Los Angeles to Host 2028 Olympics Opening Ceremony at Two Venues

Los Angeles is gearing up to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the city is preparing to make history with a unique opening ceremony. LA28 announced on May 8 that the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. However, in a groundbreaking move, the opening ceremony will be split between the two venues, marking the first time in modern Olympics history that such an arrangement has been made.

The decision to use two venues for the opening ceremony reflects the scale and ambition of the 2028 Games. By utilizing both the historic Coliseum and the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, LA28 aims to create an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and viewers around the world. The dual-venue approach will allow for a more expansive and inclusive celebration of the Olympic spirit, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Los Angeles.

While the opening ceremony will be a joint affair, the closing ceremony will be held exclusively at the LA Coliseum. This iconic stadium has a long and storied history with the Olympic Games, having previously hosted the summer games in 1932 and 1984. By hosting the closing ceremony, the Coliseum will once again take center stage as the world bids farewell to the athletes and celebrates the culmination of the Games.

The LA Coliseum’s selection as a host venue for the 2028 Games marks its third time hosting the summer Olympics, cementing its place as a symbol of the Olympic movement in the United States. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades over the years, ensuring that it remains a world-class venue capable of hosting major sporting events.

SoFi Stadium, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the Los Angeles sports scene, having opened in 2020. This state-of-the-art stadium is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Its modern amenities and cutting-edge technology make it an ideal venue for hosting the Olympic opening ceremony. The stadium’s location in Inglewood, a city located southwest of downtown Los Angeles, will bring the Olympic spirit to a wider audience and showcase the region’s diverse communities.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her enthusiasm for the city’s role in hosting the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, stating, "For over a century, the Coliseum has been a landmark host to some of the most iconic moments in all of sports history. That story continues in 2028 as our City and our region welcomes the world for what will be the greatest Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, and the closing ceremony will take place two weeks later on July 30. The Paralympic Games will follow, beginning on August 15, 2028, and concluding on August 27.

The 2028 Olympics will provide a significant economic boost to the Los Angeles region, creating jobs, attracting tourists, and generating revenue for local businesses. The Games will also serve as a catalyst for infrastructure improvements and community development projects.

The United States has a strong track record of success in the Olympic Games, particularly when hosting the event on home soil. In the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, the United States dominated the medal count, winning 110 medals in total, including 44 gold medals. Italy finished second with 36 total medals.

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics were another triumph for the United States, with the nation winning 83 gold medals and 174 total medals. Romania finished second with 20 gold medals, while West Germany tallied the second-most total medals with 59. The United States’ 83 gold medals in those games remain an all-time record.

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, the city is determined to build on its legacy of success and create a memorable experience for all involved. The decision to hold the opening ceremony at two venues reflects the city’s innovative spirit and commitment to showcasing the best of Los Angeles to the world. The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be a celebration of athleticism, diversity, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The use of both the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium will help write a new chapter in Olympic history, celebrating both the legacy of the games and the modern era.