The Olympic flame is returning to the United States! Los Angeles is set to host the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad in the summer of 2028. This marks a historic third time for the city, which previously hosted in 1932 and 1984. Consequently, LA28 is not just another Olympic Games; it represents a bold vision for the future. It blends Hollywood entertainment with sporting excellence, all while championing a new model of sustainability. Get ready for a global celebration unlike any other.
Mark Your Calendars: The LA28 Games
The world will turn its eyes to Los Angeles from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The Paralympic Games will then follow, running from August 15 to August 27, 2028.
Furthermore, LA28 is set to make history right from the start with a groundbreaking opening ceremony on July 14. For the first time ever, the ceremony will span two iconic venues simultaneously. Both SoFi Stadium and the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will co-host the spectacular event, creating an unforgettable experience for athletes and viewers worldwide. The Coliseum will then take center stage once again to host the closing ceremony.
A Fresh Olympic Roster: New and Returning Sports
The LA28 sports program is expanding to welcome new disciplines and celebrate the return of beloved classics. This exciting lineup reflects both global trends and American sports culture. In fact, the schedule will feature 36 sports and a total of 351 medal events.
Fresh Faces and Returning Favorites
The International Olympic Committee has approved five new optional sports, promising fresh excitement. These additions are certain to capture the imagination of a new generation of fans.
- Flag Football: Making its thrilling Olympic debut, this fast-paced, limited-contact version of American football is sure to be a hit.
- Squash: After a long journey, the globally popular racket sport will finally make its highly anticipated Olympic appearance.
- Cricket: Returning for the first time since 1900, the fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) format will bring a massive international fanbase.
- Baseball/Softball: A fan favorite, especially in the host nation, makes a welcome comeback to the Olympic stage.
- Lacrosse: The sport returns as a medal event for the first time since 1908, showcasing its modern, high-speed “sixes” format.
In addition, sports that recently captured global attention skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing have been promoted to the core Olympic program, securing their place for future Games. You can find more details about the full sports program on the Official Olympics Website.
Iconic Venues, Sustainable Vision
Los Angeles is transforming the Olympic model with a radical approach to sustainability. For instance, the LA28 Games will be the first “Energy Positive Games,” aiming to generate more renewable energy than the event consumes. This is possible because LA28 will use 100% existing or temporary venues. In short, no new permanent venues are being built.
This approach utilizes the city's incredible array of world-class stadiums and arenas.
- Venue Clusters: Events are organized into “sports parks” across the region, including Downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, and Long Beach.
- Historic Grounds: The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Rose Bowl will each become the first stadiums to host events in three different Olympiads.
- Modern Marvels: State-of-the-art venues like SoFi Stadium will be repurposed for swimming, while the Intuit Dome hosts basketball.
- Athlete Experience: The world-renowned campus of UCLA will serve as the official Olympic Village for the athletes.
This fiscally responsible plan not only reduces the environmental footprint but also ensures a lasting, positive legacy for the city.
A New Olympic Chapter Awaits
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are shaping up to be a landmark event. With a focus on sustainability, a thrilling mix of new and traditional sports, and the use of iconic venues, LA28 promises to redefine what it means to host the Games. It is a celebration rooted in history but aimed squarely at the future. As the world prepares to gather in the City of Angels, the excitement for this innovative and star-studded Olympics continues to build.