With exactly three years until the opening ceremony, the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee (LA28) revealed its first official competition schedule Monday, marking a historic milestone for the city’s third Olympic Games and first Paralympics. The schedule introduces major structural shifts, including reorganized sports timelines and expanded youth engagement initiatives, aiming to create a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" for athletes and global audiences.
The 2028 Games will break tradition by moving track and field to the first week (July 15–24) at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while swimming will take place July 22–30 at SoFi Stadium, where a temporary indoor pool will be installed after the dual-venue opening ceremony. This marks the first time since 1972 that swimming isn’t held in the opening week, reflecting LA28’s focus on maximizing venue utilization and spectator access.
Athletes will also compete in groundbreaking events like cricket (returning to the Olympics after 128 years) and flag football (making its debut), with qualifying matches starting as early as July 12 at Pomona Fairgrounds and BMO Stadium. The marathon and cycling road races will begin at Venice Beach, blending sports with Southern California’s iconic landscapes.
LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover highlighted the "Play LA" initiative, which has already enrolled over 1 million youth in pre-Olympic sports programs, as a testament to the Games’ community-driven legacy. "This schedule isn’t just about competition—it’s about uniting Angelenos and the world through sport," he stated, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to accessibility and sustainability.
The Paralympics, running August 15–27, will feature 12 sports across 14 venues, including wheelchair basketball at Crypto.com Arena and para-athletics at the Coliseum, signaling LA’s dedication to inclusive representation. With 15,000 athletes expected and 800 events planned, the 2028 Games aim to redefine Olympic innovation while honoring LA’s storied sporting history
