Breaking new ground, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will host opening and closing ceremonies staged across two beloved venues: historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the latest-in-technology SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The history-making dual-venue arrangement represents a first for the Olympic Games and a nod to LA’s dedication to embracing tradition along with innovation.
A Historic First: Dual-Venue Ceremonies
LA28 Organizing Committee revealed that the opening ceremony for the Olympics on July 14, 2028, would be co-held at both SoFi Stadium and the Coliseum. This provision honors the rich Olympic history of the city alongside its state-of-the-art facilities. The Coliseum, where the 1932 and 1984 Games were already hosted, will also be the very first stadium to host Olympic ceremonies for the third time.
Closing ceremony for the Olympic Games is on July 30, 2028, at the Coliseum. Opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games will be on August 15, 2028, at SoFi Stadium, with closing ceremony on August 27, 2028, at the Coliseum.
Welcoming LA’s Olympic Legacy
LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman stressed that the venue selection highlights the city’s diverse combination of its rich history and cutting-edge design. “By using both the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, we’re respecting our past while welcoming the future,” Wasserman said.
Mayor Karen Bass also expressed similar sentiments, underscoring the Games as a way to come together and enhance the city. “The 2028 Olympics are not simply a sporting competition; they’re an opportunity to share the very best of Los Angeles with the world,” she said.
Innovative Ceremony Planning
The twin-venue ceremonies will have synchronized performances, with live crowds at both venues enjoying the events in real-time. This strategy seeks to optimize audience interaction and tap into the specific strengths of each venue. SoFi Stadium, with its state-of-the-art technology and architecture, will offer a contemporary setting, while the Coliseum provides a rich history and symbolic value.
Broader Venue Strategy
Aside from the ceremonies, LA28 will also use existing facilities throughout the Greater Los Angeles region to stage other events. This reduces the requirement for new facilities and supports sustainability efforts. Some of the prime venues include:
- Dodger Stadium for baseball
- Long Beach for beach volleyball, water polo, and sailing
Decentralization provides an opportunity for various communities to share in the Olympic experience and the varied sceneries of Southern California.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The 2028 Games will be injecting an estimated $18 billion into the local economy. Programs such as Mayor Bass’s “Shine LA” initiative are intended to improve neighborhood beautification and increase community involvement in preparation for the Games. Officials, despite problems like recent wildfires, remain hopeful about the city being prepared and the beneficial impact the Olympics will have.
Looking Ahead
With preparations ongoing, the LA28 Organizing Committee is committed to providing an unforgettable and accessible Olympic experience. The groundbreaking dual-venue ceremonies represent a wider vision for the Games—a vision that respects tradition but welcomes the opportunities of the future.
