If there’s one thing USC loves to brag about — be it on campus tours, infographics or social media accounts — it’s Trojan Olympic heritage, from the athletes to the campus as a venue. It would be difficult to say the pride isn’t warranted, as no university in the United States has more alumni with Olympic medals than USC. With a total of 512 Olympians and 326 medals, Trojan pride is inextricably linked with the biennial games.
Now, USC is set to play a major role in Olympic history yet again after Los Angeles won its bid to host the 2028 Summer Games. USC venues have been named to host multiple events for the Summer Olympics, including track and field, badminton, gymnastics and more.
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Olympic History at USC
L.A. has hosted the Olympics twice, and on both occasions the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was utilized as a centerpiece for the Games. In 1932, then named Olympic Stadium, the Coliseum held the opening ceremony of the games. The Olympic torch, still displayed at the Coliseum today, was also lit at the stadium throughout the Games.
In 1984, the Coliseum was also used for the opening ceremony, and once again held the Olympic torch for the duration of the games. Additionally, USC’s Uytengsu Aquatics Center — then known as the Olympic Swim Stadium — hosted swimming, diving and synchronized swimming events.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Lit in quite dramatic fashion throughout the year at various USC events, the Olympic torch has remained in the Coliseum since its inaugural Olympic appearance in 1932. However, the torch, of course, does not remain lit — which it will during the duration of the 2028 Games.
Once again, the L.A. Organizing Committee has selected the Coliseum as the location for the Opening Ceremony, as well as for the marquee track and field events. Historically, track and field has been USC’s strongest Olympic sport, with Trojans having competed in Olympic track events 219 times.
Most recently, at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, Trojans took home nine track and field medals, including five golds. Canadians Andre De Grasse and Aaron Brown collected the men’s 4×100 meter relay win, while Americans Rai Benjamin and TeeTee Terry were a part of the men’s 4×400 meter and women’s 4×100 meter victories.
Benjamin also individually won the 400 meter hurdles, his Olympic performance mirroring his performance for USC in the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships, where he won the 400 meter hurdles and the 4×400 meter relays.
The Trojans that took home silverware from track events in Paris will have some extra motivation to get back to the Olympic stage and defend their medals in familiar territory.
Galen Center
As a basketball and volleyball stadium, Galen has seen national champions, NBA players and celebrities, but in summer 2028, the stadium will be transformed into the home of rhythmic gymnastics and badminton.
The Olympic basketball tournament, on the other hand, will not be at Galen, but will take place in Inglewood at Intuit Dome. The shiny new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, Intuit Dome is widely known as one of the most high-tech stadiums in the entire country. Indoor volleyball will be held at Honda Center in Anaheim, with beach volleyball taking place at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach.
BMO Stadium
Nearby BMO Stadium — the current home of professional soccer teams Angel City FC and Los Angeles FC —- will also take part in Olympic festivities. The 22,000 seat stadium will host flag football and lacrosse.
Flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028, a product of campaigns from USA Football brass that included star Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as the ambassador for the event’s introduction in L.A.
Talks of NFL stars like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill joining Team USA to compete have circulated on social media, but no members of the roster have been announced.
Lacrosse has also long been absent from the Summer Games, with 2028 being the first Olympics featuring lacrosse in over a century.
USC University Park Campus
In addition to the events at Galen and the Coliseum, University Park Campus is currently slated to be the Olympic Media Village, home of press and media operations during the 2028 Games. The Olympic Village for athletes will be in Westwood on UCLA’s campus.
