In just four years, the Olympic Games will make their return to the USA, and California is setting its sights on showcasing the unique spirit of Los Angeles.
The delegation responsible for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles returned from the recently concluded Paris Games with plenty of inspiration.
They were impressed by what they saw but are determined to create an event that is authentically Los Angeles.
Hundreds of representatives from the organizing committee, the city, and the California state government have spent the last few weeks in Paris, observing how the major event was organized and executed in the French capital.
When the Games come to Los Angeles, they won’t be a replica of Paris; instead, they will reflect the distinct character of the city.
"No Eiffel Tower, But... Hollywood"
“We don’t have an Eiffel Tower, but we do have the Hollywood sign. We’re a city known for culture, music, fashion, and food,” said Casey Wasserman, the organizer of the Los Angeles Games, according to Kurier.
The opening ceremony, too, will be uniquely tailored to Los Angeles.
Thomas Bach, who will serve as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) until next year, believes this approach is exactly right.
“If Los Angeles tried to copy the Eiffel Tower, it would be a recipe for disaster. Every Olympics needs to be authentic, creative, and a showcase of the host country’s culture,” he said.
Safety is a Top Priority
It’s been a generation since the last Olympic Games were held in the USA, in Atlanta in 1996, and even longer since Los Angeles last hosted in 1984.
“A lot has changed in our city since then,” Wasserman noted.
“We believe the 2028 Games will have a lasting impact on Los Angeles, just as the 1932 and 1984 Games did. But we’re not changing our city for 17 days of the Olympics. The Olympics have to fit our city. This is a great opportunity to show what Los Angeles is all about.”
The Games in the USA’s second-largest city will take place in venues that will accommodate more spectators than those in Paris. Ensuring safety will be a major focus.
“Our goal is to make Los Angeles one of the safest cities in the world during the Games,” Wasserman announced.
The Los Angeles Police Chief, who was part of the delegation in Paris, will be central to this effort. The security plan will be tested at major events in the city as early as 2027.
“This is our best chance to prevent any issues,” Wasserman added.
A Look at the Sports Lineup
Wasserman also shared his thoughts on the selection of sports for the upcoming Games.
“With baseball, softball, and flag football, we’re bringing in some of the most important and traditional sports in our country. Lacrosse also has deep roots here and is authentic to the USA,” he said.
On the other hand, cricket is a global sport played by millions, and squash, as the only individual sport, adds diversity to the lineup.
“We want to host the largest sports program in Olympic history because Los Angeles is a sports city,” Wasserman concluded.
