Formal talks between the city of Santa Monica and the 2028 L.A. Games organizing committee about hosting Olympic beach volleyball “have ended.” Santa Monica State Beach was “tabbed to be the L.A. home for Olympic beach volleyball since the organizing committee’s first bid in 2016.” But city officials and LA28 could “not reach an agreement about community benefits, operational details and financial guarantees.” LA28 informed Santa Monica last week that it “will pursue a new venue to host the event.” The committee is expected to “reveal an updated venue proposal” to the IOC tomorrow. Santa Monica could “still be involved” in LA28 by “hosting hospitality houses for visiting countries, broadcast centers, practice venues or watch parties” (L.A. TIMES, 4/8).
A financial analysis commissioned by Santa Monica officials found that “hosting Olympic beach volleyball would bring in” $14.09M but “cost the city” $15.54M (SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS, 4/8).
