With the torch transition from Paris to Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has officially acknowledged the Olympic flag, marking the commencement of LA’s preparations for the 2028 Olympics. The long-awaited occasion will position Los Angeles as the third city worldwide to host the games thrice, following the years of 1932 and 1984.

Initially designated as the host city for the 2024 Olympics, Los Angeles graciously stepped back to grant Paris the opportunity to host first, consequently securing the 2028 spot as a consolation prize. This significant juncture will be of historical importance for the city, boasting a rich tradition of hosting the games.

In 1932, the city hosted its inaugural Olympics, with Los Angeles being the sole candidate due to the challenging times of the Great Depression. Despite the absence of some nations, the games displayed remarkable athletic achievements, such as American athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias securing gold in the women’s events of javelin and hurdles.

The 1984 Olympics cemented Los Angeles’ standing as the “good” Olympics, showcasing a successful blend of contemporary and classical elements with a touch of Hollywood allure. The games commenced with a spectacular ceremony featuring decathlon champion Rafer Johnson lighting the torch, a jetpack entrance, and musical compositions by “Star Wars” composer John Williams.

Despite being overshadowed by the boycotts of Eastern Bloc countries, U.S. athletes, including Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, and a young Michael Jordan, dominated the games, elevating the city’s international reputation. Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming and chief athlete officer for the LA 2028 organizing committee, conveyed the city’s eagerness to infuse a youthful and optimistic spirit into the event.

Mayor Bass and the LA28 organizing committee, presided over by figures such as Casey Wasserman and Traci Park, are resolute in their endeavor to create an inclusive and dynamic experience for the entire city. They draw inspiration from the efforts of Paris organizers to make the Olympics accessible to all, including the hosting of watch parties and cultural events across the region.

Regarding the city’s transformation for the 2028 Olympics, Mayor Bass and her team plan to renovate existing venues instead of constructing new ones, describing it as a “no-build games.” The striking SoFi Stadium in the neighboring Inglewood will host the opening ceremony, and the century-old Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles will play a significant role in the games.

The event venues encompass the Intuit Dome, the future home of Olympic basketball, and the Crypto.com Arena, where gymnastics will take place. Additionally, the Long Beach area will be the site of marathon swimming and triathlon races, with a favorable reputation for cleanliness, as indicated by a 2023 analysis by Heal the Bay.

Despite the city’s notoriety for challenging traffic, Mayor Bass aims to draw inspiration from the successful strategies implemented by former Mayor Tom Bradley during the 1984 Olympics. These include staggered work hours and remote work arrangements to alleviate congestion during the 17-day event.

In anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles has made significant advancements in enhancing its public transit system, including the development of a subway line and various other transportation projects. The objective is to establish a transportation network that will be the preferred choice for residents of Los Angeles and visitors alike.

Looking forward, the security and logistical considerations of the event are also being meticulously addressed. The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement are collaborating to devise a robust security plan, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns surrounding public safety and homelessness in the city.

Despite these challenges, the stage is set for Los Angeles to host the 2028 Olympics, augmenting its reputation as one of the world’s premier sports destinations. With a series of upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup and the U.S. Women’s Open, the city is gearing up to showcase its ability to host major international competitions. As anticipation mounts for the 2028 games, the world eagerly awaits the grand spectacle that Los Angeles will bestow upon the global stage.

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