As Los Angeles deals with the aftermath of the wildfires, the city faces challenges in preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics. However, LA is moving forward with plans to make LA28 a historic success.

By Megan Ly – 10th grade.

Southern California continues to face the enormous amount of destruction and grief caused by the devastating wildfires that tore through Los Angeles County earlier this month. Many concerns have been raised about whether the city will be ready to host the 2028 Olympics as planned. So far, it is unlikely that the 2028 Summer Olympics will have to be moved as none of the Olympic venues have been damaged by the flames. Although none of the current venues have been damaged there were some areas that were in close proximity to the wildfires. The Palisades fire approached the Riviera Country Club, where Olympic golf will be held, and was within the evacuation zone. The UCLA campus, which will house the athletes, was just barely outside the Palisades fire’s evacuation and warning zones. 

Preparing to host such a big event that will attract many people while rebuilding whole neighborhoods is a difficult task. However, constructing some temporary structures and venues could lead to competing for resources with other people trying to reconstruct the devastated areas of the city. This may not prevent the Games from happening but it may raise the expense of creating temporary facilities. Jadrian Wooten, an associate professor focusing on the economics of sports at Virginia Tech, told Axios, “Most of the heavy organizational work for the Games doesn’t kick in until about a year before the event.”

Despite these challenges, Los Angeles remains committed to hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and is already taking significant steps to ensure the city will be ready for the global event. Following the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the spotlight will soon shift to LA as it prepares for LA28. Known for its bustling streets and its iconic sites, the city is preparing to welcome the 2028 Summer Olympics. This will be LA’s third time being the host city for the Olympics after having done so in 1932 and 1984. Additionally, LA28 will be historic as it is LA’s first time hosting the Paralympic Games. With three more years to go the city has already embarked on the journey to upgrade their infrastructures and come up with strategies to make sure the Olympics leaves a lasting impression. 

One of the most important parts of preparation for the Olympics is LA’s transportation system. The city has been known as a car based city but in order to accommodate all the athletes and spectators, LA is investing a lot into public transportation. California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) is planning to implement a protected and systematic transportation network by creating dedicated lanes for those traveling specifically to the venues. A Supplemental Bus System (SBS) will connect railway stations and temporary park and ride sites to event venues. There will also be accessible buses to make sure that everyone can get to the Olympics and enjoy it equally.

Another important aspect of hosting the Olympics is the ability to have large enough stadiums and arenas to house all the spectators. For the first time in Olympic history, no new permanent venues will be constructed. Instead, LA28 will make use of the existing stadiums and venues that are already available across the Los Angeles area. The swimming events will take place at the SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams. Artistic and rhythmic gymnastics will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles. For badminton, the matches will be played at USC sports center, a top-quality indoor arena that houses USC’s basketball and volleyball teams.

The proposed agreement between LA28 and the City of Los Angeles outlines a plan to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in a financially responsible and sustainable way with no cost to the city. This agreement builds on the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding between LA28 and the City of Los Angeles. It includes commitments to support economic empowerment, workforce development, and sustainability. Additionally, it emphasizes long-term benefits for Los Angeles, such as a $160 million investment to promote youth sports all over the city.

While the 2028 Olympics won’t be here for another few years, the City of Los Angeles is preparing to create an impactful and sustainable event. From an upgraded transportation system to the strategic use of existing venues, LA28 is focused on creating an accessible and memorable experience for athletes, spectators, and the city as a whole. As the countdown to 2028 continues, Los Angeles is ready to make history once again, showcasing not only its iconic landmarks but its ability to innovate and inspire people all around the world.