As the host of the 2028 Olympic Games, Los Angeles is on the cusp of showcasing its athletic prowess, vibrant culture, and groundbreaking infrastructure to the world. This is the third time LA will host the Olympics, following its successful runs in 1932 and 1984. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, the city is preparing to deliver a Games that reflects the spirit of LA and sets new standards for the Olympic movement.
A Vision of Sustainability and Legacy
The 2028 Olympics aims to redefine how mega-events impact host cities by adopting a model of sustainability and cost-efficiency. The Los Angeles Organizing Committee (LA28) has committed to using existing or temporary facilities rather than building new, costly infrastructure. By leveraging venues like the Staples Center, SoFi Stadium, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, LA28 will minimize its environmental footprint, aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) focus on sustainability. This “radical reuse” strategy means that 93% of venues for the Games are pre-existing, highlighting LA’s commitment to minimizing the financial and environmental impact on the city.
Another core component of the legacy plan is the PlayLA youth sports program. Funded through an $160 million grant from the IOC, this program provides affordable sports opportunities for youth across Los Angeles, with a focus on reaching underserved communities. Since its inception, PlayLA has already provided thousands of children with access to sports like swimming, soccer, and basketball, building excitement for the Games while investing in the next generation of athletes.
Enhanced Transportation and Infrastructure
Preparing for the influx of international visitors, athletes, and media, Los Angeles is also making substantial improvements to its transportation infrastructure. The Metro Regional Connector project, set to open well before the Games, will streamline travel by connecting key transit lines, making it easier for locals and visitors to move around the city. Additionally, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar modernization project, adding an Automated People Mover, new terminals, and expanded capacity to enhance traveler experience and reduce congestion.
In partnership with LA28, the city is also exploring additional public transportation options and road enhancements to ensure smooth travel across Olympic venues. These upgrades will not only ease transportation challenges during the Games but also leave a long-term infrastructure legacy that benefits LA residents for decades to come.
New and Revitalized Sports Venues
LA28 will bring together a mix of iconic and modern venues, with some being revitalized to meet Olympic standards. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic landmark from the 1932 Games, will once again host key events, symbolizing the city’s Olympic heritage. Meanwhile, newer venues like SoFi Stadium will showcase cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art technology, providing world-class stages for events such as soccer, opening and closing ceremonies, and track and field competitions.
Temporary venues, like those planned at Santa Monica Beach for beach volleyball and at the Los Angeles Convention Center for indoor sports, will add a dynamic, open-air element to the Games while highlighting LA’s unique geography. With sports ranging from surfing to skateboarding, the 2028 Games will embrace both Olympic classics and emerging sports, showcasing Los Angeles as a hub of athletic diversity.
Embracing Inclusivity and Community Engagement
Inclusivity is a key pillar of LA28’s vision. The organizers have committed to a community-centered approach, ensuring that Los Angeles residents are part of the planning process. Through public forums and outreach programs, LA28 aims to understand and address local concerns, particularly those related to housing, traffic, and public safety.
The Olympic Refugee Team and the Paralympic Games will also be prominently featured, reflecting the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. With Los Angeles’ status as one of the most diverse cities globally, the Games will serve as a powerful platform to celebrate athletes from all backgrounds, highlighting the unifying power of sports.
Economic Impact and Tourism Boost
Hosting the 2028 Olympics is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Los Angeles. The city anticipates an influx of millions of visitors, providing a substantial boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to entertainment and retail sectors. According to LA28 estimates, the Games could create over 70,000 jobs and generate billions in economic activity, providing a major lift to the local economy.
Beyond immediate revenue, the Olympics are expected to cement Los Angeles as a premier tourist destination. LA Tourism is actively working with LA28 to ensure the Games highlight the city’s attractions and cultural landmarks, from Hollywood to Venice Beach. With billions tuning in to watch, the Olympics offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase LA’s vibrancy and attract long-term tourism, adding to the event's lasting legacy.
A Tech-Driven, Future-Forward Olympics
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will feature innovative technologies to enhance the fan experience, including augmented reality for remote spectators, sustainability-focused tech, and smart city solutions to manage logistics. LA28 is collaborating with tech companies to create an interactive digital environment for global audiences, allowing fans to experience the Games in immersive ways, whether through virtual stadium tours, real-time athlete stats, or interactive event streaming.
In addition, the city is deploying tech-driven solutions to address sustainability challenges, such as using renewable energy to power event venues and reducing waste through digital ticketing and streamlined recycling programs. These efforts not only enhance the Olympic experience but also set a precedent for future large-scale events.
As the countdown to 2028 begins, Los Angeles is poised to host an Olympics that reflects both the city’s dynamic spirit and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. With a legacy rooted in youth programs, infrastructure improvements, and environmental stewardship, the LA28 Olympics will go beyond the thrill of competition to leave a positive impact on the community and redefine what it means to be an Olympic host city.
Brand LA | Editors