Dodger Stadium: 2028 Olympics Baseball HQ

Dodger Stadium to host Baseball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

By Archyde News Team

April 15, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium, a landmark in the city’s sporting history, will serve as the venue for baseball’s return to the Olympic Games in 2028. The official announcement, made Tuesday, April 15, solidifies the stadium’s place in Olympic history and underscores Los Angeles’s commitment to hosting a memorable event.

“As a host city of the Games of 2028, Los Angeles will become the third city of history that houses the Summer Olympic Games three times, and these venues will show a global audience the best of our city,”

– Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

Mayor Bass also emphasized the inclusive nature of the Games, stating, “The plan is to take the games to all corners of the city as it had never been done before from Sepulveda Basin even the iconic coasts of Venice Beach, our world-famous neighborhoods, and our hidden jewels will be exposed to the public so that everyone enjoys them.”

The economic and social benefits of hosting the Olympics are also anticipated: “By joining ourselves to prepare, we will help small businesses, we will create local jobs and implement lasting improvements in the surroundings and transport that will leave a legacy in our city for generations that are yet to come.”

Dodger Stadium: A Legacy of Baseball and Beyond

Dodger Stadium boasts a rich history, not only in baseball but also in other sports and cultural events. Its selection as an olympic venue is a testament to its versatility and iconic status.

Los Angeles 1984: A Glimpse of olympic Baseball

While baseball wasn’t a medal sport in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Dodger Stadium hosted an exhibition tournament, providing a preview of the sport’s potential.Eight teams,including the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua,participated in the week-long event. Japan emerged victorious, defeating the United States in the final game. This exhibition paved the way for baseball’s official inclusion in subsequent Olympic Games.

World Baseball Classic Finals

Dodger Stadium has twice hosted the final stages of the World Baseball Classic. In 2009, Japan clinched the title by defeating South Korea in a thrilling 5-3 game that went into extra innings. The United states finished third, while Venezuela took fourth place.

The final returned to Los Angeles in 2017, featuring a strong Latin American presence. Puerto Rico, led by stars such as Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, reached the final but fell to the United States with an 8-0 score.

World Series History at Dodger Stadium

Since 1962, Dodger Stadium has been the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, hosting 11 World Series. Of the Dodgers’ five World Series titles, only one was decided at Dodger Stadium, in 1963, with Sandy Koufax earning the MVP award. In 2024, despite Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers winning their home games, they ultimately sealed the title in New York.

Interestingly,during the construction of Dodger stadium,the Dodgers played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum,another venue with significant Olympic history,hosting events in both the 1932 and 1984 Olympics,and set to do so again in 2028.

Along with World Series games, Dodger Stadium has also hosted two MLB All-Star Games (1980 and 2022) and served as the home of the Los Angeles Angels for three seasons.

The Home of “Fernandomania”

in the left field of Dodger Stadium, between the retired numbers of legends Sandy Koufax and Roy Campanella, lies a tribute to Fernando Valenzuela. “Fernandomania” ignited at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day in 1981 when, due to an injury to Jerry Reuss, manager Tommy Lasorda entrusted the rookie Valenzuela with the start. It was the first time a rookie had been given such duty in Dodgers history, and the result became a historic moment in Major League Baseball.

Valenzuela pitched a shutout in the victory, the first of four he achieved in his first five games. ‘El Toro’ won his first eight games as a starter at the beginning of a magical year.

The Dodgers won the 1981 World Series, and Valenzuela became the first (and only) player to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same season, a true fairy tale that began at dodger Stadium.

Dennis Martínez’s Perfect Game

Only 24 perfect games have been recorded in Major League baseball history, and Dodger Stadium witnessed the first by a Latin American pitcher. On july 28, 1991, nicaraguan Dennis Martínez pitched a perfect game in the Montreal Expos’ 2-0 victory over the Dodgers. As the final out was caught by Marquis Grissom, the entire stadium rose to applaud “El Presidente.”

“After so much suffering that my country had lived (for war) I had a moment of joy,”

– Dennis Martínez, ESPN

Later, Venezuelan Félix Hernández and Dominican Domingo Germán would join the list of latino pitchers with perfect games in the Major Leagues.

A Plaque for Fernando Tatís Jr.

A plaque bearing the name of Fernando Tatís Jr. in the top of the left field at Dodger Stadium might surprise some, given he is a rival player. The plaque is a recognition given by the Dodgers to players who hit a ball out of their stadium.

The san Diego Padres outfielder achieved this feat in October 2021, hitting a 467-foot home run off Tony Gonsolin. That figure accompanies his name on the plaque today.

Interestingly, his father also made history at Dodger Stadium. In a game with the Cardinals in 1999, he became the first player to hit two grand slams in the same inning.

beyond Baseball: Other Sports at Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium has hosted a variety of sporting events beyond baseball, showcasing its adaptability and versatility.

A Ski Jump in Los Angeles?

