The Olympic cricket stadium for LA 2028 in Pomona could soon host future Indian Premier League games as part of global expansion plans.
The upcoming Olympic cricket venue in Pomona, California, may later host matches for Indian Premier League teams as the competition looks to expand into the United States. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore confirmed construction has begun at Fairplex, preparing for cricket’s return to the Games after a 128-year absence. The stadium will serve as home ground for KKR’s US franchise, Los Angeles Knight Riders, and host Major League Cricket matches in July 2026. Capacity will grow in stages, reaching up to 15,000 by 2028 for the six-team T20 Olympic tournament.
Mysore expressed hope the venue could one day stage exhibition IPL fixtures in the US, though challenges remain with player availability. "Wouldn’t that be wonderful?" he said, acknowledging the packed schedules after the IPL season ends. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has discussed sending teams for exhibition games to grow cricket’s footprint in America. The USA, seen as the world’s largest sports market, is a key target for IPL expansion, though past proposals from the US and Canada have not materialized.
Mysore stressed that leveraging Major League Cricket’s momentum is crucial for broader market growth. "When viewership goes up, it has a positive effect on things like media rights. It makes a lot of sense," he noted, while emphasizing the need to first deliver on the current project. He added that the opportunity to expand cricket’s presence in the US is real, but patience and execution are vital. "First things first – we have to deliver what we’ve started here."
The LA 2028 Olympic cricket tournament will feature early start times, with matches scheduled for 9am local time. This timing aims to accommodate global audiences given the time difference with major cricket markets. The decision reflects efforts to maximize viewership and engagement during the Games. Tournament organizers have outlined ticket prices ranging from $28 to $500 for both women’s and men’s events.
A top priority for the Pomona venue is ensuring a world-class playing surface ahead of cricket’s Olympic comeback. Organizers have constructed eight traditional pitches using local clay and Tahoma turf, along with a separate practice facility, allowing time for proper settling before 2028. "We made a decision from the get-go that we will not cut any corners," Mysore stated. The goal is to create a facility that rivals the best in the world, with no expense spared to meet elite standards.
Seven Major League Cricket matches are planned at the venue from July 1-5, 2026, with Mysore confident the ground will be ready in time. "The square has been laid and the grass is growing," he said, adding that pitches, outfield, and lighting will all meet high standards. The facility is designed to host the qualifier for the final LA 2028 Olympic team, though the International Cricket Council has not yet confirmed details. Beyond cricket, the site may also host concerts and other sports events.
The Pomona ground is intended to evolve into a versatile sports and entertainment complex after the Olympics. Plans include hosting concerts and other sporting events to maximize usage and revenue. The modular design allows for phased expansion, with seating capacity increasing from 5,000 in 2026 to 15,000 by 2028. This flexibility ensures the venue remains relevant beyond the Olympic Games.