The countdown to LA 2028 has already begun!
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games now behind us, it’s time to start looking ahead. In just four years, the world’s biggest sporting event will land in Los Angeles, a city ready to prove it can match, if not surpass, the grandeur of the French capital.
As we inch closer to the LA 2028 Olympics—currently 1,432 days away—more details are emerging that are only adding to the excitement.
And who could forget the unforgettable moment when Tom Cruise, in true Hollywood fashion, descended from the top of the stadium to carry the Olympic flag to Los Angeles? Waiting for him were the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and Snoop Dogg, who gave the world a taste of the epic celebration to come.
Here’s what we know so far about the Olympic Games in LA 2028:
1. The Start Date
The Olympic Games in Los Angeles will kick off on Friday, July 14, 2028, and will run until Sunday, July 30, 2028. This marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Olympics, having previously welcomed the Games in 1932.
2. New Sports
One of the biggest surprises for LA 2028 is the return of baseball, and after more than a century, cricket! But that’s not all—squash, flag football, and lacrosse will also make their Olympic debuts. Additionally, Paraclimbing will be introduced as a new Paralympic discipline.
3. Goodbye Boxing and Breakdancing
As new sports are introduced, others will say farewell. Breakdancing and boxing are on the chopping block, though there’s still a chance that boxing might be saved. The final decision will be announced in 2025. However, the future of Olympic boxing looks uncertain, especially with the dissolution of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Break, on the other hand, didn’t get lucky.
4. The Inauguration
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games set a high bar, and while details about the Los Angeles 2028 ceremony remain under wraps, it has been confirmed that the event will take place at SoFi Stadium.
According to the BBC, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will transform its student housing into the athletes’ village for the summer.
5. Traffic Control
The city is also preparing for the event with a comprehensive traffic mitigation plan. Local businesses will stagger work schedules to reduce traffic, and work-from-home arrangements will be encouraged during the 17 days of the Games. A significant investment of approximately $139 million will be directed towards improving transportation for a “Car-Free Olympics,” with the Inglewood people mover and public transport playing a key role in this plan.
Los Angeles is no stranger to hosting major events like the Oscars or the Super Bowl, but the city’s notorious traffic issues will require careful planning and adaptation to ensure the Games run smoothly. Will they achieve this?