In 1963,shortly after its opening,Dodger Stadium hosted an unusual exhibition of ski jumping. A 165-foot ski jump was constructed inside the stadium and covered with artificial snow. Olympic ski jumper Gene kotlarek was among the participants.

Boxing championship

Also in 1963, Cuban boxer Ultiminio Ramos defeated American Davey Moore in 10 rounds to become the world featherweight champion in front of approximately 30,000 spectators. The event also featured Mexican raymundo Torres, who lost his super featherweight title to Filipino Roberto Cruz.

NHL Stadium Series

More recently, in 2014, dodger Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings. The Ducks emerged victorious with a 3-0 win in this outdoor hockey spectacle.

NHL Hockey at Dodger Stadium

Looking Ahead: The 2028 Olympics

dodger Stadium’s selection as a venue for the 2028 Olympics reinforces its meaning as a cultural and sporting hub in Los Angeles. The Games promise to bring economic benefits, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Olympic Event	Date	Venue
Opening Ceremony	July 21, 2028	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
baseball	July 22 – August 6, 2028	Dodger Stadium
Closing Ceremony	August 6, 2028	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

With its rich history and modern amenities, Dodger Stadium is poised to provide a memorable experiance for athletes and fans alike during the 2028 Olympic Games.

Given Dodger Stadium’s history of hosting significant baseball events, what impact do you foresee the 2028 Olympics having on the sport’s global popularity?

Dodger Stadium: A Legacy Set to Shine at The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics – An Interview with Baseball Historian, Dr. Eleanor Vance

Archyde News: Welcome,Dr. Vance. Thanks for joining us today.Dodger stadium, a venue steeped in history, is gearing up for the 2028 Olympics. As a baseball historian, what are your initial thoughts on Dodger Stadium hosting the baseball events?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: It’s absolutely fantastic news! dodger Stadium is iconic. Its selection is a perfect blend of tradition and modern facilities. Think of “Fernandomania,” the world Series moments, and the exhibition games… It has a story to tell, and that’s what the Olympics are all about: telling compelling stories to an audience of millions.

Archyde News: The article highlights past events like the 1984 exhibition and the World Baseball Classic finals. How significant are these moments in shaping the stadium’s legacy,and what do you think they will bring to the 2028 Olympics?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Each event adds a layer. The 1984 exhibition at Dodger Stadium showed the passion for the sport. Then came the World Baseball Classic, showcasing international competition. These events prove Dodger Stadium can handle high-stakes,global events.For the Olympics, it means instant credibility. The stadium already has a proven ability to deliver memorable experiences for the players and the fans.

Archyde News: The article mentions “Fernandomania” as a particularly special moment in Dodger Stadium’s history for the Dodgers fans. In your opinion, what makes Dodger Stadium so unique compared to other baseball stadiums?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Dodger Stadium has an engaging relationship with the Latino community. The fact that “Fernandomania” and Dennis Martinez’s perfect game, both significant, were also linked to the Latino baseball community really highlight that connection. In many ways, those contributions also make Dodger Stadium feel incredibly local. And when you go, it’s also gorgeous. It’s a combination of history, culture, and stunning views because it is a lovely park to begin with.

Archyde News: Beyond baseball, Dodger Stadium has hosted boxing and even a ski jump. How does this versatility contribute to its appeal as an Olympic venue?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: It proves the stadium’s adaptability, making it an ideal venue for the Olympics. The owners were never afraid of taking up new challenges. They can create a unique and memorable atmosphere for the baseball competition. It demonstrates that it is indeed adaptable and exciting. A venue that can host ski jumping and boxing can definitely handle baseball during the Olympics.

Archyde News: The 2028 Olympics promise economic and social benefits. What kind of impact do you foresee on the city of Los Angeles and the sport of baseball?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: It’s a fantastic chance for Los Angeles to showcase itself to the world. Financially, it will significantly boost tourism and create jobs. For baseball, a global stage like the Olympics provides a fantastic platform to promote the sport’s growth, inspiring the next generation of players and fans. The Olympics, in essence, is the ultimate global marketing tool.

Archyde News: Thinking ahead to the baseball competition, what types of teams or players do you anticipate will have a strong impact at Dodger Stadium? What kind of atmosphere do you think that will create?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: I anticipate that many of the strong, international teams will have an amazing impact. Japan and the United States, who have done especially well in previous competitions, of course. But also, the Dominican republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela teams! The local crowd will embrace many of the Latin American players, creating an energetic and electrifying atmosphere at the stadium.

Archyde News: what message would you like to give our readers as we look ahead to the 2028 Olympics and baseball at Dodger Stadium?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Get ready. Dodger Stadium is going to deliver incredible moments. Whether a long-time fan or a newcomer, the combination of history, the atmosphere, and the caliber of the competition will bring an unforgettable experience. It’s an event that will create memories for generations to come.

Archyde News: Thank you,Dr. Vance, for your brilliant insights. It has been a pleasure.

Dr. Eleanor Vance: The pleasure was all mine.