0.
For more information visit: www.smg-machines.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J0lFh_cm2k
AR: https://smg-gmbh.to/turfcare_tca1400
Brochure: https://www.smg-gmbh.de/uploads/attachment/translation/download/58/SMG_Taktik-und-Technik-2022-EN-web.pdf -
Zwift’s virtual Scotland to launch ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships
[Source: Zwift] – Zwift, the global online training platform for cyclists, has confirmed plans for its latest world, Scotland. The all-new map is being built specifically for the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and will take inspiration from the Scottish landscape and the city of Glasgow, which alongside other venues across Scotland will play host to the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in August next year. The map will first be made available to ride for Zwifters on stage eight of the Tour de Zwift. This special stage will feature the full course branding of the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
The new world will feature three distinct courses designed to animate the new multi-format UCI Cycling Esports World Championships that will take place on 18th February 2023. Designed to further differentiate Cycling Esports as a cycling discipline, and to further improve fan engagement, the event will feature three short and explosive events – The Punch, The Climb and The Podium.
The new Scotland world builds on Zwift’s status as the Official Virtual Fitness Platform of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 to 13 August 2023.
This is the first time a virtual destination has been created specifically for a cycling esports competition. The virtual world will act as an extension of the host country of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Scotland, and the City of Glasgow. The virtual world will further serve the purpose-led vision of defining and demonstrating that Scotland is a key cycling destination for reasons, including being a sustainable way to travel, enjoy leisure time, and find the power of the bike to improve both mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:?“Having Zwift take inspiration from Glasgow and Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery to create its next all-new online map will inspire current and would-be cyclists from around the world to immerse themselves in Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
“By joining forces with Zwift and putting Glasgow and Scotland on the world map in an innovative way, will further strengthen our ambition to reach a global and engaged audience to share our vision about the power of the bike being a catalyst for change.”
The City of Glasgow will also play host to nominated participants where five men and five women will be located as they take part in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, bridging the gap between the real-world physical efforts of the riders and the virtual race. The race broadcast will feature the Glasgow event as a key hybrid feature, further improving on format and fan engagement. Details and ticketing for this event are due to be shared in January 2023
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, adds: “It is exciting to see Glasgow portrayed in this way, virtually, as a new location within the Scotland World. This course gives the Zwift community across the globe a feel for our city, iconic locations and terrain. Glasgow is keen to be at the forefront of technological innovation within sport and the growth of esports and online cycling platforms broadens the appeal of sports, such as cycling, to a wider audience and, in this instance, introduces them to regions that they may be inspired to visit in the future.”
More information about the new Scotland World on Zwift will be unveiled in early 2023. -
Paris 2024: the digital twins being used to plan the next Olympic and Paralympic Games
[Source: OnePlan] The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a major event like no other, powered by innovation. For the organising committee and its stakeholders, this includes how the planning of the Games is being done, including operations, security, transport, workforce management and so much more.
OnePlan is the Official Supporter of GIS Mapping and Digital Twin Software for Paris 2024, and our award-winning software is being used to plan the Games. It includes a 3D digital twin view, Venue Twin, that any user at Paris 2024 and its stakeholders can access to provide life-like visualisations of how the venues will look – simply accessible via a web browser.
Our digital twin solution leverages some of the latest computing and processor technologies of Intel, worldwide partner of the Olympic Games. Read on and watch below how venues in central Paris are being transformed virtually by organisers of Paris 2024 to streamline its operational planning.
Eiffel Tower Arena
The Eiffel Tower Arena will be a magical setting for the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a capacity of 12,860 spectators, this temporary stadium will provide unique sporting moments during the Games.
As with all the temporary venues for Paris 2024, this venue currently only exists in Venue Twin. It gives the organising committee and their stakeholders a hyper-realistic way to plan and visualise all aspects of the operational plan for this arena, including security, transport, crowd management, workforce planning, and more.
The 3D digital twins wins we’re creating with Paris 2024 are fully interoperable with the 2D map views in the same system. When a plan is changed, however big or small that change, it’s instantly shown in the 3D view. This gives organisers hands-on access to real-time plans for every venue so they can plan collaboratively with whoever needs access.
La Concorde
Place de la Concorde is being transformed for Paris 2024 into an open arena to host urban sports in their natural environment at the heart of the city. Temporary venues will host Skateboarding, Breaking, BMX Freestyle and 3×3 Basketball, with these spectacular sports taking place virtually non-stop for the duration of the Olympic Games.
