The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced that flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games at Exposition Park Stadium, subject to final approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.
Exposition Park Stadium, located in the heart of Los Angeles, has been selected as the ideal venue for flag football’s Olympic debut. The venue, known for its state-of-the-art design and ability to deliver immersive experiences, is located on the same campus as the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will host Olympic ceremonies and competitions for the third time in history.
Pierre Trochet, IFAF President, highlighted the importance of this choice: “Flag football will be the place to be at LA28. Our electrifying sport and its athletes will set the pace for the Games, framed by the stunning backdrop of downtown Los Angeles and the festive atmosphere of Exposition Park.”
An ideal setting and endorsed by the NFL
Exposition Park Stadium is not only recognized as one of the most advanced sports venues in the world, but also offers unique flexibility for flag football, which can be played both indoors and outdoors. Andy Fuller, IFAF CEO, noted that this versatility was key in discussions with LA28, further highlighting the stadium’s commitment as a year-round community resource. “The proposed stadium reflects flag football’s strong traditions of social impact and local development. It is a venue that embodies the spirit of our sport and its global growth.”
The debut of flag football in Los Angeles 2028 will be supported by the NFL, adding a unique cultural and entertainment element to the event. According to Trochet, this collaboration promises to create a transformative impact on the Olympic Games, showcasing to the world the energy and dynamism of one of the youngest and most explosive sports.
With the growth of flag football driven by women and girls globally, Exposition Park Stadium also reinforces its connection to women’s sports by being home to one of the most valuable and fastest growing women’s sports franchises in the world, Angel City (of the National Women’s Soccer League), as well as being the home of LAFC (of MLS).