The 2024 Paris Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony yesterday, marking the end of more than two weeks of memorable events that showcased athletic excellence. As the world bids farewell to Paris, attention now turns to Los Angeles, set to host the Summer Games in 2028.
The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympic Games, previously hosted in 1984 and 1932, and first time hosting the Paralympic Games.
“California is excited to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “Los Angeles is home to a wealth of diverse communities that make our state stronger and help shape the innovation that drives our growth and success. The Games are the perfect venue to showcase our rich cultures, state-of-the-art stadiums, world-class travel and tourism attractions and incredible public spaces, while creating a host of new opportunities for Angelenos. We look forward to bringing the global sporting community together in one of the most diverse, innovative, climate-smart and beautiful places on the planet.”
The 2028 Games will feature more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports, and more than 800 events across sunny Southern California. More than 80 venues have been confirmed, with events taking place in Carson, Long Beach and City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who received the official Olympic flag during yesterday’s Paris Olympics closing ceremony, said a top priority for the LA28 Games is to ensure that the Olympic preparations benefit Angelenos for decades to come.
“We want to make sure that we’re helping small local businesses, that we’re creating local jobs and making lasting environmental and transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles,” Bass said. “We are so excited to create the opportunity for Angelenos that lasts for decades, for their children and grandchildren to remember that the 2028 Olympics served as a catalyst for their family’s success, and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”
Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games Legacy
The 1984 LA Olympic Games made significant contributions to the evolution of the Olympic Games, demonstrating how effective management, commercial partnerships, and planning could shape the future of the event.
Its financial model became a template for future editions of the Games. Unlike many previous Games, the 1984 LA Olympics were financially successful, generating more than $233 million.
The 1984 Games were also the first time that extensive sponsorships by major corporations were used, leading to significant revenue and setting a precedent for future Olympics.
The Games were notable for their innovative use of television and media coverage, with a high level of production quality that helped push the visibility of the Olympics worldwide.
The Games also marked a turning point for women in sports.
Two exclusively female disciplines—synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics—made their Olympic debuts in Los Angeles 1984, while women competed for the first time in the 3,000m and 400m hurdles, shooting and road cycling.
Furthermore, the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon was a breakthrough moment for female distance running, serving as a springboard to elevate the sport – especially in the United States. It led to the development of a new industry in women’s running apparel and female-only running events.
The increased emphasis on women’s participation led to a record number of female athletes taking part in the 1984 Olympic Summer Games, with 23% of the total participants being female.
As Southern California gears up to host this grand event, the world eagerly awaits to see how Los Angeles will once again shape the future of the Olympics, continuing the tradition of excellence and groundbreaking achievements that began over 40 years ago.
The 2028 Olympic Games opening ceremony is set for July 14, 2028, and the Paralympic Games opening ceremony is scheduled for August 15, 2028.