In planning Concorde, organisers have to take into account a myriad of factors to ensure the events are safe and successful. This includes how the existing city infrastructure needs to change to accommodate these temporary venues, security scenario planning, traffic management, workforce positioning and responsibilities, fan experience, optimizing for peak sporting conditions and so much more.
This is all being visualized in our state-of-the-art Venue Twin software, which can be viewed by any stakeholder any time, from anywhere. It’s reducing the time and costs of planning the next Games, thanks to our powerful cloud-based solution that’s easy for anyone to use.
Invalides
The Esplanade des Invalides is one of Paris’ preferred leisure destinations where locals and tourists enjoy sport, music and walking. For the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s being transformed into a show-stopping venue for Archery, Para-Archery and other sports.
The Invalides Venue Twin that we’ve created with Paris 2024 shows how event organisers are planning with temporary infrastructure on existing city environments. The centimetre-accurate placement of crowd infrastructure includes how fans with additional access needs will be able to easily access the venue and have excellent views of the action.
When planning operations at Invalides using the Venue Twin visualisations, organisers are able to view how the venue will look at different times of day and in different weather conditions. This is an innovative way in which the Paris 2024 organising committee is able to plan the Games with multiple scenarios in mind, and plan for any potential scenario. -
2026 FIFA World Cup to kick off in Mexico City with final in New Jersey
[Source: FIFA] FIFA has revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026 and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026. Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles. The schedule for the tournament was revealed live on Sunday and can be reviewed on FIFA.com and FIFA+. The match schedule can also be accessed here.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.” “I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”
FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.” The tournament’s innovative match schedule will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised. Having been drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, including national-team coaches and technical directors, the schedule will also increase the prospect of matches being played in the best possible conditions and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams. Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, which is expected to take place towards the end of 2025.
FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule – summary:FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.
Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.
Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.
Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.
Group stage:– First matchday of the tournament to feature two matches, including the tournament curtain-raiser in Mexico City and a match in Guadalajara. – Day two to feature two matches involving hosts Canada and the United States respectively. – The final four matchdays of the group stage will feature six matches per day. Matches in the same group will be played simultaneously to maintain the integrity of the competition. – All other group-stage matchdays will feature four matches per day across four kick-off times.
Estadio Azteca Mexico City set to host opening match for the third time, making FIFA World Cup history as the first stadium to do so.
Canada will host its first FIFA World Cup, complementing its proud history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.
USA to host FIFA World Cup for the second time, following record-setting 1994 edition. USA has also hosted two successful editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets at fifa.com/tickets. Pre-registration for information about hospitality packages is available at fifa.com/hospitality.
Further details on the match schedule are available in the FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule Q&A.
-
“An incredible opportunity to showcase our sport” – USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey
Host City: Why did USA Swimming want to host the Trials in an NFL Stadium?
Tim Hinchey: At USA Swimming, we are always looking for ways to innovate and advance the sport of swimming. Hosting the Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will make history, as this is the first time swimming pools will be built in an NFL Stadium. We’re very excited to push the boundaries of our sport.
USA Swimming is fortunate to have a loyal and passionate fan base. The Olympic Trials will be a unique opportunity to simultaneously engage our loyal fans and showcase our sport in an iconic venue to an audience that will extend beyond existing swimming fans. New creative opportunities like these will allow us to pave the way for growing both the sport and its popularity.
Host City: What are USA Swimming’s goals for the Trials and beyond?
Tim Hinchey: Our priority remains to execute a technically flawless swim meet and ensure the operational success of the Olympic Trials. We want the viewing experience to be different from any other swim meet and to create an overall fan experience that exceeds any previous Trials. We’d love to sell out opening night, and we hope this event will break the record for the largest attended swim meet in the world. We have also set a goal of 45 million viewers across nine nights of prime coverage on NBC. We will capture real-time data during the Trials in the venue and the Toyota Aqua Zone to help digitally market the sport.
Beyond the Trials, we want to win the medal count at the Olympic Games in Paris, expand the sport’s reach, build an even bigger fanbase, and inspire young athletes to make swimming their sport of choice.
Were there a lot of cities that bid for the Trials? What stuck out about Lucas Oil Stadium/Indianapolis?
