What surprises await at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?

As the curtain falls on the dazzling Paris 2024 Olympics, the baton is handed over to Los Angeles, marking the city’s third time hosting the Summer Games. With high hopes and a touch of Hollywood glamour, LA is gearing up to present an unforgettable Olympic experience.

When and Where Will Events Take Place?

The Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, with the closing ceremony on July 30. The Paralympic Games will follow, opening on August 15 and closing on August 27. More than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports will be contested across over 800 events.

The 2028 Games will utilize existing venues to emphasize sustainability. The LA Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympics, will once again be the stage for athletics events. Beach volleyball will take place on an actual beach, a unique feature that Paris could not offer. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will be adapted to host swimming events, with a new Olympic pool added.

Student housing at UCLA will be transformed into the athletes’ village, providing both accommodation and training facilities. However, the ambitious goal of a “car-free” Games remains a significant challenge. The current plan involves a fleet of buses to transport spectators, as plans for a major rail network upgrade have been abandoned. The budget for the Games is projected to be nearly $7 billion, excluding any transport upgrades.

Which Sports Are In – and Out?

The 2028 Games will see the return of some sports and the introduction of new ones. Cricket will make its Olympic return after 128 years, featuring the T20 format. Lacrosse, absent from the Olympics for over a century, will also make a comeback with a new format. Baseball and softball will return, having been omitted in Paris 2024. Squash will make its Olympic debut, and flag football, a non-contact version of American football, will also be introduced.

Paraclimbing will be a new addition to the Paralympic Games, challenging athletes to scale a 15-meter wall. However, breaking, which debuted in Paris, will not be included in the LA Games, much to the disappointment of some fans.

Who Will Be the Sport Stars to Watch in LA?

Many of the stars from Paris 2024 are expected to shine in Los Angeles. Keely Hodgkinson, who won gold in the women’s 800m, will be in her prime at 26. Swimmer Léon Marchand, who claimed four gold medals in Paris, will also be 26 and a strong contender in the pool.

The youth-dominated skateboarding event will see athletes like 11-year-old Zheng Haohao of China and Britain’s Sky Brown, who will be 20 by 2028, vying for medals. Simone Biles, who will be 31, may still compete, aiming to add to her 11 Olympic medals. Noah Lyles, the men’s 100m champion, will also be 31 and could emulate Carl Lewis by defending his title.

However, some stars may not return. Adam Peaty hinted that Paris was his last Games, and diver Tom Daley only came out of retirement for Paris. Yet, GB rower Helen Glover has not ruled out a fourth Games at the age of 42.

What’s the View from LA?

Los Angeles residents have mixed feelings about hosting the Olympics. While the city is experienced in hosting large-scale events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl, concerns about traffic and public transport remain. The scrapping of plans to extend the train network in favor of a fleet of buses has not thrilled residents.

LA also faces a significant homelessness issue, with over 75,000 people experiencing homelessness. Mayor Karen Bass is hopeful that the Games will catalyze long-term solutions to this problem. The Games will celebrate LA’s picturesque coastline and the iconic Hollywood sign, but the city lacks the historic backdrop of Paris. However, LA’s unique charm lies in its multiculturalism and the glamour of Hollywood.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles during the Olympics, there are plenty of ways to experience the city’s sporting legacy and outdoor beauty. Take a hike up to the Hollywood sign, work out at Muscle Beach Venice, or visit the historic Los Angeles Coliseum.

If you’re a soccer fan, catch a match by Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, or Angel City FC. For a unique experience, try surfing lessons along the California coast. The Petersen Automotive Museum and the Los Angeles Equestrian Center offer additional attractions for sports enthusiasts.

Travel Tip for Occasional Travelers: Plan your transportation in advance. With the city’s aim for a “no-car” Games, familiarize yourself with public transit options and consider using ride-sharing services to navigate LA’s sprawling landscape.

Expert Traveler Insight: Explore LA’s diverse neighborhoods to experience its multicultural essence. From Little Ethiopia to Koreatown, each area offers a unique cultural experience that reflects the city’s global character.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics promises to be a spectacular event, blending the city’s unique charm with the grandeur of the Games. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a casual traveler, LA offers something for everyone, making it an exciting destination for the next Summer Olympics.