We’re thrilled about the upcoming Olympic Games and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s (RBAC) key involvement in the 2028 diving competition. While many details are being determined, we are committed to keeping our community and staff updated as information becomes available. 

We hope it helps answer some initial questions and reassures you that our staff and community remain at the heart of every decision we make. 

What is the timeline that you anticipate having the confirmation that the RBAC will host Diving for the 2028 Olympics?

The Los Angeles City Council voted on September 10, 2025, to approve LA28’s proposal to move the Diving competition for the LA2028 Olympics to the RBAC. 

The schedule for the Games was recently released, indicating that the Diving competition will be held at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center from July 16-28, 2028, with a two-day hiatus in the middle (so 11 days of competition).

• July 16: women’s 3m springboard preliminaries
• July 17: women’s 3m springboard semifinal and final
• July 18: men’s 3m springboard preliminaries and semifinal
• July 19: men’s 3m springboard final
• July 20: women’s 10m platform preliminary and semifinal
• July 21: men’s 10m platform preliminary and women’s 10m platform final
• July 22: Men’s 10m platform semifinal and final
• July 25: women’s 3m synchro springboard final
• July 26: men’s 3m synchro springboard final
• July 27: women’s 10m platform final
• July 28: men’s 10m platform final

Do you have a signed agreement with LA28

The formal agreement is still being finalized. We will share more details once it is complete.

Who are the stakeholders involved other than LA28, the RBAC, and the City of Pasadena?

We are working with LA28 and the City of Pasadena as we move forward. As the owner of the property, the City of Pasadena will have the right to approve any changes or upgrades to the facility. The International Olympic Committee and other partners with LA28 are involved in the planning and oversight and are working through the LA28 organization.

What part of the RBAC will be impacted? Will the RBAC be inaccessible during renovations?

The RBAC will operate fully in 2026 and for a partial period of time in 2027. As soon as construction timelines are available, we will communicate specific impacts on operations.

The conversation about renovations to the RBAC’s facilities began several years ago with plans for a multi-phase renovation. In 2020, those plans were put on hold due to the Pandemic. The conversation with the RBAC Board of Directors and leadership team resumed in 2022, and plans were underway to assess the facility and launch a capital campaign to raise the needed funding for renovations and upgrades.

With this new opportunity with LA28 and World Aquatics, their primary focus will be on the diving- and Games-related facilities (e.g., the recreation pool and dive tower). The RBAC will also assess the facility for other needed upgrades and required funding. The community and stakeholders will be informed as soon as the total impact is confirmed.

Is the RBAC relocating programs during any period(s) of closure/inaccessibility? Do you have that plan in place yet?

Our priority is continuity of programming. Work is underway by the RBAC’s senior leadership team to find other space for our programs, teams, and patrons. Currently, we are reaching out to find other pool space. When temporary changes are required, we will communicate well in advance and work to minimize disruptions.

Is the RBAC overseeing renovations, or is LA28 solely responsible for renovations? What role does the City of Pasadena have in renovation decisions?

We are an independent nonprofit that operates the facility, which is owned by the City of Pasadena. LA28 will lead the renovations related to the diving event in partnership with the RBAC and the City of Pasadena. As with any construction process, the City of Pasadena will be involved with permitting, approval of changes to their property, and any other relevant department. 

As noted earlier, we are prepared to continue to fundraise for renovations that may fall outside of the scope of the LA28 part of the project.

What is the scope of work that LA28 will be renovating? What will the tower look like? Who will determine the design? Is there a rendering of the design?

The design of the dive tower will be a combined effort between the IOC, LA28, World Aquatics, RBAC, and the City of Pasadena. The scope of work for the facility is still being determined and is part of our discussions with LA28 and the City of Pasadena. As of date, there is an RFQ posted by the City of Los Angeles for the LA28 Olympic Dive Tower (Design and Build). We do not yet have renderings to share, but we will provide updates as soon as plans are finalized.

Will any renovations include updates to the locker rooms, administrative offices, or other areas of the Center? Is a third pool under consideration for the updates and renovations that would be taking place?

Those details have not yet been confirmed. Our focus is on ensuring that any updates enhance the long-term commitment to community use while meeting Olympic competition standards.

Any additional projects beyond what is required for the Games will need to be assessed, prioritized, and funded through contributions from our community and other funding sources, such as grants, to ensure sustainability.

Will all renovations be covered financially? If not, what is the gap in funding that we need to fill to maximize this time of renovations?

Renovations related to the Olympic competition are LA28’s responsibility. If additional enhancements are identified beyond the Games’ requirements, we will be proactively fundraising across our donors, partners, and community to ensure our facility remains strong and our mission is sustained.

Will stands be included in the updates to the space, and will they be permanent?

Staging and seating needs are being assessed. It is too early to confirm whether all the additions, like stands, would be permanent.

Will members or those associated with the RBAC have access to tickets or have any other LA2028 benefits?

Ticketing will be managed by LA28. While we don’t yet know the details, we will advocate for opportunities to engage our RBAC community as the Games approach.