We received numerous bids from cities nationwide as part of the bid process. Indianapolis is no stranger to hosting major sporting events and is one of the significant sports destinations in the United States. This will mark the sixth time Indianapolis has hosted the Olympic Trials for swimming, so the sport has a rich history and deep roots there. And, of course, the community is fantastic and has a strong reputation for being home to passionate fans who come out in full force to support events.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 US Olympic Swimming Trials, which took place in Indianapolis at the Broad Ripple Park Pool. Indianapolis also hosted the 2004 FINA Short Course World Championships at what is now the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and together with the Indiana Sports Corp, we created the Swim IN Safety resource program to grant funds to organizations and pools hosting water safety classes in their community. So, these are just more examples of how vital swimming is to this community. We are proud and grateful to be able to build on the sports legacy here. Not to mention, the city has significant civic infrastructure, including premier hotels and restaurants, all within walking distance of its major sporting venues.
Sustainability is another essential aspect of our work, which is why the pools at the Olympic Trials will be filled with water from the White River and then returned to the river after cleansing treatment.
Host City: How will USA Swimming look to elevate the sport domestically with LA28 on the horizon?
Tim Hinchey: While our team is busy preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and anticipates continued success in competition, we are excited for the Games to be on home soil. We are engaged in numerous initiatives to increase domestic excitement and support for the sport. One example is our #GogglesOn Campaign, which aims to grow grassroots participation in the sport. We have also signed an MOU with the City of LA and other local recreation and park programs to provide access to swimming pools and lessons for kids across the country, which aligns with our efforts to ensure people from all backgrounds have equitable access to the sport. Additionally, we’ll continue forming Community Swim Team partnerships and giving Community Impact Grants.
Also, the ability to watch and stream the sport is highly beneficial to our existing and growing fanbase. Watching competitions and meets beyond the Olympics and learning more about our athletes keeps fans engaged, which is why, in 2023, we launched the first free NGB-supported video-on-demand destination, USA Swimming Network, for event live streams, athlete content, exclusive training and nutrition videos, and 40 years of archived race footage.
Host City: What are the priorities for USA Swimming from a governance perspective?
Tim Hinchey: We are continually growing and evolving as an organization. USA Swimming is taking the necessary steps to ensure athlete safety through our dedicated commitment to SafeSport.
We also know how important representation is, so we are working tirelessly to increase multicultural representation in our membership and elevate more women to elite coaching and governance positions.
Our nearly 400,000 members are the core of this organization, and we are rapidly increasing the number of tools and resources to help clubs recruit and retain their members. We also provide coaches with resources to aid athlete development from the grassroots level to the highest level of international competition.
Lastly, public engagement with the sport of swimming is a top priority for us. The Olympic Games are an incredible opportunity to showcase our sport and our country’s best swimmers on the global stage. We look to keep that engagement and momentum going after Paris and in the lead-up to LA28 through new and creative marketing and communications tactics. -
Dancing for Power: Pavegen electrifies Rudimental show at UEFA Champions Festival
Pavegen, a UK-based tech company renowned for its kinetic energy-generating floor tiles, turned dance moves into electricity, engaging the audience in the sold-out UEFA Champions Festival Friday Night Show in Trafalgar Square on May 31.
The event, held in collaboration with the Champions Innovate Programme and Rockstar Energy Drink, marked the first time a music performance in Trafalgar Square was powered by the kinetic energy of the audience.
The highlight of the festival, the Friday Night Show, headlined by BRIT Award-winning band Rudimental, blended the excitement of football and music, drawing a diverse crowd. Over 6,300 attendees danced on Pavegen’s kinetic tiles, generating energy that powered Rudimental’s DJ booth and microphone during their electrifying set.
Festival-goer Daniel, a Londoner, said, “I really like this dance floor, it’s great, it feels so responsive – it’s cool that it’s the first time ever something like this has been done in Trafalgar Square!” Amir from Surrey added, “It’s amazing how the floor is making electricity for the show. It makes me want to dance more!”
“Our participation in the UEFA Champions Festival has been a phenomenal success,” said Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO of Pavegen. “It’s so simple, you just need to dance to generate power on our technology. Feeling the energy and enthusiasm from the crowd and seeing Pavegen in action, powering such an iconic event, was truly inspiring. We’re proud to partner with UEFA and Rockstar Energy to demonstrate how innovative solutions can drive sustainability and community engagement.”
