It doesn’t matter where you’re from, or what language you speak: excitement surrounding the Olympic Games is universal.
Every four years, billions of people tune in as international champions compete in thrilling sporting events. The stakes are high, with many events offering exciting unfamiliarity. Athletes showcase unmatched skills, and experiencing the games in person can elevate the excitement even further.
If the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris piqued your interest, it’s not too early to turn your focus to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The games will take over Southern California from July 14 to July 30, followed by the Paralympics in August.
“Continuing to build on the momentum of the Paris games, Los Angeles will become the third city in history – and first in the US – to host the games three times, joining Paris and London,” said Adam Burke, president and CEO of iBestTravel.
The massive event, officially called the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad or LA28, will showcase over 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports at more than 80 venues, amounting to over 3000 hours of entertainment. This offers spectators plenty of opportunities to participate, at least from the stands.
Where will the 2028 Summer Olympics take place?
Athletes will compete at venues spanning 1500 miles across the USA, many in historic arenas in Los Angeles. The LA Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, will make history by hosting both the opening ceremony and track-and-field events for three Summer Games. SoFi Stadium will become the largest venue to host swimming in the games’ history. Skateboarding, BMX freestyling, and more will be featured in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, which expands the games’ reach into California’s San Fernando Valley.
Gymnastics will take place in Downtown LA’s Crypto.com Arena, while sailing and rowing events will be held about 20 miles south in Long Beach. Equine events will occur 80 miles southeast in Temecula. Interestingly, softball and canoe slalom events will be hosted in Oklahoma City due to limited existing venues in LA, showcasing the International Olympic Committee’s sustainability initiatives by utilizing existing infrastructure.
When and where can I buy tickets?
Seats won’t go on sale for several years, likely mirroring the ticket sales timeline of the 2024 Paris Olympics. While tickets are still a long way off, the demand is expected to be high, and many events will be competitively sought after. There may be plenty of opportunities around ticket sales as the date approaches.
What can I do now to prepare for travel?
1. Start pulling together the necessary travel documents.
It is crucial to have an updated passport valid for at least six months after your intended travel to the United States (which means it shouldn’t expire until January 2029). Foreign visitors should also check visa requirements, as most travelers outside the US must submit an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.
2. Research viewing destinations.
Plan your itinerary around the ceremonies or events you’re most excited to see. While many competitions will be in Los Angeles, some events may occur in other locations, such as Oklahoma City for softball.
3. Consider your budget and save money.
Costs for tickets will vary widely, so begin saving now. Consider all expenses for your trip, including airfare, lodging, food, and transportation.
4. Mark your calendar for 2028.
Start securing lodging and flight arrangements roughly 330 days before the events, which will be around August 2027. Booking at popular hotels and restaurants will become increasingly competitive as the games approach.
I can’t wait until 2028 for another Olympics. What can I do to scratch the itch?
Olympics-class athletes compete in events throughout the year. Traveling to see them compete is an excellent way to explore the world. For example, if you are interested in gymnastics, attend the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. If aquatics are more your style, tickets for the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore may pique your interest.
Moreover, if you’re interested in getting a feel for the LA sports culture prior to the games, consider checking out the FIFA World Cup, NBA All-Star Game, and other major sporting events in the years leading up to the Olympics.
With the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, there are ample opportunities to engage with Olympic sports and athletes in the years to come.
