The roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers, and the thunderous spike of a volleyball served all echoed through an arena usually alive with the slap of hockey pucks. That’s the scene set for the 2028 LA Olympics, where home to one of the NHL’s big teams—will trade ice for nets to host volleyball’s biggest stars. So which arena are we talking about here? Well, it’s got everyone talking about this epic crossover of sporting worlds.

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games made it official with a post on X that’s got fans buzzing: “Aces from Anaheim. 🏐 We’re amped to welcome the Arena in Anaheim to the LA28 Olympic venue lineup. The world-class arena, home to the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, will host Volleyball during the 2028 Olympic Games.” This isn’t just a venue swap; it’s a bold move to bring Olympic energy to a space known for clutch goals and epic fights on the ice.

The Arena in Anaheim, an 18,000-seat gem, is no stranger to big moments. Since opening in 1993, it’s been the Ducks’ fortress, hosting Stanley Cup runs and sold-out concerts. The Honda Center, named after Honda, secured naming rights in 2006 and renewed its lease in 2020, is no stranger to big moments. But here’s the cool part: in just five hours, it can shapeshift into an 8,400-seat amphitheater, perfect for Olympic volleyball’s high-flying action. That kind of flexibility makes it a no-brainer for LA28.

This isn’t the Honda Center’s first rodeo hosting major events. It’s a regular for NCAA basketball tournaments, drawing college hoops fans from across the country. Beyond sports, it’s a magnet for global superstars—think concerts from Beyoncé to BTS. Its reputation as a top-tier venue makes it the ideal stage for the Olympics, where athletes and artists alike shine.

What’s especially exciting is how the Honda Center will host hockey and volleyball side by side during the Games. This setup is a win for both sports, especially in California, where fans might not always get to see Olympic-level volleyball up close. The shared spotlight means more eyes on every spike and slapshot, boosting exposure for athletes and creating a festival vibe for locals. Imagine Ducks fans discovering a new love for volleyball or volleyball diehards catching their first hockey game—it’s a cultural crossover that could spark something special.

Anaheim’s selection as a host venue underscores its growing status as a sports hub. The Honda Center’s ability to pivot from NHL games to Olympic volleyball, all while maintaining world-class standards, proves it’s more than just a rink. As we count down to 2028, the Arena in Anaheim is set to become a hub of Olympic fever but there are other NHL arenas that are likely to host the 2028 Hockey World Cup.

NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames likely to host 2028 World Cup of Hockey

The National Hockey League (NHL) is eyeing Alberta’s hockey hotbeds, Edmonton and Calgary, as potential hosts for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, according to a report from Oilersnation.com. The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, fierce rivals in the Battle of Alberta, could see their cities share the spotlight for this prestigious international tournament, marking a significant moment for Canadian hockey.

The World Cup of Hockey, last held in 2016, is a showcase of the sport’s elite talent, featuring national teams and top NHL stars. Edmonton’s Rogers Place, home of the Oilers, and Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome, home of the Flames, are modern arenas well-equipped to handle the global event’s demands. Edmonton has not hosted any major NHL event yet but its state-of-the-art facilities make it a frontrunner, while Calgary’s passionate fanbase and hockey culture add to its appeal.

The 2028 tournament would mark a significant moment for the sport, following a packed schedule of high-profile hockey events. Notably, the Hockey World Cup—separate from the World Cup of Hockey—is slated for 2026. This earlier tournament will see countries compete in a global showdown, amplifying hockey’s international appeal. Together, these events signal a thrilling era for the sport, with the potential to elevate its global profile significantly.

Hosting the 2028 event would be a boon for Alberta’s economy, drawing thousands of international fans, media, and sponsors. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, would benefit significantly, as seen during past major hockey events like the Stanley Cup playoffs. For fans, the prospect of seeing global stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon compete on Alberta ice is thrilling. The 2028 World Cup of Hockey could not only reignite the Oilers-Flames rivalry, but also cement Edmonton and Calgary as premier destinations for international hockey.