BTN News: As the curtains fall on the Paris 2024 Olympics, the spotlight shifts to Los Angeles, a city renowned for its beaches, hills, and the epicenter of the film industry. With an iconic backdrop, Los Angeles is gearing up to host the Summer Olympics for the third time in its history, following its previous games in 1932 and 1984. Set to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, Los Angeles 2028 is poised to leave an indelible mark on Olympic history. The city is not just competing with the memory of Paris, with its globally recognized monuments, but is also tasked with setting a new benchmark for future Olympic Games. The challenge ahead is monumental, but Los Angeles is ready to deliver a spectacle that reflects its unique cultural and geographical landscape.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic landmark that has stood the test of time, will once again be at the heart of the Olympic festivities. This stadium, which has witnessed Olympic history in 1932 and 1984, will be the venue for the athletics events, which for the first time, will be scheduled in the early stages of the Games. This adjustment in the schedule is strategic, allowing the transformation of the SoFi Stadium—home to NFL teams Rams and Chargers—into the “Inglewood Stadium,” a massive aquatic center with a seating capacity of 38,000. Here, swimming legends like Katie Ledecky and rising stars like Leon Marchand are expected to further etch their names in Olympic history.
While Paris set a high standard with its postcard-perfect images featuring the Eiffel Tower and other world-renowned landmarks, Los Angeles has its own cinematic allure to compete. Known as the city of movies and the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is expected to leverage its creative prowess to produce an Olympic Games like no other. The challenge of matching, or even surpassing, the visual splendor of Paris is not lost on the city’s planners. As highlighted by Sports Illustrated, the task is daunting, with some even suggesting that Los Angeles might have “lost the race” before it even began. Yet, the city is no stranger to high stakes and is likely to craft a spectacle that captures the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Casey Wasserman, the head of the Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee, emphasized the uniqueness of what Los Angeles brings to the table. “We don’t have the Eiffel Tower, but we have the Hollywood sign,” Wasserman stated, pointing out the city’s remarkable venues and the stunning natural environment surrounding them. As a city deeply embedded in the film industry, Los Angeles is expected to tap into its star power and cinematic history to create a grand ‘show’ that resonates with global audiences. The presence of personalities like rapper Snoop Dogg, who played an unofficial mascot role during the Paris Games, hints at the kind of celebrity involvement that could define LA 2028.
However, the path to a successful Los Angeles Olympics is not without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges is the city’s transportation system. Los Angeles, known for its sprawling size and car-dependent culture, faces the daunting task of ensuring smooth transportation during the Games. Mayor Karen Bass, speaking in Paris, pledged to work towards “car-free Games,” a promise that may raise eyebrows among those familiar with Los Angeles’ notorious traffic. The goal is to encourage the use of public transportation, which in Los Angeles primarily means buses, as the city’s metro system, consisting of just over five lines, is limited in its reach. Additionally, the city faces the challenge of addressing its homelessness crisis, with plans to “rehabilitate” and “relocate” the estimated 75,500 homeless individuals, a task complicated by the city’s high cost of living and rising inflation.
On the sports front, the 2028 Olympics will see some changes from the Paris Games. The sport of breaking, which made its Olympic debut in 2024, will not be returning. Instead, five new sports will be introduced: baseball/softball, cricket, squash, flag football (a non-contact version of American football), and lacrosse, a sport rooted in Indigenous American cultures. These additions reflect Los Angeles’ diverse sporting culture and its intent to offer something fresh and exciting for the global audience.
As Los Angeles prepares to take the baton from Paris, the city faces the dual challenge of living up to the high bar set by its predecessor while also crafting a unique and memorable Olympic experience. The world will be watching as Los Angeles blends its rich cultural heritage with the Olympic spirit, aiming to create an event that will be remembered for generations. The 2028 Olympics promise to be a spectacular celebration of sport, culture, and the indomitable spirit of a city that has always been at the forefront of global entertainment.
