HomeMy WebLinkAbout2028 Olympic Games - Strategic Activation Opportunities in H 2000 Main Street,
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Huntington Beach,CA
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City of Huntington Beach
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File #: 25-651 MEETING DATE: 8/19/2025
Subject:
Item Submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon, Councilman Andrew Gruel, and Council
Woman Gracey Van Der Mark -Strategic Activation Opportunities in Huntington Beach
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Manager to implement a plan (as described above), in coordination with
appropriate City departments and Visit Huntington Beach, to explore opportunities for the City of
Huntington Beach to engage in Olympic-related programming, partnerships, and activation efforts
leading up to and during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The Plan should include
development of a policy to streamline the process for Olympic related activities such as use of
local public or private facilities for training or practice; beach events; cultural activations and public
exhibitions; and Olympic media coverage and community engagement sites.
Attachment(s):
1. Mayor Pro Tern McKeon, Councilman Gruel, and Council Woman Van Der Mark Memo
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 8/14/2025
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City Council Meeting — Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Mayor Pro Tern Casey McKeon
Councilman Andrew Gruel
Council Woman Gracey Van Der Mark
Date: August 19, 2025
Subject: 2028 Olympic Games — Strategic Activation Opportunities in
Huntington Beach
ISSUE STATEMENT
The 2028 Summer Olympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles July 14-July 30, with several
official venues and events taking place across Southern California, including Long Beach and
San Onofre, where aquatic events, surfing, sailing, beach volleyball and other competitions are
scheduled.
As an internationally recognized coastal destination with a strong identity rooted in surfing,
skateboarding, and outdoor recreation, Huntington Beach is well-positioned to explore how it can
participate in or complement regional Olympic programming. The City is home to the Vans Off the
Wall Skatepark, the Huntington Beach Sports Complex, and the iconic Huntington Beach—
venues that reflect Olympic disciplines and appeal to international audiences.
In collaboration with Visit Huntington Beach, City staff proposes to explore Olympic-related
engagement across four key areas:
1. Coordination with Olympic Organizers and Media Entities
• Explore the potential to serve as a satellite location for Olympic media coverage,
live broadcasts, or IOC-led programming that expands the Games' regional
footprint.
2. Use of Local Facilities for Training or Practice
• Evaluate the potential for City or partner-owned facilities to serve as practice
venues, especially for Olympic disciplines such as surfing, skateboarding, and
beach events.
3. Hosting or Supporting International Delegation Activity
• Investigate interest from Olympic delegations in establishing base-of-operations or
community engagement sites in Huntington Beach, including potential cultural
activations or public exhibitions.
4. Citywide and Community Events
• Consider the feasibility of Olympic-themed public events—such as beachside
viewing areas, youth sports clinics, cultural showcases, or fan zones—potentially
in partnership with USA Surfing, USA Skateboarding, and other sports
organizations.
This effort would also include evaluating Huntington Beach's proximity to Olympic venues in Long
Beach and Anaheim and identifying transportation, tourism, and branding synergies.
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to implement a plan (as described above), in coordination with
appropriate City departments and Visit Huntington Beach, to explore opportunities for the City of
Huntington Beach to,engage in Olympic-related programming, partnerships, and activation efforts
leading up to and during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The Plan should include
development of a policy to streamline the process for Olympic related activities such as use of
local public or private facilities for training or practice; beach events; cultural activations and public
exhibitions; and Olympic media coverage and community engagement sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not applicable
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable-Administrative Item
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
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