Pittsburgh Hosts First-Ever Steel City Open for 2028 Olympic Squash Hopefuls

The $11 million squash facility in Highland Park draws athletes from around the world to compete for a spot at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:47am

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The inaugural Steel City Open is taking place this weekend in Pittsburgh, attracting Olympic hopefuls in the sport of squash from countries like Japan, Malaysia, Germany, England, and Ireland. The $93,000 tournament is the first-ever women's squash event held in the city, and it's part of the athletes' efforts to boost their rankings ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where squash will make its Olympic debut.

Why it matters

Pittsburgh's new $11 million squash facility is not only hosting high-level competition, but also running an after-school program that provides local kids access to the sport and a potential pathway to higher education and lucrative careers in the squash community.

The details

The Steel City Squash Facility, which opened just over a year ago, is home to the Steel City Open tournament this weekend. The event features a $93,000 prize purse and is drawing top squash players from around the world as they compete to improve their rankings ahead of the 2028 Olympics, where squash will make its debut as an Olympic sport.

  • The Steel City Open is happening this weekend (February 28, 2026).
  • The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are about two years away.

The players

Brad Young

The director of the Steel City Squash Facility.

Satomi Watanabe

A squash player competing in the Steel City Open, who is excited about squash's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“They've flown from as far away as Japan, Malaysia, Germany, England, and Ireland.”

— Brad Young, Director, Steel City Squash Facility

“I think the city is really beautiful. This is my first time in Pittsburgh, and [it is] the first women's tournament here, so it's very exciting.”

— Satomi Watanabe

“It was something we couldn't challenge before, but now it's a sport that we can look at in the Olympics. I think every player is motivated for that. That's my goal. After watching the Winter Olympics, it was very exciting.”

— Satomi Watanabe

What’s next

The winners of the Steel City Open will look to continue their momentum as they work to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where squash will make its Olympic debut.

The takeaway

Pittsburgh's new $11 million squash facility is not only hosting high-level international competition, but also providing local youth access to the sport through an after-school program, demonstrating how the city is positioning itself as a hub for the growing sport of squash ahead of its Olympic debut.