Lacrosse is set to make a historic return to the Olympic Games at the LA 2028 Summer Olympics, marking its first appearance since 1908. This time, the sport will be featured in the fast-paced, six-a-side format known as Lacrosse Sixes, a streamlined version designed to enhance global accessibility and appeal to a broader audience.
Lacrosse Sixes is a modern adaptation of traditional lacrosse, combining elements of field and box lacrosse to create a dynamic and engaging game. Played outdoors on a smaller field measuring 70 meters by 36 meters, each team consists of six players, including a goalkeeper, drawn from a roster of 12. The game is structured into four eight-minute quarters, with a 30-second shot clock to maintain a fast tempo. Face-offs occur only at the beginning of each quarter and overtime; after goals, play resumes with the goalie taking the ball out of the net. There are no long poles, and all players are required to participate in both offensive and defensive roles, promoting a more inclusive and versatile style of play.
Venue: BMO Stadium
The Lacrosse Sixes competitions at LA 2028 will be held at BMO Stadium, located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. This 22,000-seat venue, home to Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC, will also host the flag football events. Situated adjacent to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, BMO Stadium offers a vibrant setting that aligns with the energetic nature of Lacrosse Sixes. The proximity to other major Olympic venues enhances the overall spectator experience and underscores the integration of various sports within the Olympic framework.
The inclusion of Lacrosse Sixes in the Olympic program is poised to significantly boost the sport's global profile. By adopting a format that is faster and more accessible, lacrosse aims to attract new audiences and participants worldwide. The smaller team sizes and simplified rules make it easier for countries with developing lacrosse programs to compete on the international stage. Nations such as Hong Kong and China have already embraced the Sixes format, organizing national leagues and tournaments to prepare for the Olympic debut.
The Olympic Lacrosse Sixes tournament will feature both men's and women's competitions, each comprising eight teams. The teams will be divided into two pools, with each team playing round-robin matches against the others in their pool. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, while the third and fourth place teams will compete in play-in matches to secure their spots in the semifinals. The tournament will culminate in medal matches, with the gold, silver, and bronze medals up for grabs. The exact dates and match schedules will be announced closer to the Games.
Lacrosse Sixes' inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics represents a significant milestone in the sport's history. It reflects the International Olympic Committee's commitment to diversifying the Olympic program and introducing sports that resonate with younger audiences. For lacrosse, this is an opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and dynamic gameplay to a global audience, fostering greater participation and appreciation of the sport worldwide.