Los Angeles 2028: The Countdown to the Summer Olympics Begins

With the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the focus now shifts firmly to Los Angeles as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Summer Games, and the first for the United States since Atlanta in 1996. The Games are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

A Unique Bid Process

Los Angeles’s path to hosting the 2028 Games was unique. Originally, the city bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ultimately approved a process to simultaneously award both the 2024 and 2028 Games. Paris was selected as the host for 2024, with Los Angeles agreeing to host in 2028 [1]. The formal awarding of the Games to Los Angeles occurred at the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru, on September 13, 2017 [1].

Venues and Locations

The 2028 Olympics will be centered in Los Angeles, but events will also be held across the Greater Los Angeles area. Notably, two subsites have been designated in Oklahoma City [4], [5]. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host both the opening and closing ceremonies, while SoFi Stadium will also be used for the opening ceremony [2].

Challenges and Controversies

As the Games approach, LA28 leadership is navigating several challenges. These include addressing mounting social media threats against athletes and navigating political pressures related to U.S. Competitor representation [2]. Recent controversy surrounds LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman, with local politicians calling for his resignation following revealed communications with Ghislaine Maxwell, though the board has publicly supported him [2].

Looking Ahead

The Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics are poised to be a significant event for the city and the United States. With just over two years remaining, preparations are underway to welcome athletes and fans from around the globe. The Games are expected to build on the success of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which saw record television viewership for NBC, including the most-watched women’s hockey game on record [2].