LA28 venues outside Los Angeles require separate travel planning. This guide distinguishes venues outside California from venues elsewhere within California, then explains how to connect the cities without treating them as neighboring LA transit zones. Information checked on 11 October 2026: the Olympic football schedule includes medal matches in both San Diego and Pasadena, and general-public ticket sales next resume in 2027.
Outside Los Angeles is not the same as outside California
Oklahoma City, the New York area, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis are outside California. San José and San Diego are in California, while Pasadena is in Los Angeles County. All can require different accommodation and transport decisions from a central Los Angeles stay. Use the actual stadium address and session date; a zone label is not a measure of distance or a transit connection.
Oklahoma City: plan for the sport you booked
LA28 assigns Olympic softball and canoe slalom to Oklahoma City. Confirm the venue on your session information and book the journey to that city, rather than an LA hotel for an Oklahoma session. Include airport transfers, accommodation and venue transport in a separate budget. The Olympic venue assignment does not mean the same sports or cities appear in the Paralympic program.
Football in New York, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis
The official football venue announcement identifies New York Stadium, Columbus Stadium, Nashville Stadium and St. Louis Stadium. New York Stadium is planned as NYCFC’s new home, so recheck its access information as opening approaches. Select a flight and room using your confirmed session, not an assumed team route. The tournament draw determines specific team matchups.
San José and San Diego are California venues
San José Stadium is in the Bay Area; San Diego Stadium is in Southern California. Neither is an out-of-state venue. San José’s announced allocation includes women’s group matches and a quarterfinal. San Diego’s includes group, quarterfinal, semifinal and bronze-medal matches. Treat each as its own city stay or evaluate the complete return journey before calling it a day trip.
Where the football medal matches are held
The announced football match distribution places bronze-medal matches in San Diego on 27–28 July, and gold-medal matches at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on 28–29 July 2028. Football starts on 10 July, before the 14 July Olympic Opening Ceremony. Confirm the current session schedule, venue and kickoff time before paying for transport.
Compare travel legs door to door
A flight duration excludes airport access, check-in, security, baggage collection and the onward ride. Road and rail options also need the final stadium leg and post-event return. Compare the actual operators, arrival times and cancellation terms for your date. For a flight after a match, allow for a late finish and crowd exit; a fixed generic buffer cannot establish that the journey will work.
Ticket access has moved beyond the 2026 draws
The official LA28 ticket page says the next general-public Olympic sales are first-come, first-served in 2027. There are no further general-public Olympic draws in 2026. An LA28 ID is needed to purchase, and sessions remain subject to inventory. Check official ticket information for the next dates and venue-specific availability. A flight reservation or draw registration does not provide admission.
Build a realistic multi-city itinerary
Start with the few sessions that matter most, then budget the transitions. A hypothetical two-city plan should include both stays, the intercity fare, baggage, airport or station rides and any extra night needed between sessions. Do not assume all cities share LA fares, shuttles or parking arrangements. Keep adjustable bookings where ticket or team plans remain unsettled.
Related travel planning
Read our LA28 accommodation guide, Paralympic guide and entry guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities host LA28 events outside of Los Angeles?
Outside-LA locations include Oklahoma City, the New York area, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José and San Diego. San José and San Diego are in California; the others listed are outside the state.
What does Oklahoma City host at LA28?
Oklahoma City hosts Olympic softball and canoe slalom. Confirm the specific session and venue before planning your stay.
Do the out-of-state cities host Olympic football medal matches?
San Diego hosts the announced bronze-medal matches; Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosts the gold-medal matches. Not all football medal sessions are at the Rose Bowl.
Do I need a separate ticket registration for out-of-state venues?
Use LA28’s official ticketing system for the session you want. Next general-public Olympic sales are planned for 2027 without a ticket draw; check purchase requirements when announced.
Is San Diego or San José closer to Los Angeles?
San Diego is closer geographically. Whether either trip works depends on your session, transport timetable and full return journey, not distance alone.
Conclusion
Plan around the actual city and stadium on each ticket. Distinguish California venues from out-of-state cities, and verify travel, match and sales details as your itinerary develops.
Marsha Rowe is the Founder and Travel Strategist at Parandjah Travels. She uncovers high-intent travel intelligence, specializing in slow travel frameworks and sports event logistics.