Utah’s new surf destination: Draper to host USA Surfing Olympic Training Center

USA Surfing selects a new wave pool development in Draper, Utah, as an official Olympic training center, aiming to provide high-performance support for the 2028 Games.

Utah’s new surf destination: Draper to host USA Surfing Olympic Training Center

The Veranda West development in Draper, Utah, has officially been selected as the new high-performance training ground for the U.S. Olympic surf team. As the organization prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, this site will serve as a premier facility, utilizing next-generation wave pool technology to ensure athletes can refine their skills in a controlled environment.

Key takeaways

  • The site is part of the 13.5-acre Veranda West mixed-use development in Draper, Utah.
  • USA Surfing has designated the venue as a key national training center for Olympic athletes.
  • Plans utilize Endless Surf technology to provide consistent, high-performance waves.
  • The project is projected to create over 100 local jobs and contribute $23 million annually to the regional economy.

The new facility and olympic training

The decision to partner with the Utah project signals an expansion of the American surfing infrastructure. By selecting this location, USA Surfing aims to provide athletes with consistent, high-quality air sections and customizable waves that mirror the demands of international competition. While currently in the planning stages, the facility is being built specifically to support professional development, with construction anticipated to commence this fall and a targeted opening in 2028.

Water conservation and sustainability

In light of regional water concerns, developers have integrated a closed-loop system into the facility's design. This system is engineered to capture local rainfall and snowmelt, which will be cycled through the pool to replace water lost to evaporation or splashing. Proponents of the project, including city leadership, suggest that the surf park is a more water-efficient use of the land compared to alternative commercial or high-density residential developments, which would carry higher annual water footprints.

Economic and local development

The Veranda West development represents a broader lifestyle hub for the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Beyond its sporting impact, the site is planned to host retail villages, restaurants, and luxury wellness amenities, including a Nordic spa. This infusion of private investment is intended to establish the region as a year-round destination for both world-class athletes and local residents, blending high-performance sports with mixed-use economic growth.

Sources