Bart LaCount, Vice President of International Beverages Marketing at PepsiCo, highlighted the collaborative effort. “The collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and Pavegen allowed us to take energy to another level,” he said. “Fans danced the night away while also contributing to power the event – thanks to the kinetic dance floor.”
Looking ahead, Pavegen plans to continue its partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink, repurposing the kinetic energy dance floor for future events to sustainably fuel a summer of music experiences.
The UEFA Champions Festival welcomed attendees from over 100 countries. -
LA28 updates venue masterplan, with world-class stadiums and arenas chosen to enhance athlete and fan experience
[Source: www.olympics.com] Updates to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan have been revealed, with the Organising Committee prioritising the use of world-class arenas and stadiums to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Additional benefits relating to sustainability, legacy and economics are anticipated, with the city preparing to host the Games in only four years’ time.
Overview of LA28’s venue masterplan, including the latest updates:Gymnastics will be held at the recently renovated Downtown LA Arena that is home to the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Lakers, National Hockey League’s Kings, and Women’s NBA’s Sparks.
Basketball will be held at the nation’s newest and state-of-the-art Indoor Arena in Inglewood, that will be home to the NBA’s Clippers.
The nation’s newest and most advanced large pro sports stadium, located in Inglewood, which is home to the National Football League’s Rams and Chargers, will become the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, with a planned 38,000 seats.
Athletics and Para Athletics will remain at the iconic and recently refurbished LA Memorial Coliseum, making this the only stadium in history to host track and field competitions at three Olympic Games.
* To accommodate these moves, both World Athletics and World Aquatics, the governing bodies of athletics and aquatics Olympic events respectively, have approved and support LA28’s plan to adjust the traditional Olympic schedule. Specifically, the athletics competition will move to the first week of the Olympic Games LA28, while the swimming competition will be held during the second week.
LA28’s plans for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are unchanged, with parts hosted at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Inglewood Stadium.
The San Fernando Valley will be a hub for youthful, high energy Olympic competitions in BMX Freestyle and BMX Racing, along with Skateboarding Park and Street, all in the Sepulveda Basin area.
Also in the Sepulveda Basin area will be Archery, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Diving will return to the same pool that hosted the aquatics events at the 1932 Olympic Games, the 1932 Pool in Exposition Park, which will remain a legacy venue for Angelenos as part of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks.
The City of Long Beach will host Artistic Swimming and Para Swimming competitions, in addition to several other sports that will be announced at a later date.
Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions, previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be held at an existing facility in Temecula – the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all the required disciplines in one location.
Shooting and Shooting Para Sport competitions, which were also previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be assigned to one of two possible sport shooting clubs, to be determined, in the Southern California region.
Oklahoma
While Southern California has more professional and collegiate sports venues than any area in the United States, there is no canoe slalom venue that exists locally (or anywhere in the Western US), and the largest softball venue in Southern California seats fewer than 2,000 people, which does not meet the expected spectator demand for softball at the Olympic Games.
Instead of building temporary venues for these sports, and in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendation that encourages the use of existing stadiums outside the region of the Host City, LA28 will assign canoe slalom and softball competitions to existing, world-class venues in Oklahoma City.
Both the existing canoe slalom and softball stadiums in Oklahoma City are built to international competition standards, and the local community has consistently supported top tournaments for both sports, ensuring a high-quality experience for both athletes and fans, while allowing LA28 to achieve cost savings and revenue gains to support its balanced budget.
Benefits
Speaking about these changes, LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition and achievement, and we’re proud to host the Los Angeles 2028 Games in some of the greatest stadiums and arenas ever built.
“LA28’s updated venue plan will provide the ideal Hollywood stage for the world’s top athletes, and choosing from spectacular, existing venues, wherever they are, rather than building new permanent or temporary stadiums, achieves more than USD 150 million in savings and new revenue to help maintain a balanced budget. We look forward to partnering with these venues, and their experienced operators and workforce, to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans in 2028.”
By making use of the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020, one of the primary goals of the updated venue plan is to leverage existing infrastructure, which significantly reduces the need for temporary constructions and enhances long-term legacy opportunities for local communities. Many of these venues will continue to serve the community long after the Games, providing opportunities for future sports events and activities.
All proposed venue changes have been assessed in consultation with the respective International Federations and have already been approved by the IOC Executive Board, conditional on LA City Council approval. LA28 submitted these updated venue proposals to the City of Los Angeles on 21 June, which must approve changes that move competitions outside the city’s boundaries compared with the venue plan submitted during the bid.
