COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The head of USA Track and Field addressed the uncertainties about the upcoming Olympic trials set for 2028, confirming that the organization prefers to host them at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum a few weeks ahead of the actual Olympic track events.

Max Siegel explained that the objective is to provide American athletes with the closest experience to an actual Olympic competition, asserting that there is no better venue than the same stadium that will be used for the Games.

He indicated that while the traditional Olympic trials often take place over a span of ten days, there are intentions to compress this schedule for 2028. Siegel aims to finalize these arrangements by January. Typically, the trials occur six to eight weeks prior to the start of the track events at the Olympics.

“I cannot deny that we’re focused on having the trials in the Western region, specifically in Los Angeles,” Siegel stated. “We will put forth every effort to ensure our trials happen at the Coliseum.”

However, LA chairman Casey Wasserman raised questions over the summer by suggesting that holding the trials in such close proximity to the Olympic events might complicate the planning, which he believes might not be in the athletes’ best interests.

Concerns were primarily raised regarding whether the Coliseum, which also hosts football games for the University of Southern California along with other events, would be adequately prepared for a high-caliber track meet in time for the trials. Additionally, logistical challenges regarding the modifications needed to ready the stadium for the Olympics a month after the trials were highlighted.

When asked about the current stance of the Los Angeles organizing committee, a representative conveyed that they are “exploring the possibility of hosting the 2028 Track and Field Trials at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.”

Traditionally, holding the trials in the same venue as the Olympics aligns with U.S. Olympic history, as seen in 1996 when they took place at the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta and in 1984 when they were held at the Coliseum itself.

Since 2008, every Olympic track and field trials organized by USATF have been held at Hayward Field located on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon.