Louisville will host the 2028 USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials from June 16-19 at the KFC Yum! Center. A formal announcement will be made on April 15 at Churchill Downs with local officials and athletes in attendance.
Louisville to host 2028 USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials
"In 2028, Louisville will become Gymnastics City, USA, hosting events with all gymnastics disciplines and Congress," the USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials website reads.
USA Gymnastics has published a landing page confirming the event on USAGymOlympicTrials.com.
Louisville was one of "several communities" that submitted a bid, LSC president and CEO Greg Fante told The Courier Journal in December. This will be the city's first time hosting the event, which was first held in 1960.
Louisville has hosted a number of high-profile sporting events in recent years, including the 2024 NCAA women's volleyball championship, theĀ 2023 NCAA men's basketball regionalĀ and the Kentucky Derby every year since 1875. USA Gymnastics has also held its Winter Cup competition in Louisville (at Freedom Hall in 2023 and the Kentucky International Convention Center from 2024-26) each of the last four years.
2028 Olympic Trials could mean big money for Louisville
Each massive sporting event Louisville hosts comes with an even larger economic impact on the city.
These events bring not only the athletes and members of the competing parties, but events like the Kentucky Derby (hosted annually the first Saturday in May) or a major NCAA championship bring tourists who spend money on lodging, transportation, food and other entertainment.
The 2024 NCAA volleyball national semifinals and final, hosted over four days at the KFC Yum! Center, were estimated to have a $12.7 million economic impact on Louisville, The Courier Journal previously reported.
The 106th PGA Championship, which was played in 2024 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, was expected to draw in an estimated 200,000 visitors and generate a $78.5 million in economic impact, The Courier Journal previously reported.
Additionally, the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, the city's marquee sporting event, is expected to have a roughly $411.5 million economic impact on Louisville, according to Louisville Tourism.
The KFC Yum! Center brings a unique advantage with its 22,090-seat capacity for hosting events like the NCAA volleyball championship ā or soon the USA Gymnastics 2028 Olympic Trials.
Since 2023, sports tourism has become increasingly more common in the metro.
Based on estimates Louisville Tourism published in January 2026, if the 2028 Olympic Trials produce an economic impact greater than $8.5 million, it will rank among the top 16 events based on economic impact the city will host throughout the year. Other major sports related events in the top 16 for 2026 include TFN's Run 4 Roses Basketball Tournament with $48.4 million, National Archery in the Schools Program Eastern National Tournament with $19.6 million, Junior Volleyball Association World Challenge with $19 million, KIVA Sports Under Armour Bluegrass Tournament with $14 million and Varsity Spirit Dance Super Nationals with $8.5 million.
āAs we look ahead to 2026, weāre thrilled to welcome back Louisvilleās most iconic and impactful events while also introducing new and dynamic gatherings that further elevate our cityās reputation as a premier destination for world-class experiences,ā Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism president and CEO said in a January release. āHosting these tradeshows, meetings and events not only demonstrates Louisvilleās vital role in driving economic impact but also provides a platform to share our cityās unique charm with visitors from across the globe.ā
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com and follow her on X @petitus25. Subscribe to her "Full-court Press" newsletterherefor a behind-the-scenes look at how college sports' biggest stories are impacting Louisville and Kentucky athletics.
When will the 2028 USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials take place in Louisville?
The trials will take place from June 16-19, 2028.
Where will the USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials be held in Louisville?
The trials will be held at the KFC Yum! Center.
Who will attend the formal announcement for the 2028 Olympic Trials in Louisville?
Local officials including Governor Andy Beshear and Mayor Craig Greenberg, along with athletes and hall of fame athletes, will attend the announcement.
What is the significance of Louisville hosting the 2028 USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials?
Louisville will be recognized as 'Gymnastics City, USA,' hosting events across all gymnastics disciplines and Congress.
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