Orange County Forms Olympic Committee to Secure Surfing, Volleyball Venues and Revenue for 2028 Games

**Orange County has established the LA 28 Olympic Preparedness Committee to manage its role in the 2028 Olympic Games, securing revenue and coordinating logistics for events hosted within the county.** The committee aims to maximize economic benefits and prepare local infrastructure for major competitions.

Orange County will host two key competitions during the 2028 Olympic Games. Surfing events will take place at San Clemente, utilizing a renowned local break. Volleyball matches will occur at the Honda Center in Anaheim, bringing a significant international audience to the city. Supervisor Katrina Foley emphasized that Orange County previously lacked direct influence in Olympic planning, necessitating proactive engagement to secure local interests and revenue streams.

The newly formed committee, co-chaired by Supervisors Foley and Vicente Sarmiento, aims to identify and address a range of associated costs. These include transportation needs, security provisions, and the organization of community events. While Orange County is not responsible for the core Olympic budget, the committee anticipates various related expenditures that require careful planning and potential external funding.

Several Orange County locations will play vital roles beyond hosting events. Italy, for instance, will use Cal State Fullerton as a dedicated facility for its Olympic operations during the 2028 Games. Additionally, UCI is designated as an official Olympic Village, providing athlete housing. Dana Point Harbor is also set to feature what officials describe as a "seaside Olympic Village," further expanding the county's involvement.

This strategic move positions Orange County to bolster its tourism profile, showcasing the region to millions of international visitors and fans. The committee will explore opportunities for local residents to engage with the Games, including public watch parties and dedicated fan zones at county parks. This approach allows community members who may not attend ticketed events to participate directly in the Olympic experience.

The focus for the committee now shifts to developing concrete plans for venue readiness, aligning local and regional transportation systems, and actively seeking state and federal funding. This proactive stance aims to ensure Orange County fully leverages its participation in the 2028 Games, turning its hosting duties into a long-term economic and community benefit.