The Paris Olympics wrapped up on Sunday, setting the stage for the next chapter in Los Angeles, where the Paralympics will run from August 28 to September 8, followed by the 2028 Games featuring new sports like squash, lacrosse, and cricket.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA28 Olympic Games Chair Casey Wasserman, who were in Paris as part of a U.S. delegation led by First Lady Jill Biden, shared insights on what sports fans and Angelenos can anticipate four years from now.
“We don’t have an Eiffel Tower, but we do have a Hollywood sign,” Wasserman remarked, emphasizing that while the Paris Games were “authentically French,” the 2028 Games will be “authentically Los Angeles.”
Wasserman highlighted Los Angeles as one of the world’s cultural capitals, known for its influence in food, fashion, music, and entertainment. The 2028 Games are expected to reflect this vibrant culture. A glimpse of this was seen during the flag handoff at the Paris closing ceremony, where Tom Cruise performed a stunt involving a motorcycle and a skydiving sequence that transitioned from Paris to Hollywood, culminating in performances by artists like Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg at Venice Beach.
Here are some key aspects that could shape the Los Angeles Olympics:
Legacy of the Games
Wasserman stressed that while most Olympic Games focus on their legacy post-event, Los Angeles is already investing in its future impact. The city, along with the International Olympic Committee, is pouring $160 million into a youth sports program, aiming to make sports accessible to all children in Los Angeles for just $5. This initiative is positioned as the “largest single investment in youth sports in the history of America in one city,” ensuring that no child’s participation is limited by their zip code. Mayor Bass echoed this sentiment, envisioning a Games that uplift the entire city.
Addressing Homelessness
As Los Angeles prepares for the Games, the city faces a significant challenge with homelessness, one of the most severe issues in the U.S. With over 75,000 people experiencing homelessness, Mayor Bass acknowledged the ongoing efforts to address this crisis in collaboration with various levels of government and the private sector. However, there are concerns that, similar to Paris, homeless populations could be relocated from central areas to accommodate the influx of visitors and Olympic infrastructure.
Ensuring Safety
Wasserman revealed that Los Angeles has already been granted a “national security exemption designation,” which activates federal support to secure and deliver the Games. This exemption was granted three years earlier than usual, providing ample time for thorough preparation. The LA28 committee’s approach is to balance security with a memorable experience for attendees, learning from past Olympic events like the 2012 London Games, where security dry runs were practiced at large sporting events.
A No-Car Games
One of the most ambitious goals for the LA28 Olympics is to host a no-car Games, a significant challenge in a city notorious for its traffic. With plans for new rail lines being scrapped due to high costs, the focus will be on bolstering public transportation. Mayor Bass mentioned that the city is enhancing its current transit system and plans to bring in over 3,000 buses from across the country to meet the demand. Spectators will be encouraged to use public transport to reach all venues, marking a major shift in how Angelenos and visitors will navigate the city during the Games.
