Orlando is aiming to play a pivotal role on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of Orlando, Orange County, Visit Orlando, the State of Florida and other regional stakeholders, announced that the city is an official candidate to host the final stop of the Olympic Qualifier Series 2028 — a multi-sport showcase that will determine the last wave of athletes to earn their Olympic berths.
If selected, the four-day festival would be staged at Camping World Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations designed to enhance both athlete performance spaces and fan experiences.
“As the nation’s top sports destination, Orlando has consistently shown that our community can successfully host world-class events,” said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Added Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings: “By investing Tourist Development Tax monies into our sports venues, it provides the very best experiences for athletes and fans.
Launched by the International Olympic Committee in 2024, the Olympic Qualifier Series marked the first time Olympic qualification events were staged in a fully Olympic-branded environment, elevating athlete visibility while creating a festival atmosphere blending sport, culture and youth engagement.
Thousands showed up to watch the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trial runners compete for a chance to make the Olympic team in their race in Orlando in 2024. Now, the city is bidding to host the Olympic Qualifier Series as a prelude to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Its debut featured two global stops in Shanghai and Budapest, drawing more than 100,000 spectators and athletes from 55 nations competing in BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing. A total of 158 athletes secured Olympic qualification through the series just weeks before the Paris Games. The events were broadcast internationally in sports, resonating particularly with younger fans.
For 2028, the series is set to expand to three cities and six sports. In addition to BMX freestyle, skateboarding and climbing, organizers will add 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball and flag football — underscoring a push toward urban, youth-driven disciplines.
Orlando officials say the bid builds on the region’s strong Olympic résumé. In 2024, the city hosted the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, drawing more than 100,000 spectators downtown as six runners punched their tickets to Paris.
“We are incredibly honored that our community is a candidate to host the Olympic Qualifier Series as part of the journey to the LA 2028 Olympic Games,” said Jason Siegel, president & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Orlando has built a reputation for delivering world-class international events, and this opportunity reflects our region’s continued commitment to elevating global sport while creating memorable experiences for athletes, fans, and residents alike.”
mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com