The City of Angels is gearing up to host the Summer Olympics for the third time in its history. With an event this grand, expectations are high, and preparations are already in full swing. The LA 2028 Summer Games promise to be an exciting celebration of athleticism, culture, and the city itself. From iconic venues to bold promises of sustainability, here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming event.
A Star-Studded Preview in Paris
The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics set the stage for what we can expect from Los Angeles in 2028. As tradition dictates, the next host city is given a chance to showcase itself, and Los Angeles certainly delivered. The spotlight was on two prominent California-born stars: Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.
Billie Eilish, who has become a global icon, performed during a live-streamed segment from Venice Beach, a quintessential LA location. The performance, which featured a song from her new album, was a nod to the laid-back, creative culture that LA is known for. Her haunting vocals against the backdrop of crashing waves evoked the unique energy that only Southern California can offer.
Snoop Dogg, a long-time ambassador of Los Angeles culture, was also heavily featured during the Paris Games. His involvement was no surprise, considering his strong ties to the city and his massive global appeal. His presence at the Paris Games hinted at a celebration of LA’s rich hip-hop culture and its significant influence on the world stage.
The Venues: A Blend of Old and New
Los Angeles is one of the few cities that can host an Olympic Games without the need for large-scale construction of new venues. This is largely due to its deep sporting history and the existing world-class facilities scattered across the region. As a result, the 2028 Summer Olympics will rely heavily on venues that have already proven themselves in previous events, from local professional sports to earlier Olympic Games.
The Memorial Coliseum
The LA Memorial Coliseum, a symbol of the city’s Olympic legacy, will play a key role in 2028. The historic stadium, which was built for the 1932 Summer Olympics and used again for the 1984 Games, will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as various competitions throughout the event. This stadium has a seating capacity of 77,500 and holds the distinction of being the only venue in the world to host the Olympic Games three times.
UCLA as the Olympic Village
Instead of constructing a brand-new Olympic Village, athletes in 2028 will be housed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This decision reflects the city’s focus on sustainability and efficiency, utilizing existing infrastructure to avoid the environmental and financial costs of new construction. UCLA’s campus is ideally suited to house athletes, with modern dormitories, training facilities, and easy access to the heart of the city.
The Arena (Crypto.com Arena)
Gymnastics fans will flock to the arena commonly known as Crypto.com Arena, home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Sparks, which will be repurposed to host the gymnastics competitions. The venue, located in downtown LA, offers easy access for fans and athletes alike and has been the site of countless sporting events, concerts, and ceremonies.
SoFi Stadium: The Largest Olympic Swimming Venue in History
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments for the LA 2028 Olympics is the construction of a swimming pool at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This brand-new swimming venue will have a seating capacity of 38,000, making it the largest Olympic swimming venue of all time. SoFi Stadium, which has already become a landmark in Southern California for football and concerts, will be transformed to host swimming competitions, further solidifying its place in sports history.
Exposition Park’s Historic Pool
For diving events, the Olympics will return to a 1932 pool located in Exposition Park. This venue, which has stood the test of time, will provide a nostalgic nod to Los Angeles’ long Olympic history while serving as a backdrop for some of the most exciting aquatic events of the games.
Other Venue Highlights
In keeping with the spirit of the modern Olympics, Los Angeles is also partnering with nearby cities to ensure the successful hosting of all events:
• Long Beach: Known for its beautiful waterfront and vibrant maritime culture, Long Beach will host marathon swimming, the triathlon, and sailing events.
• Temecula: This scenic area, known for its vineyards and rolling hills, will host equestrian events, adding a rural charm to the otherwise urban-focused games.
• Oklahoma City: Interestingly, the Olympic reach will extend far beyond California, with Oklahoma City stepping in to host canoe slalom and softball. This decision highlights the collaborative nature of these games, with multiple states getting involved in the hosting duties.
New Sports and Some Surprising Exclusions
As with every Olympics, the LA 2028 Games will feature an evolving roster of sports, including some new additions and surprising exclusions.
Breaking Out, Non-Contact American Football In
Breaking, the competitive breakdancing event that debuted in Paris in 2024, has already been cut from the lineup for LA 2028. Despite its initial excitement, the decision to remove breaking from the program was made before the Paris Games even concluded.
In its place, a number of new sports have been added to the roster, reflecting both global and local interests. Non-contact American football will make its debut, much to the delight of football fans worldwide. This inclusion seems fitting, given the United States’ deep connection to the sport. Similarly, lacrosse, baseball, cricket, and squash have also been added to the Olympic program. The inclusion of cricket, in particular, is likely to attract significant global attention, as the sport has a massive following in countries like India, England, and Australia.
A Car-Free Olympic Games?
One of the more ambitious promises for LA 2028 comes from Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles. Bass has pledged to deliver a car-free Olympic Games, an extraordinary goal for a city notorious for its car culture and traffic congestion. If you’ve ever spent time in LA, you’re right to be skeptical about the feasibility of this plan. The city’s expansive layout and the heavy reliance on cars make this a daunting challenge.
However, in recent years, Los Angeles has made strides toward improving its public transportation infrastructure, with the expansion of its metro system and the promotion of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly developments. The car-free pledge aligns with the city’s overall sustainability goals, but it remains to be seen how this will be implemented on such a massive scale.
The Paralympics: A Closing Act of Excellence
Following the conclusion of the Summer Olympics on July 30, 2028, the city will shift its focus to the Paralympic Games, which will run from August 15 to 27. The Paralympics offer a chance to celebrate the incredible achievements of athletes with disabilities, showcasing their skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
As with the main Olympic Games, many of the same venues will be used, allowing for a seamless transition between the two events. The inclusion of new sports and the city’s focus on accessibility will undoubtedly make this a historic Paralympics.
The Road to 2028: What’s Next?
With less than four years until the LA 2028 Summer Olympics kick off on July 14, 2028, there’s still plenty of time for more surprises and announcements. From star-studded performances to a car-free promise, the world will be watching as Los Angeles prepares to host its third Olympic Games. What is certain, however, is that LA 2028 will be a blend of past, present, and future—a celebration of athletic excellence set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
All eyes are now on Los Angeles as it steps into the global spotlight once again. The countdown has begun.