Additional changes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan that do not move events outside the city’s boundaries, venues for new sports and disciplines added to the Olympic and Paralympic sports programme since 2017, and the updated Paralympic venue plan will all be announced at a later date.
The Olympic Games LA28 are due to take place between 14 and 30 July 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games, which will be held from 15 until 27 August -
AFL Architects to design landmark Sports City in Zanzibar
[Source: AFL Architects] AFL Architects are proud to announce that we are working on designing a state-of-the-art sports city in Fumba, Zanzibar. Commissioned by the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sport, this transformative development will establish Zanzibar as a leading destination for sport, tourism, and major events.
At the heart of the project is a multi-use StadiArena stadium, designed for sustainability and versatility. In addition to hosting football matches, the stadium will accommodate concerts, conferences, and a range of sporting events, ensuring year-round activation and long-term economic benefits for the region. The wider development includes training pitches, a four-star hotel, a hospital, and a small passenger port, creating a hub for both local and international events.
Nick Oliver, Managing Director of Globespan Infrastructure, the project’s prime contract holder, shared: “It is a delight to be working with a world-class stadium architect such as AFL, bringing their expertise to a project that will have a lasting impact on Zanzibar’s sports and events landscape.”
With construction set to commence soon, this landmark project will shape a dynamic and future-ready sports destination for Zanzibar.
About AFL Architects
AFL Architects is an international award-winning architecture practice headquartered in Manchester, UK, with an office in London. Our Sports & Leisure team has delivered transformative projects in 25 countries, creating world-class facilities that inspire communities and enhance the sporting experience.
For more information, please contact:
John Roberts
Director
T: +44 (0) 161 236 6263
E: john.roberts@afl-architects.com -
Host City 2025 Interview: Martye Kendrick
Host City: Now nearly a year since you took up the position of CEO of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, what can you report as your key achievements since the start of the year?
Martye Kendrick: As CEO of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, my priority has been to strengthen NRG Park’s reputation as a world-class destination for sports, entertainment, and major events. Over the past year, we’ve made significant progress toward that goal.Operational Excellence: We introduced process improvements across our venues to enhance efficiency and elevate the guest experience.
Major Event Acquisition: Secured commitments for marquee sporting and entertainment events that will deliver substantial economic impact and global visibility for Harris County.
Community Engagement: Expanded partnerships with local organizations to ensure our events foster inclusivity and reflect the diversity of our community.
Sustainability & Innovation: Advanced green initiatives within our facilities and implemented technology upgrades to improve fan engagement and operational performance.
Economic Impact: Strengthened collaboration with stakeholders to maximize the economic benefits of our venues, supporting local businesses and job creation.Looking ahead, we remain committed to building on this momentum and positioning Harris County as a leader in hosting world-class experiences that benefit our residents and visitors alike.
HC: With NRG Park hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches next summer, how does your team look to set itself separate from other host cities?
MK: Hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Park is an extraordinary opportunity, and our goal is to create an experience that truly sets NRG Park and the Houston community apart from other host cities.
We’re focused on three key differentiators:
Unmatched Fan Experience: We are leveraging NRG Park’s unique versatility and scale to deliver an immersive, world-class environment for fans. From cutting-edge technology to a state-of-the-art new scoreboard to enhanced amenities, every detail is designed to make the experience unforgettable.
Community-Centered Approach: Houston’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We’re working closely with local organizations to ensure the World Cup reflects the cultural richness of our region, creating inclusive celebrations that engage residents and visitors alike. We plan to host special tour of NRG Stadium to showcase how we have prepared to host the FIFA World Cup games.
Legacy Beyond the Matches: Our vision extends beyond the tournament. We’re investing in initiatives that leave a lasting impact—strengthening infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and creating economic opportunities that benefit Harris County long after the final whistle.
By combining innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact, we aim to showcase not just world-class soccer, but the very best of Houston.
HC: What are the advantages of having this hub within NRG Park?
Having the FIFA World Cup hub within NRG Park offers unparalleled advantages that few host cities can match. NRG Park is a fully integrated campus with multiple venues, expansive outdoor spaces, and world-class infrastructure—all within a single footprint. This creates several key benefits:
Centralized Operations: Housing all major activities in one location streamlines logistics, security, and transportation, ensuring a safe and efficient experience for fans, teams, and partners.
