Los angeles prepares for a transformative 2028 olympic games: what you need to know

The city of Los Angeles is gearing up for a monumental event: the 2028 Olympic Games. This will mark the third time the city has hosted the Olympics, following the successful games in 1932 and 1984. The preparations are already underway, with city officials and organizers working tirelessly to ensure that the event is not only successful but also leaves a lasting legacy for the city and its residents.

Transportation Overhaul

One of the most ambitious aspects of the 2028 Olympics is the transformation of Los Angeles’ transportation infrastructure. The city is notorious for its traffic congestion, but officials are determined to make the games a “no-car” event. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized that spectators will not be able to drive to any of the venues. Instead, they will have to rely on public transportation, bicycles, walking, or being dropped off.

“For us, it’s what kind of transportation improvements can we put in today that benefit the Olympics and then that can remain after the Olympics,” said Wiggins. The city is in the process of securing more than 3,000 buses to facilitate this plan. Additionally, integrated ticketing will allow spectators to purchase their venue and transit tickets simultaneously.

Casey Wasserman, the chairman of LA 2028, highlighted the unique opportunity the Olympics present: “For 17 days, you can fix a lot of problems when you can set the rules for traffic, for fans, for commerce than you do on a normal day in Los Angeles.”

A “No-Build” Olympics

Unlike previous Olympic Games, Los Angeles is adopting a “no-build” approach for 2028. This means that the city will utilize existing venues with some temporary structures, rather than constructing new stadiums or housing. The thousands of athletes from over 206 nations will stay in the dorms at UCLA in Westwood.

“Our athletes are going to love it,” said Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming and the chief athlete officer for the LA 2028 organizing committee. “UCLA is an incredible place for our village. It houses 16,000 students a year, but everything works.”

This approach is not only cost-effective but also sustainable. The 1984 Olympics are widely considered the most financially successful games in modern Olympic history, and Los Angeles hopes to replicate that success.

Learning from Paris 2024

Los Angeles officials have been closely observing the Paris 2024 Olympics to gather insights and best practices. Mayor Karen Bass, who accepted the Olympic flag at the Paris closing ceremony, emphasized the importance of a “no-car Games.” This is a challenging goal for a city so dependent on private vehicles, but Bass is optimistic.

“We’ve always been in love with our cars,” she acknowledged, but she believes that the success of the 1984 Olympics, where traffic was surprisingly manageable, can be replicated. The city plans to borrow a large fleet of buses and create dedicated lanes for them, ensuring smooth transportation for athletes and spectators alike.

The Paris Games also highlighted the importance of sustainability and inclusivity. Los Angeles aims to make lasting environmental improvements and address its homelessness crisis. The city has already made progress, with a slight decrease in the number of homeless people in 2024, the first decline in six years.

Our Advice on the City

As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics, there are a few travel tips that can enhance your experience. For occasional travelers, consider using the city’s expanded public transportation network. The new subway lines and bus routes will make it easier to navigate the city without a car. Additionally, take advantage of the integrated ticketing system to streamline your travel plans.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Los Angeles is home to a wealth of cultural experiences, from the historic architecture of Downtown LA to the vibrant arts scene in Venice Beach. Exploring these areas will give you a richer understanding of the city’s unique character.

In conclusion, the 2028 Olympics present a unique opportunity for Los Angeles to showcase its transformation and innovation. The city’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and efficient transportation will not only benefit the games but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Los Angeles in 2028 promises to be an unforgettable experience.