Squash’s Olympic debut will take place at Courthouse Square for LA 2028 – as the sport goes from stage to screen and World Squash hailing the organisers for their “brilliant creative vision”.
The venue at Universal Studios Lot in San Fernando Valley has played host to an array of iconic Hollywood movies, notably Back to The Future, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Nutty Professor.
With squash being played on a host of theatre stages on the PSA Tour, the move by LA organisers, as well as NBC executives, to put squash in a movie setting is an apt one.
World Squash president Zena Wooldridge said: “On behalf of the global squash community, I would like to thank the teams from the IOC, LA28 and NBCUniversal for their brilliant creative vision in proposing squash for what will surely be one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.
“As one of the world’s most famous film studios, Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles will present a unique and spectacular Hollywood setting for squash’s Olympic premiere, one which I’m sure will excite squash fans across the world.”
There was no further detail in Wednesday’s release as to where the squash competition will held at Courthouse Square or if it will be an undercover event. With a 16-player draw, the schedule also lends itself to be played at night.
But US Squash president and CEO Kevin Klipstein added: “For squash in the United States, there could not be a more ideal location for our sport’s Olympic debut than in Los Angeles and at Universal Studios.
Squash will be the only Olympic sport staged at Universal Studios.
LA’s organising committee presented a final venues plan to the IOC last week.
The latest venues plan includes sites in Venice, downtown LA and Long Beach.
PSA CEO Alex Gough said: “Squash has always prided itself on being played in remarkable, iconic locations.
“By combining its world-class facilities, entertainment expertise, and strategic location, the Universal Studios Lot promises to create an unforgettable Olympic experience for our players, fans, and the sport. We are thrilled to be part of this historic moment and look forward to welcoming fans from across the globe to experience squash in such a unique and inspiring setting.”