Enhanced Fan Experience: The campus allows us to create immersive fan zones, cultural activations, and hospitality areas without the need for extensive travel between sites, making the event more accessible and enjoyable.
Flexibility & Scale: With multiple facilities—including NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and NRG Arena—we can host a wide range of events, from match-day experiences to community celebrations, all in close proximity.
Legacy Impact: Concentrating activities at NRG Park enables us to invest in infrastructure improvements that will benefit the region long after the tournament ends. We recently hosted an unveiling of a special mural that celebrates the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Texans and a soccer player, which is a nod towards NRG Stadiums capacity to host world-class soccer games.This integrated approach positions Houston as a city that delivers not only world-class matches but a seamless, unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
HC: What are your plans to utilise other spaces outside of the NRG Stadium?
MK: NRG Park offers a unique advantage as a multi-venue campus, and our plans go well beyond the stadium itself. We are working with the FIFA organization and our park tenants to leverage every space to create a comprehensive World Cup experience:
Fan Zones & Cultural Activations: The surrounding facilities, including NRG Center and NRG Arena, will host fan festivals, cultural showcases, and interactive experiences that celebrate the global spirit of the tournament and Houston’s diversity.
Hospitality: We are working with FIFA to deliver a variety of premium hospitality areas across the campus to accommodate sponsors, partners, and international guests, ensuring world-class service and engagement opportunities.
Community Engagement Spaces: Outdoor areas will be transformed into vibrant gathering spots for watch parties, local food vendors, and entertainment, making the World Cup accessible to residents and visitors beyond ticketed matches.
Operational Efficiency: Utilizing multiple venues allows us to streamline logistics, security, and transportation, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for fans and teams.Our goal is to turn NRG Park into a dynamic hub that amplifies the excitement of the World Cup and showcases Houston as a city that delivers unforgettable experiences both inside and outside NRG Stadium.
HC: Have you taken any inspiration or lessons from the Houston Texans playing at the stadium? Whether this be operationally, holistically or otherwise?
MK: The Houston Texans’ presence at NRG Stadium has been an invaluable source of insight for us as we prepare to host the FIFA World Cup. Their operational expertise in managing large-scale events has provided a blueprint for excellence that we’ve adapted to meet the unique demands of a global tournament. From crowd flow and security protocols to transportation logistics, we’ve learned how to create a safe, efficient, and enjoyable environment for hundreds of thousands of fans.
Beyond operations, the Texans have shown us the power of holistic fan engagement—how to transform a game into an experience. We’ve taken inspiration from their ability to build excitement before kick-off and maintain energy throughout the event. This approach informs our plans for immersive fan zones, cultural activations, and hospitality experiences that extend far beyond the stadium walls.
Equally important are the lessons in community connection. The Texans have demonstrated how a team can become a cultural anchor for a city, and we aim to replicate that sense of belonging on a global scale. By celebrating Houston’s diversity and creating inclusive opportunities for residents and visitors, we’re ensuring the World Cup reflects the heart of our community.
In short, the Texans have helped us understand that success isn’t just about flawless execution—it’s about creating moments that resonate. That philosophy will guide every aspect of our World Cup strategy, from operational planning to fan engagement, as we deliver an event that showcases Houston at its very best.
HC: What initiatives are you planning to run to engage with local and international communities?
MK: Engaging both local and international communities is central to our vision for the FIFA World Cup at NRG Park. We see this as more than a series of matches—it’s an opportunity to unite cultures and create lasting connections. Our initiatives focus on three key areas:
Celebrating Houston’s Diversity: Houston is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world, and we plan to showcase that through vibrant fan zones, cultural festivals, and culinary experiences that reflect the global nature of the tournament and the local character of our community.
Community Access & Inclusion: We’re partnering with local schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to provide educational stadium tours about how we have prepared and upgraded our facilities to host FIFA World Cup games.
Global Hospitality & Cultural Exchange: From multilingual support from our local governmental partners like METRO and the FIFA Houston Host Committee we are partnering to support a range of curated cultural experiences that will be hosted within NRG Park and downtown Houston. Our goal is to make every guest feel at home while celebrating the global spirit of soccer within NRG Park.
These initiatives are designed not only to enhance the fan experience but to leave a legacy of connection, inclusivity, and pride that extends far beyond the tournament.