With roughly three years remaining until the opening ceremony, the organizing committee for the LA28 Olympic Games has taken a significant step, officially confirming the competition schedule outline and venues for both indoor volleyball and its sun-kissed counterpart, beach volleyball. The announcement provides a clearer picture of where and when these popular sports will unfold during the Games, set to run from July 14th to 30th, 2028.
Iconic Locations Chosen
As previously hinted, beach volleyball will grace the sands of Alamitos Beach in Long Beach. This choice of venue is hardly a surprise; its picturesque setting by the Pacific Ocean offers a ready-made, visually stunning backdrop that has become synonymous with the sport`s Olympic presence. Expect world-class spikes and digs with a side of ocean breeze.
For the indoor game, the action is slated for the Anaheim Arena. Located southeast of Los Angeles, this established venue is well-equipped to host the fast-paced, high-flying matches of Olympic volleyball, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans.
The Tournament Progression
Both disciplines are scheduled to commence their preliminary rounds shortly after the Games begin, around Saturday, July 15th. These initial stages will see teams battle through group play over approximately a week.
For beach volleyball, the preliminary phase concludes around July 22nd. The knockout rounds, starting with the Round of 16, will quickly follow, running through July 23rd and 24th. Quarter-finals are set for July 25th and 26th, leading into the semi-finals on July 27th. The ultimate prizes will be contested in the evenings: the men`s beach volleyball gold medal match on Friday, July 28th, followed by the women`s final on Saturday, July 29th.
Indoor volleyball`s preliminary rounds will extend slightly longer, wrapping up around Sunday, July 23rd. The intensity ramps up immediately thereafter with the quarter-finals scheduled for July 24th and 25th. Semi-final clashes are slated for July 26th and 27th. The distribution of medals will span the final weekend of the Games, from Friday, July 28th, through Sunday, July 30th, culminating with the men`s gold medal match.
Building on Momentum
This scheduling blueprint comes on the heels of the recent Paris 2024 Games, which were widely lauded for their successful volleyball and beach volleyball tournaments. The strong showing in Paris, captivating global audiences with dramatic matches and memorable venues (like the beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower), sets a high bar for Los Angeles.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has stated its commitment to working closely with the LA28 organizers to ensure the delivery of another outstanding Olympic event for the sport. The confirmation of these initial dates and venues is a concrete step in that direction, moving the vision for 2028 closer to reality.
Note: It`s important to remember that, as is standard practice for large-scale events planned years in advance, this released schedule is provisional and may be subject to adjustments as 2028 approaches. More granular details, such as the specific order of matches by gender within sessions, are expected to be released later.
Rupert Caldwell