MONTREAL — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday that Montreal has been selected as one of four global cities to host the final Olympic qualification series ahead of the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Joining Orlando, Tokyo, and Shanghai, Montreal will serve as a critical gateway for athletes seeking a final chance to secure their spots on the world stage. The city is scheduled to host the third stop of the “Olympic Q-Series” from June 1 to 4, 2028, just weeks before the official opening ceremonies begin in California.
The high-stakes event will feature a lineup of dynamic and youth-focused sports, including 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, BMX freestyle, sport climbing, and skateboarding. Notably, the series will also include flag football, which is set to make its highly anticipated Olympic debut in 2028. By grouping these urban sports together, the IOC aims to create a festival-like atmosphere that bridges the gap between elite competition and urban culture, providing a massive spotlight for athletes in these growing disciplines.
In a move to streamline operations and enhance the spectator experience, organizers confirmed that all competitions will be centralized at a single hub within Montreal’s historic Olympic Park. This venue, iconic for its role in the 1976 Summer Games, will once again become the focal point of the international sporting community. The centralized “festival” format is designed to draw large crowds and foster a sense of Olympic fever across the city in the final countdown to the Los Angeles Games.
The total cost for hosting the event is estimated at $28 million. The majority of the funding—approximately $22 million—is expected to be provided by the three levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal. The remaining $6 million will be covered by private sector partners, including several corporations already associated with the Canadian Olympic Committee. Officials believe the investment will yield significant economic returns by attracting international media, hundreds of world-class athletes, and thousands of sports fans to the city.
