What will make the LA 2028 Olympics unforgettable?

The weekend marked the official kick-off of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and with it, a significant milestone for Los Angeles as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympics. First Lady Jill Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the festivities in the City of Lights to start the countdown to the LA 2028 Olympic Games. With less than 1,500 days until the Olympics return to America, the U.S. Presidential Delegation, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Campbell Bauer, and Chair of LA28 Casey Wasserman, made every moment count by studying the logistics of the Paris Games, meeting regional stakeholders, and cheering on Team USA athletes.

Biden set off the official countdown clock at a Saturday morning reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Paris, thanking Bass and Wasserman for their efforts to make the Olympic flame “shine brightly in our nation.” In her speech, the First Lady waxed poetic about the allure of Los Angeles, praising its surf and skate culture, which is reflected in the multicultural fabric of the city. “Under the endless blue skies of Los Angeles, breakdancers glide, surfers coast on waves, and rollerbladers spin in skate parks by the beach,” Biden said. “The city is where new generations of dreamers shape culture in music studios and movie sets. Communities live side by side, cuisines merge, lines of culture blur, and the identity of one city becomes brighter and more defined.”

Los Angeles Prepares for the 2028 Games

Mayor Karen Bass, who clapped during the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, shared her hopes for the 2028 games. She thanked Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo for her hospitality and emphasized that their partnership would not end with the close of the games but would continue to foster an amazing legacy of Olympic cooperation. Casey Wasserman, leading the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, recounted a little-known story about President Joe Biden’s role in helping bring the Olympics to Los Angeles. In 2015, then-Vice President Biden stepped in at the last minute to save the day at the Association of National Olympic Committees’ General Assembly in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for a successful bid for the games.

The reception in Paris also saw the attendance of tennis legend and Long Beach native Billie Jean King, who has won 39 Grand Slam titles and was once ranked number one in the world. King, along with Long Beach Polytechnic High School alumnus Snoop Dogg, who has been hired by NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris Games, added a touch of local pride to the event. Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., served smiles and freestyle rapping at the opening ceremony, cheering on American gymnast Simone Biles while wearing a t-shirt with a giant photo of her face. Hollywood stars, including Tom Cruise, Jessica Chastain, Greta Gerwig, and Cynthia Erivo, were also in attendance to support Team USA.

Venues and Logistics for LA 2028

As the Paris Olympics unfold, the venues for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games are approaching the finish line. Inglewood will host three major events: the opening ceremonies and swimming at SoFi Stadium, and basketball at the Intuit Dome. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. reflected on the change from the opening ceremonies at the Los Angeles Coliseum to SoFi Stadium, describing it as an iconic and historical event that will enshrine Inglewood in the legacy of the Olympic Games. SoFi Stadium, which seats 70,000 for football, will accommodate 38,000 spectators for Olympic swimming, making it the most significant venue for the sport.

Other areas in Southern California will also host Olympic sports for the first time. The Sepulveda Basin in the San Fernando Valley will be redesigned to host skateboarding, BMX cycling, and archery. The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber is working with local businesses to prepare for the Olympics, focusing on workforce training and hiring. Long Beach will host several events, including canoe sprint rowing, marathon swimming, and water polo, while Carson will host cycling, hockey, rugby, and tennis at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Temecula in Riverside County has landed equestrian events at Galway Downs, an equestrian facility that will provide a permanent international stage for equestrian sports. The list of venue sites for LA28 includes various locations across Los Angeles, including the USC Sports Center, the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the Crypto.com Arena.

Our Advice on the City

As Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Olympic Games, Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of addressing the city’s pressing everyday struggles, from the homelessness crisis to transportation issues. The city has seen a slight decline in its homeless population this year, but the problem remains significant. Bass highlighted the need for more investment in social workers and care providers to improve the safety and functionality of Los Angeles’ public transit system.

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles during the Olympics, we recommend exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Take a stroll along Venice Beach, visit the Getty Center, or enjoy a meal at one of the many ethnic restaurants that reflect the city’s multicultural fabric. For expert travelers, consider venturing beyond the typical tourist spots to discover hidden gems like the Sepulveda Basin, where you can witness the excitement of BMX cycling and skateboarding, or Galway Downs in Temecula for equestrian events.

In conclusion, the countdown to the LA 2028 Olympics has officially begun, and the city is preparing to showcase its unique blend of culture, innovation, and athletic excellence. As we look forward to the games, let’s also reflect on the opportunities they present for addressing some of Los Angeles’ most pressing issues and creating a lasting legacy of growth, unity, and inspiration for generations to come.