Long Beach Arena: The planned venue for 2028 Olympic Handball
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was interview on the Dan Patrick Radio Show yesterday and during the interview he referenced Team Handball
“If we just get over having 15,000 people watch team handball you can have 2-3 thousand in a great arena that probably exists in great cities and then you don’t have to build things.”
Essentially Mayor Garcetti was pointing out that big arenas are not really necessary for every sport. So, if cities aren’t expected to build so many arenas than more cities would sign up to bid. That being said, 2-3 thousand capacity, though, would under serve handball, even in the U.S.
Have no fear. Handball is planned for the Long Beach Arena which has an 11,200 seat capacity for Ice Hockey and 13,600 for basketball. For sure, not the fanciest arena in Southern California, but there should be plenty of seats available. More likely than not it will be one of the cheapest tickets available and should have decent crowds. Many in attendance will be newcomers to the sport looking to attend an Olympic Event at a reasonable price. This was the case in 1984 and to get a sense of that type of fan, watch actor Ty Burrell, the real estate agent father on Modern Family, talk about his family road trip to attend the Olympics when he was a kid.
Garcetti references handball around the 6 minute mark. Earlier in the interview he talks up funding for youth sports which he indicates will start be used next year. Video: Link