San Diego is already a major destination for soccer fans, but the city’s status as a top soccer hotspot will receive a global showcase when Snapdragon Stadium hosts nearly a dozen matches as part of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games — more than any other city.
Snapdragon, the beautiful Mission Valley Stadium that serves as home to both Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s San Diego Wave, will host bronze-medal matches in both men’s and women’s soccer, the LA28 organizing committee has announced.
The venue will also host nine other matches leading up to the medal rounds.
The full rundown:
- July 11, 14 and 17, 2028: Combined men's and women's group stage matches
- July 21: Women's quarterfinal match
- July 24-25: Men's and women's semifinal matches
- July 27-28: Men's and women's bronze medal matches
It’s the latest big soccer news for both San Diego and the 35,000-seat Snapdragon: The stadium also is hosting World Cup games this June, and the city will serve as World Cup home base for the national teams from Switzerland and New Zealand.
And it all makes San Diego even more of a must-visit for soccer devotees looking to catch some games (and catch some rays) in a sunny and beautiful vacation destination. So whether it's for the Olympics, the World Cup or all-around soccer kicks, start planning now to make soccer the centerpiece of an unforgettable San Diego vacation. Read on to learn more:
Top Spots for Soccer and More
Awesome Soccer Action
Awesome Soccer Action
Both San Diego FC and the San Diego Wave play from spring into fall, which means plenty of opportunities to catch a home match at Snapdragon. And not only is the stadium an ideal place to take in a soccer game, but it offers lots of irresistible San Diego food and beverage options.
Explore Mission Valley
Explore Mission Valley
Snapdragon is conveniently located in San Diego's Mission Valley, which puts you right on the doorstep of a wealth of options to stay, dine and play. The neighborhood is also just minutes from San Diego's attractions and such must-sees as Balboa Park.
Catch Baseball in the Big City
Catch Baseball in the Big City
Your San Diego sports fun doesn’t have to end with soccer, either. Petco Park, deemed the top Major League Baseball stadium in the nation by USA Today, hosts San Diego Padres games in the bustling East Village neighborhood, close to the nightlife and restaurants of the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Go Big on the Dining Scene
Go Big on the Dining Scene
San Diego's rising restaurant scene boasts a wealth of adventurous chefs and great dining spaces, from eateries with spectacular views to inviting neighborhood spots. The region's culinary finds also include five restaurants that have earned coveted Michelin stars.
Discover Great Neighborhoods
Discover Great Neighborhoods
Get beyond the best-known attractions and other sights in San Diego and you'll find a city of vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods. Make sure to explore these communities that capture the soul of the city, from the multicultural riches of the Southeastern communities to the hip avenues of Midtown to the fascinating history and exquisite vistas of Point Loma.
Experience World-class Attractions
Experience World-class Attractions
Such renowned attractions as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are just minutes away from Snapdragon and Mission Valley, as are such cultural treasures as Old Town San Diego.
Get Your Kicks in the Pacific
Get Your Kicks in the Pacific
Not only is San Diego a 2028 Olympic soccer venue, but the Olympic surfing competition will be held at Trestles Beach in the northwestern corner of the county. It's a perfect pick: San Diego's world-famous beaches beckon year-round, with reliable sunshine, mild temperatures and the beauty of the glittering Pacific. Spend a day reveling in the sun and surf along the classic boardwalk of Mission Beach. Or stroll the streets of picture-perfect La Jolla Village and discover the beauty of the jewel-like La Jolla Cove. You can also check out plenty of great surfing, or even take a class from a top school such as Surf Diva and then get out in the waves.