Olympic soccer is coming to St. Louis in 2028, with matches expected to boost downtown tourism, hospitality, and local business activity.
Picture provided by: LA28.
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis has been selected as one of seven U.S. cities that will host matches during the 2028 Olympic Football (Soccer) Tournaments, positioning the region for a significant economic lift and global exposure as part of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The announcement confirms that St. Louis will host group-stage and knockout-round matches leading up to the medal rounds, which will conclude at the Rose Bowl Stadium in California. Olympic organizers say the nationwide hosting model is intended to expand access to the Games while distributing economic benefits beyond Southern California.
For St. Louis, the designation represents more than a sporting milestone. Hosting Olympic competition is expected to drive tourism, hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic, and short-term job creation while strengthening the city’s profile as a destination for major international events.
Olympic soccer matches in St. Louis will be played at Energizer Park, home of St. Louis CITY SC. The stadium, which opened in 2023, anchors a growing downtown sports and entertainment district that includes training facilities, team headquarters, and surrounding commercial development.
Local leaders point to the stadium’s central location as a major advantage, allowing visitors to stay, dine, and explore within the urban core. With thousands of domestic and international visitors expected during Olympic match windows, downtown businesses and hospitality providers are expected to see increased demand.
LA28 worked in coordination with Soccer United Marketing to evaluate stadiums nationwide, reviewing infrastructure readiness, transportation access, and community engagement capacity. Officials said St. Louis met international competition standards while demonstrating a strong soccer culture and fan base.
St. Louis joins other host cities including New York, Columbus, Nashville, San José, and San Diego. Tournament scheduling is expected to progress from east to west as teams advance, minimizing travel demands and improving athlete recovery.
Economists note that even short-term Olympic hosting can yield lasting benefits by elevating a city’s global brand, attracting future events, and encouraging long-term tourism and investment. Community organizations and youth soccer programs are also expected to benefit from heightened visibility and engagement surrounding the Games.
The LA28 Games will also mark a historic milestone for women’s sports. For the first time in Olympic history, the women’s soccer tournament will feature more teams than the men’s competition, reflecting a broader commitment to gender equity across all team sports.
Registration for the LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw is currently open through March 18, 2026. Match dates for St. Louis, team assignments, and kickoff times will be announced ahead of the first ticket release in April 2026, following the Olympic qualification process and official draw.
As preparations continue, city officials say the focus will be on maximizing economic impact while ensuring residents and visitors alike can experience the Olympic spirit in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
