Anaheim approves LA28 games agreement to host Olympic indoor volleyball at Honda Center

The Anaheim City Council unanimously approved a games agreement with the LA28 Organizing Committee to host all Olympic indoor volleyball at the Honda Center during the 2028 Olympic Games.

Staff said the agreement establishes Anaheim as a venue city and a framework for how the city and LA28 will coordinate. Key points include a requirement that the city provide normal, "standard" municipal services at its usual cost and that LA28 reimburse the city for "enhanced" services needed specifically for games operations within an agreed footprint.

Tom Morton, staff lead on the item, told council the two additional documents that will follow the current agreement are an "enhanced city resources master agreement" (due by Oct. 1, 2026) to define the levels and unit costs of reimbursable services, and a venue services agreement that will apply to Honda Center specifics.

The draft games agreement also includes steps to coordinate permitting, address unauthorized street trading near events, and encourage regular and customary pricing practices by vendors serving attendees. The city will not impose admissions or parking taxes on Olympic events in Anaheim to comply with its host agreement with LA28.

Council members asked staff how reimbursements and resource needs would be set and whether Anaheim could secure room blocks and local economic benefits. Staff said Visit Anaheim has already secured a substantial room block and that additional agreements will specify reimbursement timelines and allowed costs.

Why it matters: Hosting Olympic events brings visibility and potential short-term economic activity to the city, but also requires careful planning and firm reimbursement arrangements to avoid unbudgeted costs to city services. Council approved the games agreement without dissent.