Cricket Stadium Construction Begins for LA28

Olympic Return

In a landmark moment for the globalisation of cricket, the International Cricket Council has marked the start of construction of a new stadium at the Fairplex Grounds, set to play a central role in the sport’s return to the Olympics at 2028 Summer Olympics.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Pomona, signals a major step forward as cricket prepares to feature in the Olympics for the first time since the 1900 Summer Olympics cricket match—ending a 128-year absence.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the development as a “major milestone” for the sport’s 2.5 billion global fan base, highlighting its growing ambitions beyond traditional strongholds. The new venue is expected to serve as a focal point during LA28 while leaving a long-term legacy for cricket in the United States.

Global Push

From a strategic standpoint, the project reflects cricket’s accelerated push into newer markets, particularly North America. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta emphasised that Olympic inclusion is ushering in a “new era of global growth,” driven by increased accessibility, visibility, and institutional backing.

The significance extends beyond infrastructure. Cricket’s inclusion in LA28—scheduled from July 14 to 30, 2028—is widely seen as a catalyst to expand participation and fandom across the Americas, while also strengthening the sport’s global ecosystem through increased funding and government support.

In the lead-up to the Olympics, the venue will also host matches for the Major League Cricket, including fixtures featuring the Los Angeles Knight Riders, providing an early platform to build local engagement and test infrastructure readiness.

The use of the T20 format for both men’s and women’s competitions further enhances the sport’s appeal, offering a fast-paced, globally accessible version of cricket suited to multi-sport events.

As construction progresses, the Pomona stadium stands as more than just a venue—it represents cricket’s strategic pivot toward true global status, with the Olympics acting as a powerful stage to unlock new audiences and markets.