The successful hosting of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris has set a high standard for the upcoming summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Key stakeholders in the event are optimistic about the city’s readiness to rise up to the challenge. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her concerns about the preparations needed for the 2028 Games, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the city’s infrastructure and services. Much like the 1984 Olympics, Bass believes that Los Angeles will not only meet the requirements to host the Games but will also reap lasting benefits from the event.
One of the key areas of focus for Los Angeles in preparation for the 2028 Olympics is public transportation. Mayor Bass has been vocal about her vision for a Games where attendees rely on public transit instead of cars to access venues. This ambitious goal will require significant investments in bus and subway infrastructure, as well as collaboration with neighboring cities to facilitate the borrowing of buses. Additionally, the city is actively working towards reducing street homelessness by constructing over 18,000 new housing units for the unhoused population. Discussions are underway with local companies to explore flexible work schedules and night-time delivery options to alleviate traffic congestion during the Games.
While Los Angeles will not be constructing new permanent venues for the 2028 Games, organizers are looking into leveraging the city’s iconic landmarks to enhance the Olympic experience. LA 2028 President Casey Wasserman emphasized the importance of showcasing the city’s unique attractions, much like Paris did with the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Games. The city got a taste of this when the Olympic Torch handover ceremony featured Tom Cruise scaling the Hollywood Sign with CGI Olympic Rings, sparking discussions about potential alterations to the sign for the Games. Actress Jessica Alba, a board member of Los Angeles 2028, highlighted the opportunity for the Games to celebrate the diverse facets of the city’s culture, including Hollywood, fashion, and cuisine, on a global stage.
The road to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is paved with challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation. As the city prepares to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure that the Games leave a lasting legacy of infrastructure improvements, cultural celebrations, and community engagement. By embracing innovation and collaboration, Los Angeles is poised to showcase its unique charm and vibrancy to the world, making the 2028 Olympics a truly memorable and transformative experience for all involved.