The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will need to find a new venue for beach volleyball competitions following the official withdrawal of Santa Monica, a city iconic for the sport. Despite its symbolic significance and key role in the original bid presented to the IOC, the city announced this week the end of negotiations with the LA28 organizing committee, after failing to reach a consensus on financial and community matters.

“We would have loved to host beach volleyball in 2028. It’s a disappointment, but we remain committed to the success of the Games in our region,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. A financial report commissioned by the city revealed that hosting the event would generate a deficit of $1.45 million, while not doing so would result in an estimated gain of over $10 million. This analysis was crucial in the authorities’ decision to prioritize other local needs, such as affordable housing, safety, and strengthening of public services.

Councilmember Dan Hall emphasized that Santa Monica still has the chance to benefit from the Games through other channels, such as hotel bookings, hospitality packages, and parallel events. However, the decision not to host the sport closes an important chapter for the city, which once aimed to build a temporary stadium with views of the pier and the iconic Ferris wheel as a backdrop.

Possible alternatives

In light of this, LA28 has turned its attention to other coastal cities. Long Beach and Huntington Beach, both experienced in hosting international sports events, have expressed interest in being the beach volleyball venue. Huntington Beach, which hopes to organize the surfing competitions, could expand its Olympic presence if it also hosts this discipline. Meanwhile, Long Beach is aiming to host multiple sports, such as handball and canoeing, by leveraging existing facilities.

As the new venue is determined, the organizing committee will need to balance logistics, costs, and the emotional connection represented by Santa Monica, a historical hub of beach volleyball and a symbol of the Californian lifestyle that LA28 seeks to showcase to the world.