You've probably heard the rumors. People are already talking about the "L.A. Olympics," but if you're planning a trip based on that name alone, you're going to end up very lost.
Honestly, the answer to where are 2028 Olympics being held is a bit more complicated than just one city. While Los Angeles is the "host," the footprint for this thing is massive. We are talking about a 1,300-mile stretch of the United States.
The Games officially kick off on July 14, 2028. They wrap up on July 30. But "where" they happen depends entirely on what you want to see.
It’s Not Just L.A. (Seriously)
Most people assume everything happens at the Coliseum or SoFi Stadium. Wrong. While Los Angeles is the heart of the operation, the organizers—led by Chairperson Casey Wasserman and CEO Reynold Hoover—have decided to use existing stadiums across the country to save money.
Think about this: if you want to watch Softball or Canoe Slalom, you aren't even staying in California. You’re heading to Oklahoma City.
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Why? Because L.A. doesn't have a world-class whitewater center or a stadium specifically built for the scale of Olympic softball. Instead of building new stuff that nobody will use in 2029, they’re just flying the athletes to Oklahoma. It’s a smart move for the budget, but a bit of a headache for fans who wanted to see everything in one place.
The Major Hubs
If you're wondering where are 2028 Olympics venues concentrated, they've split Southern California into several "zones." It’s sort of like a theme park layout, but for the entire coast.
- Downtown Zone: This is the classic L.A. vibe. You’ve got the Crypto.com Arena (still weird to say) hosting gymnastics. The L.A. Convention Center will be packed with fencing and wrestling.
- The Valley: For the first time, the San Fernando Valley is getting in on the action. Sepulveda Basin will host BMX and skateboarding.
- Long Beach: This is basically "Olympics South." It’s a huge hub for water sports. Artistic swimming, sailing, and water polo will all happen here.
- The Westside: Expect to see golf at the Riviera Country Club and beach volleyball at Santa Monica.
The "No-Build" Gamble
The big talking point for LA28 is that they aren't building any new permanent venues. None.
In the past, Olympic host cities would go bankrupt building these massive "white elephant" stadiums that would sit empty for decades. L.A. is leaning into what they already have. The Memorial Coliseum is going to be the first stadium in history to host three different Olympics (1932, 1984, and now 2028).
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is another heavy hitter. It’s going to be transformed into the largest swimming venue in Olympic history. Imagine putting a world-class pool inside a football stadium. It sounds like a logistical nightmare, but it’s happening.
What About the Opening Ceremony?
This is where things get kinda wild. Usually, you have one stadium for the big show. For 2028, they’re doing a dual-venue ceremony.
It starts at SoFi Stadium and ends at the Memorial Coliseum. It’s a logistical puzzle that involves thousands of performers moving between Inglewood and Exposition Park. If you’re trying to buy tickets, you’ll have to choose which "half" of the experience you want to be physically present for.
New Sports on the Map
Since the location is so spread out, the sports are changing too. The IOC added some "very American" flavors to the 2028 program.
Flag Football is making its debut. It’s huge for the NFL, which is pushing hard to globalize the game. Squash is finally getting its shot after being rejected for years. Then you have the return of Cricket, which hasn't been in the Olympics since 1900.
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Because Cricket is so popular globally, this might be the most-watched event of the entire Games. It’ll likely be held in Orange County or temporary setups in the Valley.
- Baseball/Softball: Back again because, well, it’s America.
- Lacrosse: Returning for the first time since 1908.
- Flag Football: Brand new.
- Squash: Brand new.
- Cricket: Returning after 128 years.
The Transportation Problem
If you've ever been to L.A., you know the traffic is a nightmare. The city is promising a "Transit First" Games.
Mayor Karen Bass and the city council are pushing a plan called "Twenty-eight by '28," which is basically a mad dash to finish 28 major transit projects before the torch is lit. They want people taking the Metro A Line and E Line instead of Ubers.
They are even trying to double the city's bus fleet, asking other cities across the U.S. to lend them buses for two weeks. It’s an ambitious plan for a city that lives and dies by the car. If they pull it off, it’ll be a miracle. If they don't, spectators might spend more time on the 405 than watching the actual 100-meter dash.
Budget and Sustainability
The budget is currently hovering around $6.9 billion. That sounds like a lot, but for an Olympics, it’s actually somewhat modest.
The committee is banking on "radical reuse." They’ve signed agreements to ensure 90% of the materials used for temporary structures are recycled or donated afterward. They're also putting $160 million into PlayLA, a program to make youth sports free or low-cost for L.A. kids.
It’s an attempt to make the Games feel like they belong to the people, not just corporate sponsors. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but the intent is there.
Actionable Steps for the 2028 Olympics
If you are actually planning on attending or just want to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you need to do right now.
- Register for the Ticket Draw: As of January 14, 2026, registration for the official ticket draw is open. Don't wait until 2027; the best seats for high-demand events like gymnastics and the 100m final will be gone in the first wave.
- Pick Your Hub: Don't try to see everything. If you love water sports, book a hotel in Long Beach. If you want the classic Olympic vibe, stay near Downtown L.A. Trying to commute between the two daily will ruin your trip.
- Monitor the Schedule: The detailed competition schedule was released in late 2025. Look at the venues for your favorite sports before you book an Airbnb. You don't want to realize your "L.A. rental" is 40 miles away from the stadium you need to be at by 8:00 AM.
- Check the Sub-sites: If you’re a fan of softball or canoeing, start looking at Oklahoma City. Hotels there will be significantly cheaper than in Southern California, and the venues are top-tier.
- Download the Metro App: Start familiarizing yourself with the L.A. Metro map now. The "Transit First" policy means parking near venues will be restricted or prohibitively expensive. Public transit will be your only real option.
The 2028 Olympics will be a sprawling, chaotic, and historic event. It’s the first time the Summer Games have been on U.S. soil since Atlanta in 1996. By understanding that "L.A." is just the starting point, you'll be much better prepared for the reality of the Games.