The Road to Glory: Your Ultimate Guide to the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games

Imagine the roar of the crowd, the palpable tension, the sheer joy of victory! Southern California is buzzing, and for good reason: the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games are officially on the horizon. From July 14-30, 2028, Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15-27, 2028. It's going to be quite the party, spread over a generous 17 days, welcoming over 11,000 athletes from across the globe.

This monumental event marks a historic moment for Los Angeles, as it prepares to host the Summer Olympics for an incredible third time, following the memorable Games of 1932 and 1984. But here's a fresh twist: it'll be the city's very first time hosting the Paralympic Games, making it even more special. We're talking about 36 Olympic and 23 Paralympic sports, more than 350 events, and over 800 individual competitions. Phew! It’s going to be a spectacle, to say the least.

The venues themselves are just as exciting, scattered across more than 40 locations throughout Southern California and even beyond. Think iconic spots like Downtown Los Angeles, the beautiful coastline of Long Beach, bustling Inglewood, and the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, among many others. And talk about exciting additions! Believe it or not, cricket is making a grand return after a 128-year hiatus. Lacrosse is also back, last seen in 1948, while baseball and softball are rejoining the lineup after their appearance in Tokyo 2020. Plus, we'll see the highly anticipated debuts of flag football and squash. So much to look forward to!

Alright, Let's Talk Tickets – Because That's What We're All Wondering About!

So, how do you get yourself into the thick of this global celebration? Well, good news first: single tickets for the primary market are set to start at an incredibly accessible $28. Of course, prices will vary widely, from under $100 for some events to thousands for those premium experiences. But seriously, $28? That's a fantastic starting point for an event of this magnitude.

The ticketing process is unfolding in phases, and it's important to keep track. While some early registration periods, like the local presale for LA and Oklahoma residents (April 2-6, 2026), and the initial public sale lottery registration for Drop 1 are now closed, there are still crucial opportunities ahead. Drop 1 focused on our host communities, offering nearly 75% of 4 million tickets to LA and Oklahoma City areas, with 95% of those under $100 and half a million at that sweet $28 price point. So, a huge chunk of affordable tickets went to the locals, which is pretty cool.

Now, for something you can act on! The second wave of tickets, affectionately called Drop 2, runs from August 10-20, 2026. The registration for the draw and the Visa Presale Ticket Draw for Drop 2 is actually open through July 22, 2026. If you're selected, you'll be notified around August 6-7, 2026. This is a big one, folks, so mark your calendars and check those deadlines!

Looking a little further ahead, the next general public sale for Olympic Games tickets will kick off in 2027. This round will be on a first-come, first-served basis, without a draw or purchase limits, and the inventory will be refreshed. As for the Paralympic Games tickets, your first chance to purchase those will also be in 2027 through what's called the Paralympic Ticket Drop. Keep an eye out for more specific details on that as they emerge.

For official ticket purchases, you'll be looking at AXS and Eventim, powered by LA28, so make sure you're using official channels. If you're planning a bigger outing, group tickets are available for 50+ attendees for the Olympics and 20+ for the Paralympics directly through LA28. And for those seeking an elevated experience, hospitality packages are already available through On Location, the official provider. These packages bundle guaranteed tickets with premium experiences, travel, and some lovely extras, truly making it an all-inclusive trip.

One last crucial detail: Visa is the Official Way to Pay, thanks to its long-standing partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. So, keep that in mind when you're ready to make your purchase. Of course, a little heads-up: snagging tickets isn't guaranteed, and all purchases are subject to the usual terms and conditions. But honestly, that's par for the course with an event of this magnitude. To stay completely in the loop and ensure you don't miss any vital announcements, do yourself a favor and sign up for the official LA28 newsletter. It's the best way to get real-time updates straight to your inbox!