Damian Hough Helps Launch LA Cricket Ground for 2028 Olympics

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Opens in Pomona

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles has officially opened its doors, marking a major step toward Olympic cricket in 2028. The US$21 million facility was built in less than 70 days, entirely funded by the Knight Riders Group, the sports empire led by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. The venue currently seats 5,000 fans, but organisers plan a permanent upgrade to a 15,000‑seat stadium with new grandstands, hospitality suites and broadcast infrastructure. This rapid construction underscores the growing investment in American cricket ahead of the Games.

The ground debuted with a competitive match this month when the LA Knight Riders faced the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, the United States’ domestic T20 league. Early fixtures attracted high‑profile Australian talent, including Steve Smith, Mitch Owen and Ben Dwarshuis. The first event served both as a showcase for local cricket and as a test run for the 2028 Olympic specifications.

Damian Hough’s Expertise Shapes the Olympic Pitch

Australian Damian Hough, head curator at Adelaide Oval since 2010, is the man behind the playing surface that will host Olympic cricket. Trained under legendary curator Les Burdett, Hough is regarded as a global authority on drop‑in pitches and also works as an international pitch consultant. His oversight of the LA venue’s surface ensures the strip meets the exacting standards required for Men’s and Women’s T20 competitions at the Games. Hough’s dual role at Adelaide Oval and on the international circuit highlights his influence on cricket’s expansion worldwide.

The Olympic return of cricket after a 128‑year hiatus—sparked by a single match between France and Great Britain at the 1900 Paris Games—adds extra weight to the venue’s preparation. Organisers and the ICC view the Knight Riders Cricket Ground as a cornerstone of a landmark Olympic tournament in the USA, hoping to capitalise on growing fan interest across North America.

Expanding for the 2028 Olympic Cricket Programme

The 2028 Los Angeles Games will feature both Men’s and Women’s T20 competitions, with six nations participating in each format. This limited‑nation model is designed to highlight elite talent while keeping logistics manageable for a fledgling Olympic cricket market. The planned expansion of the Pomona ground to 15,000 seats reflects the IOC’s expectation of heightened demand from spectators and broadcasters alike.

In addition to seating, the upgraded facility will include hospitality suites and state‑of‑the‑art broadcast facilities, positioning the venue as a modern, media‑friendly arena. The rapid transition from a temporary pitch to a permanent stadium demonstrates how cricket is being integrated into the Olympic infrastructure plan. As the 2028 deadline approaches, the synergy between the Knight Riders Group, local organisers and global experts like Damian Hough is shaping the future of Olympic cricket in the United States.