The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has welcomed today’s news that flag football will make its Olympic Games debut at The Stadium in Exposition Park, subject to final approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.

It follows a vote by the Los Angeles City Council approving LA28’s Games Plan. Find more details on the LA28 venue announcement here.

Pierre Trochet, President of IFAF, said:  “We’re very excited by this news, which means that, subject to IOC approval, flag football will make its Olympic Games debut at the epicentre of LA28, on the same campus as the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum – the host to Olympic ceremonies and athletics for a record third time.

“It’s a fantastic development for our sport – and one that will thrill all the flag football athletes who are dreaming of becoming Olympians.

“Flag football is going to be the place to be at LA28! Our electrifying sport and athletes will set the heartbeat of the Games. Our tournaments will be framed by the stunning visual backdrop of the downtown LA skyline and immersed in the festive atmosphere of Exposition Park.

“The Stadium itself is among the world’s most cutting-edge sports and entertainment venues, renowned as an “experience multiplier.” It’s an ideal stage to showcase one of the world’s most explosive and fan-centric young sports, which comes with a unique cultural wraparound and the extra experiential firepower of the NFL.

“Together, our goal is to create an unforgettable and transformational impact on the Games.”

Andy Fuller, Managing Director of IFAF, said: “We’re grateful to LA28 for their collaborative approach to this process.

“Flag football offers significant flexibility when it comes to venues, as a sport that can be staged indoors or outdoors, including in temporary structures.

“Throughout our discussions, we have emphasised flag football’s strong local grassroots and social impact traditions and it’s fitting that the proposed venue also serves as an important, year-round community resource.

“As home to one of the world’s most valuable and fast-growing women’s sports franchises, The Stadium in Exposition Park also offers a natural synergy with flag football, whose extraordinary worldwide growth is being driven by women and girls.”