San Diego Seeks to Host the 2029 Invictus Games
SAN DIEGO — The city is in the running to host the esteemed Invictus Games in 2029, with an international delegation from the Invictus Games Foundation currently exploring various venues across San Diego for this celebrated adaptive sports competition.
The foundation has narrowed its choices to three finalist cities: San Diego, Aalborg in Denmark, and Daejeon in South Korea, with an announcement expected in July.
The Invictus Games, founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, serve as a powerful platform for wounded, injured, or sick service members and veterans, showcasing their remarkable resilience through sport. The games rotate to different host cities every two years, and San Diego is eager to step into the spotlight.
During their visit, the delegation toured several iconic San Diego locations, including the Navy SEAL Museum, the Rady Shell, the San Diego Convention Center, the USS Midway Museum, and the home of the Padres, Petco Park.
“It’s time for San Diego to put its best foot forward,” remarked Andy Soler, Co-Chair of the Invictus Games San Diego 2029 Bid Committee. “They’ve already visited Denmark and South Korea, and now they’re here with us.”
Soler highlighted the city’s warm hospitality extended to the visiting officials. “They’ve really rolled out the red carpet for us. From touring the Rady Shell to sailing around the harbor on the Admiral’s barge, and even witnessing a Padres win, we felt truly welcomed,” he said.
Beyond showcasing San Diego’s charm, hosting the Invictus Games could yield significant economic and inspirational benefits for the region. Approximately 40,000 visitors from over 20 nations would flock to the city to participate in or watch 11 competitive events. Vancouver, which hosted the games in 2025, saw a direct economic boost of $86 million.
“The impact of the Invictus Games is profound,” noted Rob Owen of the Invictus Games Foundation. “They bring hope and inspiration, not just locally but on a global scale. Even amidst personal struggles, the stories behind these athletes can transform lives.”
In a bid to innovate and expand the competition, San Diego’s proposal includes the addition of triathlons and surfing to the lineup. The delegation also visited potential locations for these new events in Del Mar on Wednesday.
As San Diego eagerly awaits the final decision, the excitement surrounding the Invictus Games continues to build, promising a celebration of bravery, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit.
