The Return: LA Hosts Its Third Summer Olympics
- P2P
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
Here’s an exciting preview of Los Angeles 2028—the upcoming Summer Olympics—set to bring a dazzling blend of sport, innovation, and legacy to Southern California. Let’s dive in!
Los Angeles is gearing up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, from July 14 to July 30, 2028 . This marks the third time LA will host, having previously welcomed the Games in 1932 and 1984, tying it with London and Paris as the only cities to have hosted three times.
A Dual-Ceremony Spectacle in Iconic Venues
In a bold first, the opening ceremony will span two venues simultaneously—Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, setting a precedent for Olympic history. SoFi Stadium will host the main ceremony and swimming, becoming the largest-ever Olympic swimming venue Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will take place at the storied Coliseum.
Venue Strategy: Reuse Over Reconstruction
LA’s organizing committee is embracing sustainability by using existing venues, avoiding any new permanent construction. Venue clusters—sports parks—will be spread across Downtown LA, Carson, the San Fernando Valley, and Long Beach.
Highlighted Locations:
Athletics: LA Memorial Coliseum & Rose Bowl
Flag Football & Lacrosse: BMO Stadium
Golf: Riviera Country Club
Squash (making its Olympic debut): Universal Studios Lot
Baseball: Dodger Stadium
Triathlon: Venice Beach
Surfing: Trestles Beach, San Clemente
Cricket (after a long absence): Fairgrounds in Pomona
Cycling (track): VELO Sports Center, Carson
Additional arrangements include softball and canoe slalom in Oklahoma City—a rare move outside LA to leverage existing infrastructure.
New & Returning Sports
The sport lineup is rich and diverse:
Olympic debut: Flag football (men’s & women’s) and Squash.
Returning after years: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, Cricket.
Other fan-favorites such as Surfing, Skateboarding, and mixed-gender events continue.
Breakdancing will not return for 2028.
Water Sports & Waterfront Innovation
San Pedro returns to the Olympic map as the Port of Los Angeles will host crucial sailing vessel competitions—dinghy, skiff, mixed dinghy, and multihull events—bringing maritime history full circle since 1932. Nearby Long Beach complements the programming with board events at Belmont Shore (windsurfing and kiteboarding), alongside rowing, marathon swimming, canoe sprint, and coastal rowing clustered along its waterfront. In an innovative twist, Metro is studying a water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach, offering a scenic and sustainable transit option for Games-goers
Transit: A “No-Car” Approach—Finally?
LA’s notorious traffic gets an overhaul:
The city plans a “car-free” model, relying heavily on public transit, 3,000 borrowed buses, and promoting remote work .
Metro expansions and transit hubs will support venues—including shuttle services across multiple zones (Downtown, Valley, Long Beach, Inglewood, Pomona, etc.)
Budget & Economic Outlook
The projected Olympic budget stands at around $6.9 billion, largely funded by the IOC and event-generated revenue.
Local and state governments have committed $270 million each for potential overruns; federal agencies may also contribute up to $5 billion for transit and security.
Analysts suggest LA may avoid typical Olympic losses, thanks to existing infrastructure—unlike many host cities, such as Rio or Athens.
Community Impact & Legacy
Economic opportunity is significant, particularly for small businesses recovering from the pandemic
Housing and homelessness pose challenges: athlete housing will leverage UCLA, but broader housing crises require state and federal support for lasting impact.
The Games could fast-track long-needed transit infrastructure improvements, such as new light rail lines and mobility hubs in Inglewood, Hollywood Park, etc.
Sports Inspiration & Political Currents
Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic marathon champion, hopes LA 2028 will spark a new generation of American runners, especially among women.
In a quieter political move, President Trump recently created a federal task force to oversee Olympic preparations, focusing on coordination and security—drawing both support and controversy.
What’s Next for Fans & Travelers
Looking ahead:
Keep an eye out for ticket release dates, likely to mirror patterns set by Paris 2024.
Plan ahead: lodging and travel bookings expected to surge 10–12 months prior to the Games.
Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or simply curious about the buzz, LA 2028 promises an Olympics that celebrates sport, culture, and sustainability.
Comments