Los Angeles set to host the 2028 Olympics
After accepting the Olympic flag at the Paris closing ceremony, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass handed it over to a representative of LA’s local business, Tom Cruise, who kicked off the countdown to 2028 with a pre-recorded journey via motorcycle, plane, and parachute.
LA will become the third city in the world to host the Olympics three times, following its successful hosting in 1932 and 1984.
LA’s Olympic Trilogy
Los Angeles got the 2028 games as a consolation prize when Paris was picked for 2024.
Back to the Future
Back in 1932, LA hosted its first Olympics. The city was the only bidder for the games, held during the Great Depression, and was absent of several nations. Despite the challenges, memorable sport moments came from athletes including American athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who won golds in the new women’s events of javelin and hurdles.
1984: The “Good” Olympics
Financial and cultural success gave 1984 a reputation as the “good” Olympics, which made every major world city want to host the games.
The Countdown Begins
The city will host a FIFA World Cup event and U.S. Women’s Open in 2026 and another Super Bowl in 2027. LA28 organizers are banking on ticket sales, sponsorships, payments from the International Olympic Committee, and other revenue streams to cover the games’ $6.9 billion budget.
Venues Old and New
Amid a stadium-and-arena boom, LA will polish existing structures rather than erect new ones. SoFi Stadium, the home of two NFL teams, will become what organizers say is the largest Olympic swimming venue ever. Intuit Dome, the soon-to-open Inglewood home of the NBA’s Clippers, will host Olympic basketball, while the Lakers’ downtown Crypto.com Arena will host gymnastics.
Trains, Buses, and Traffic
A city notoriously hard to traverse may seem like an odd fit for the Olympics, but LA can work. Bass plans to emulate the tactics of Tom Bradley, the mayor in 1984, whose traffic mitigations had some saying it was better than at non-Olympic times. The city has built a subway since its last Olympics, with lines running past major venues.
Crime, Safety, and Perception
While crime rates were higher in 1984 than today, the countdown to 2028 comes as the issue has gotten increased attention and cast a social-media-amplified shadow. The Olympics are designated as a national special security event, which makes the U.S. Secret Service the lead agency tasked with developing a security plan, supported by significant federal resources.
Tourists and Finances
LA is the “next logical destination” for the Olympics, said Adam Burke, president and CEO of the LA Tourism and Convention Board. The city’s hotel industry has continued to see growth, adding 9,000 new hotel rooms in the past four years with more to come over the next four.
Conclusion
The 2028 Olympics are expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to Los Angeles. With a well-planned infrastructure and a strong tourism industry, LA is poised to host a successful and memorable games.
FAQs
Q: What is the budget for the 2028 Olympics?
A: The budget for the 2028 Olympics is $6.9 billion.
Q: How will the city manage traffic during the Olympics?
A: The city plans to emulate the tactics of Tom Bradley, the mayor in 1984, whose traffic mitigations had some saying it was better than at non-Olympic times. The city will ask local businesses to stagger workforce hours to reduce the number of cars on the road and allow work from home during the 17-day games.
Q: What are the main venues for the 2028 Olympics?
A: The main venues for the 2028 Olympics include SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and the Lakers’ downtown Crypto.com Arena.
Q: How will the city ensure safety during the Olympics?
A: The Olympics are designated as a national special security event, which makes the U.S. Secret Service the lead agency tasked with developing a security plan, supported by significant federal resources.
Q: What is the expected economic impact of the 2028 Olympics?
A: The 2028 Olympics are expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to Los Angeles, including the addition of 9,000 new hotel rooms in the past four years with more to come over the next four.
