Olympic Velodrome (Carson, California)

Olympic Velodrome (Carson, California)

The Olympic Velodrome in Carson, California was built for track cycling events during the 1984 Summer Olympics. It was on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills and built between 1981 and 1982. The velodrome was sponsored by the American convenience store chain 7-Eleven.

The velodrome had a long track that was 333.3 meters around. In 2003, the old track was removed and replaced by the ADT Event Center in 2004. This new center is now called the VELO Sports Center and is the only place in the United States that meets the standards for Olympic-level track cycling. Today, a soccer stadium called the Dignity Health Sports Park stands where the Olympic Velodrome used to be.

History

In 1981, California State University, Dominguez Hills was chosen to host the Olympic velodrome for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Construction started in July 1981 and finished on time by July 1982.

The velodrome had a track that was 333 metres long, made of concrete. It could hold up to 2,000 spectators normally, with extra seating added for the Olympics. The 1984 Olympics was a big success for cycling, with the United States winning many medals, including the first-ever women’s cycling events.