Los Angeles has officially accepted the responsibility of hosting the 2028 Olympics, with Mayor Karen Bass receiving the Olympic flag at the Paris closing ceremony. The flag was then passed on to Tom Cruise, representing LA’s local business community, who kickstarted the countdown to the upcoming games in an exhilarating pre-recorded sequence involving a motorcycle, plane, and parachute.
This marks Los Angeles as the third city globally to host the Olympics three times, following the years 1932 and 1984. The upcoming 2028 games were awarded to LA after Paris secured the 2024 Olympics bid. Past Olympic moments in LA include the 1932 games, held during the Great Depression, and the widely praised 1984 Olympics, known for its blend of modernity and classical elements with a touch of Hollywood.
The 2028 Olympics will see LA focusing on revitalizing existing venues rather than constructing new ones. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, along with the historic Memorial Coliseum, will play key roles in hosting various events. Additionally, the city is planning to utilize venues like the Intuit Dome for Olympic basketball and the Crypto.com Arena for gymnastics.
To improve transportation around the city during the 2028 Olympics, LA officials are looking to implement strategies like staggering work hours, promoting remote work, and utilizing public transit options. Efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure, including subway extensions and a proposed People Mover rail line in Inglewood, are underway to support the expected influx of visitors during the games.
While crime rates have decreased since the 1984 Olympics, concerns about safety and homelessness persist in LA. The city is working on security measures with federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service to ensure a safe environment for athletes and tourists. Plans are also in place to address homelessness and clear encampments prior to the 2028 games.
LA’s tourism industry is gearing up for a series of major sporting events leading up to the Olympics, including hosting a FIFA World Cup event in 2026 and another Super Bowl in 2027. Organizers are optimistic about meeting the $6.9 billion budget for the 2028 Olympics through ticket sales, sponsorships, and various revenue streams, with a goal of $2.5 billion in domestic corporate sponsorships already achieved.
