So, the Summer Olympics are coming back to the United States. Again. If you feel like we just did this, you’re not entirely wrong, but you’re also about thirty years off. The last time the U.S. hosted the Summer Games was Atlanta in 1996. Remember the Macarena? Yeah, it’s been that long.
The 2028 Los Angeles Games—or LA28, if you want to sound like an insider—is basically the biggest thing to happen to American sports since, well, the last time LA hosted in 1984. But here’s the thing: everyone thinks they know what to expect from an Olympic Games. Traffic, expensive tickets, and shiny new stadiums that turn into ghost towns three weeks later.
LA is trying to flip that script. Honestly, it’s kinda fascinating.
The "No New Stadiums" Gamble
Usually, a host city spends billions of dollars building massive concrete structures that nobody knows what to do with once the flame goes out. Think Athens or Rio. LA28 is doing the opposite. They aren't building a single new permanent venue.
Instead, they're using what's already there. We’re talking about track and field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—the same place that hosted the 1932 and 1984 Games. That’s historic. Swimming is going to happen inside SoFi Stadium, which is usually home to the Rams and Chargers. They’re basically going to drop a massive pool onto a football field. It sounds like a logistical nightmare, but it’s actually a brilliant way to save a few billion dollars.
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Even the athletes aren't getting a brand-new "Olympic Village." They’re staying in the dorms at UCLA. It’s practical. It’s a bit "college-dorm-life," sure, but it beats building a high-rise complex that ends up empty.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
If you’re planning to go, don’t just look at the dates (July 14 to July 30, 2028) and think you’re set. The schedule is actually a bit weird this time around.
For the first time in forever, Athletics (Track and Field) will lead off the Games in the first week. Usually, swimming takes the first half and track takes the second. They’ve swapped them. Why? To keep the energy high from day one. If you want to see the 100m sprint finals, you better be there on Day 1 and Day 2. If you wait until the second week, you’re going to be watching water polo and rhythmic gymnastics. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s a massive change for fans who are used to the old rhythm.
New Sports You Didn't See Coming
The IOC likes to keep things "youthful," which is code for "please watch our broadcast." For 2028, we’re getting some old favorites back and some brand-new additions:
- Cricket: It’s back for the first time since 1900.
- Lacrosse: A nod to North American history.
- Flag Football: This is going to be wild. Imagine NFL stars potentially suiting up for Team USA.
- Squash: Finally making its debut.
- Baseball and Softball: They’re back after being dropped and added more times than a hot potato.
The Ticket Lottery Mess
Let's talk about the money part. Because honestly, that's what everyone cares about.
The Summer Olympics United States ticket registration officially opened on January 14, 2026. If you haven't registered yet, you're already behind. It’s not a "first-come, first-served" situation. It’s a lottery. You register on the official LA28 site, and then you wait. If you’re lucky, you get a "time slot" in April 2026 to actually buy something.
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The organizers are promising tickets starting at $28. Sounds great, right? But let’s be real: that $28 ticket is probably for a preliminary round of archery at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. If you want to be in the building for the gymnastics finals or the basketball gold medal game, you’re going to need a much bigger budget.
And a tip for the locals: if you live in the Greater Los Angeles area or Oklahoma City (which is hosting softball and canoe slalom for some reason), there’s a specific "Locals Presale." Check your zip code eligibility because that might be your only real shot at getting decent seats without paying "second-mortgage" prices.
Team USA: The Pressure is Real
The U.S. has topped the medal table for seven straight Games. Since 1996, Team USA hasn't lost the overall count. Doing that on home soil? That’s a whole different level of pressure.
We’re already seeing the "LA28 Generation" pop up. Caitlin Clark will be in her prime for the 2028 basketball tournament. Quincy Wilson, the track phenom who made waves as a teenager, will be a veteran by then. The expectations are basically "Gold or Bust."
But there’s a catch. Other countries are catching up in the sports the U.S. used to own. Swimming isn't a guaranteed gold-mine anymore with Australia and France surging. Basketball is getting tighter every year. The 2028 Games won't just be a victory lap; it’s going to be a dogfight.
The "No-Car" Promise (And Why We're Skeptical)
If you've ever spent five minutes on the 405 freeway, you know that "Los Angeles" and "no traffic" don't belong in the same sentence. The city is pushing a "Twenty-eight by '28" initiative to finish 28 major transit projects before the opening ceremony.
The goal? A car-free Olympics. They want people taking the Metro, buses, and the new LAX People Mover.
Is it possible? Maybe. But California is currently facing a massive budget deficit, and some of these projects are already behind schedule. If the transit plan fails, the 2028 Games might be remembered more for the gridlock than the gold medals.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you actually want to be there, you can't wing this. Here is what you need to do right now:
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- Register for the Draw: Go to the official LA28 ticketing site. The window closes March 18, 2026. If you miss this, you’re stuck with the secondary market, which will be a bloodbath.
- Verify Your Identity: You have to be 18 to register. Make sure your payment info (specifically Visa, which is the official partner) is ready to go for the April drop.
- Plan for Oklahoma City: If you’re a fan of softball, don’t book a hotel in Santa Monica. You’ll be 1,300 miles away from the action.
- Look Beyond the Big Names: Everyone wants to see the 100m dash. Look at the "new" sports like Flag Football or Squash. The tickets will be cheaper, and the atmosphere will be just as intense because it’s the first time these athletes are getting this stage.
The Summer Olympics United States isn't just another sports event. It’s a 10-year catalyst for LA. Whether it’s a massive success or a logistical headache remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it won't be boring. Check your registration status today because by the time 2028 rolls around, it'll be too late to join the party.