As the Olympic Games conclude in Paris, the torch has now been passed to Los Angeles, which is gearing up for the 2028 Olympics. Mayor Karen Bass accepted the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony in Paris on Sunday. The ceremony included a surprise appearance by actor Tom Cruise, who pre-recorded a message featuring a dramatic journey via motorcycle, plane, and parachute, signaling the start of the countdown to the Los Angeles Games.
Los Angeles will become the third city in history to host the Summer Games three times, following its previous events in 1932 and 1984. The city was awarded the 2028 Olympics as a secondary option after Paris secured the 2024 Games.
The inaugural Olympics in Los Angeles took place during the Great Depression, and despite being the only bidder, the city managed to create memorable athletic moments. American athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias emerged as a star, winning gold medals in javelin and hurdles.
The 1984 Games are remembered for their financial and cultural successes, often referred to as the “good Olympics,” setting a standard that many other cities aspired to achieve. The opening ceremony showcased the spirit of Hollywood with a blend of traditional and modern elements, including performances by celebrities and memorable athletic feats, while American athletes such as Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton captured public attention.
Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and chief athlete officer for the LA28 organizing committee, expressed a vision for the upcoming games as “youthful” and embodying the optimism of Southern California.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, Mayor Bass reflected on the importance of learning from Paris’s experience in hosting the event. She was accompanied by local officials including LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman, who also shared insights during the closing ceremony in Paris.
The games in Los Angeles will take a unique approach by enhancing existing venues rather than constructing new ones, being described as a “no-build” games. The opening ceremony is set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which has hosted high-profile events since its opening in 2020 and will feature Olympic swimming, a first for the tournament since 1972.
With plans for major events, including basketball at the new Intuit Dome and gymnastics at the Crypto.com Arena, the games are set to showcase a revitalized approach to hosting. Long Beach is expected to host marathon swimming and triathlon events, with a focus on water quality following the concerns raised during the Paris Games.
Despite the challenges presented by traffic in the sprawling city, Mayor Bass aims to implement transportation strategies similar to those used in 1984 to mitigate congestion during the Olympics. The city has invested in public transit improvements, including a subway expansion and a new rail line to better connect venues.
Security remains a top priority, and with crime rates under scrutiny, LA law enforcement is preparing diligently, having sent officers to Paris for firsthand learning experiences.
As Los Angeles readies itself for the 2028 Olympics, it will first host several major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and another Super Bowl, as part of its strategic buildup to the Olympics.
Organizers are focused on generating funding through ticket sales, sponsorships, and support from the International Olympic Committee to meet the projected $6.9 billion budget, ensuring the city is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.