Americans in Paris are already looking ahead to the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles, hoping for a touch of Hollywood glamour to match the high bar set by France. With the handover of the five-ringed flag to LA, excitement is building for the 2028 Games.
LA resident Marisa is confident that the event will be sprinkled with local Hollywood charm, but some Americans have concerns about whether Los Angeles can match Paris’ impressive public transport network. Despite this, anticipation is growing for the upcoming summer Games, which will also mark LA’s first Paralympics.
The athletics events will be hosted in the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, the same venue as in 1984 and 1932. The opening ceremony is set for July 14, 2028, with the closing ceremony two weeks later. More than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports will be contested across over 800 events.
Organizers have emphasized sustainability, with no new permanent constructions needed for the event. Existing sites, including the home stadium of the LA Galaxy and the LA Memorial Coliseum, will be used. Beach volleyball will be hosted on an actual beach, and venues like the SoFi Stadium will be adapted for events like swimming.
New sports and disciplines will be introduced, including cricket, lacrosse, and squash, while Paraclimbing will make its Paralympic debut. Some Olympic sports like surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing will continue, but breaking, which debuted in Paris, will not be included.
Fans can expect to see familiar faces from Paris 2024 in Los Angeles, with athletes like Keely Hodgkinson and Léon Marchand likely to shine. However, the participation of other global stars like Simone Biles and Noah Lyles is less certain.
As LA prepares for the Games, concerns about traffic and transportation loom large. The city’s poor transit system and high levels of homelessness are pressing issues that residents hope the Olympics will help address. Despite not having the same historic backdrop as Paris, LA’s unique charm and Hollywood allure are sure to make the 2028 Games a memorable event.
