The 2028 Summer and Paralympic Games, branded as LA28, are scheduled to take place in and around Los Angeles, California. The primary host city is Los Angeles, with selected events distributed across nearby clusters in Southern California, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Carson, and venues in neighboring counties. Most competitions and ceremonies will occur within the LA28 footprint, leveraging existing infrastructure and newly upgraded facilities. Dates are currently set for July 14 to July 30, 2028, and July 24 to August 4, 2028 for the Paralympics, subject to IOC confirmation and ongoing planning.
Host City and Core Venue Clusters
LA28 will use a cluster model that keeps most events within Southern California to minimize travel and maximize existing assets. The Games are organized into venue clusters, each anchored by a primary area responsible for specific sports. This layout builds on the region’s temperate climate, robust transportation, and dense sport and entertainment infrastructure. The following table summarizes the primary clusters, their focal cities, and illustrative venue examples subject to final confirmation.
Key Venue Clusters and Illustrative Examples
| Cluster / City | Illustrative Venues and Use | Verification Source / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (Downtown and Exposition Park) | LA28 Media and Olympic Village, portions of USC campus, major medal ceremonies | LA28 Official Plans, IOC Statements |
| Long Beach | Sailing, aquatics-related events, harbor and waterfront venues | LA28 Venue Plans, City of Long Beach |
| Santa Monica | Beach volleyball, coastal sports | LA28 Venue Plans, City of Santa Monica |
| Carson (South Bay) | >Track and field, temporary stadium configurations | LA28 Site Plans, City of Carson |
| Other Southern California Counties (Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura) | Regional sports and training facilities; specifics under development | LA28 Preliminary Venue Maps |
Official Process and Approval Timeline
LA28 became official when the IOC selected Los Angeles as the 2028 host city in 2017, concluding a process that saw Los Angeles chosen after a dynamic multi-city selection cycle. Since then, the LA28 Organizing Committee has worked under IOC governance to finalize venue agreements, transportation plans, and legacy strategies. Ongoing milestones include final venue contracts, detailed site plans, and compliance with IOC technical requirements. While the geographic footprint is largely settled, certain venue and operational details remain subject to refinement as planning advances.
Event Schedule and Key Dates
The 2028 Games will follow the traditional two–three week structure, with the Opening Ceremony marking the start and medal events concluding shortly before the Closing Ceremony. Exact dates announced by LA28 and the IOC are July 14–30, 2028 for the Olympics, and July 24–August 4, 2028 for the Paralympics. These dates align with historical summer scheduling patterns and allow organizers to coordinate venue readiness, transportation, and security operations across the distributed cluster model.
Athlete Logistics and Transportation
Competitors will move between clusters via Southern California’s highway and public transit network, supplemented by Games-time shuttle services and dedicated lanes. Los Angeles International Airport will serve as the primary international gateway, with additional capacity at secondary airports as needed. Organizers emphasize walkability and short intra-regessional transfers to reduce carbon footprint and enhance athlete experience. Specific routing and timing will be finalized in coordination with venue operators and transport authorities.
Legacy and Long-Term Community Impact
LA28 is framed around legacy from the outset, prioritizing the use of existing facilities and incremental upgrades over new permanent construction where feasible. Investments are directed toward youth sport access, affordable housing safeguards, and transit improvements that serve residents beyond the Games. Post-Games plans anticipate continued public use of upgraded parks, sports centers, and mobility projects, though detailed legacy metrics will evolve as implementation proceeds.
Risk, Contingency, and What Remains Uncertain
Venue specifics, subcontractor selections, and certain logistics are still in development. Because LA28 builds on well-established infrastructure, major new construction is limited; however, final agreements, permitting, and operational rehearsals remain necessary. The Organising Committee monitors these items through defined milestones, and adjustments can be made as plans mature. Travelers and stakeholders should confirm details closer to the event date for the most current guidance on venues, entry requirements, and transportation.
Quick Comparison: 2028 LA Venue Approach vs Past Models
| Aspect | 2028 Los Angeles Approach | Typical Traditional Model | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | Limited; emphasis on upgrades | High new-build volume | Cost control and faster delivery |
| Venue Clustering | Regional clusters within Southern California | Single-city concentration | Reduced athlete travel time |
| Legacy Integration | Built with community use in mind from start | Retrofitted after Games | Long-term community value |
| Transport Model | Shuttle-focused, leveraging existing networks | Often custom dedicated networks | Lower emissions and ongoing mobility benefits |
For the question of where the 2028 Olympics will be held, the concise answer is Los Angeles and the broader Southern California region, with events staged across multiple host cities and venue clusters. Final venue details will continue to be confirmed, and stakeholders should consult official LA28 channels for the latest guidance as plans advance.