When the Olympic flame lights up Los Angeles on July 14, 2028, the city will be acting as host for the third time in history. Having previously hosted the Summer Games in 1932 and 1984, Los Angeles is set to make history again as the third city to host the Summer Olympics three times, and LA Memorial Coliseum will become the first venue to host three different games. With venues ranging from the historic LA Memorial Coliseum to Dodger Stadium, the Rose Bowl, Riviera Country Club, Venice Beach, and the state-of-the-art 2028 Stadium, the Games promise to merge tradition with innovation in an unforgettable showcase of sport.
At its core, the Olympics represent far more than medals and records. They bring beauty, unity, and inspiration, reminding the world of sport’s power to connect people across nations, cultures, and languages. As LA28 chair Casey Wasserman described it, the Games are “the largest peacetime gathering in the history of the world.” That global energy will be on full display in Southern California, a region already known for its international ties, entertainment industry, and unrivaled sports infrastructure.
The Pros: Innovation, Inclusion, and Legacy
One of the most exciting aspects of LA28 is its commitment to sustainability and legacy. Unlike past Olympic hosts that have built costly facilities from scratch, LA28 will use 100 percent existing and temporary venues, ensuring that the Games avoid the “white elephant” stadium problem, where venues are built for the Olympics and simply abandoned after the fact. Organizers also pledge to restore or reuse all temporary materials, a revolutionary concept that could redefine how host cities approach the Games for years to come.
Youth sports will also receive an unprecedented boost. LA28 has pledged a $160 million investment into sports programs for children across Los Angeles — the single largest youth sports investment in California’s history. This initiative promises to expand access to athletics for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate, leaving behind a meaningful legacy beyond the spectacle of two weeks in July.
In addition, LA28 will be the first Los Angeles Olympics to host the Paralympic Games, advancing inclusion and visibility for athletes with disabilities. The Paralympics will bring their own wave of inspiration, showcasing resilience and determination at the highest level of competition.
On the competition side, fans can look forward to five newly added sports: baseball-softball, cricket (T20 format), lacrosse (sixes), flag football, and squash. These additions broaden the Games’ appeal and highlight sports popular in different regions of the world, ensuring that LA28 reflects the global nature of modern athletics.
The Cons: Politics and Security Concerns
Of course, the Olympics don’t arrive without challenges. One of the more controversial aspects has been the intersection of the Games with national politics. An opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle warned that federal immigration enforcement and security agreements tied to the Olympics could pose risks for Los Angeles residents. The editorial argued that California should push back against federal control, going so far as to call for canceling the Games if those demands weren’t met.
While the Chronicle raises concerns about civil liberties and federal involvement, it’s also worth noting that the piece reflects a highly political, left-leaning perspective. If we allow extreme partisan views — whether liberal or conservative — to dominate the conversation, we risk overlooking the broader purpose of the Olympics. The International Olympic Commitee (IOC) states that “The Olympic Games are the world’s most powerful symbol of unity in all our diversity, with the participation of teams from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.” The Games are meant to unite, not divide; to celebrate human achievement, not to become another battleground in America’s culture wars.
Security will indeed be a challenge. Hosting millions of visitors from across the globe requires extensive coordination between local, state, and federal authorities. Striking the right balance between safety and civil rights will be critical. Yet history shows that Los Angeles has successfully hosted the games in the past, using extremely effective low-cost plans, and with careful planning, LA28 can do the same.
Finding Balance
Like any massive global event, LA28 will not be without flaws. Traffic, costs, and political debates will inevitably become part of the story. Yet to focus solely on the negatives would be to miss the extraordinary opportunity the Olympics bring.
For athletes, LA28 will be the culmination of years — sometimes decades — of dedication. For spectators, it will be a chance to witness history, whether it’s a record-breaking sprint, a stunning gymnastics routine, or a dramatic soccer final. For the city, it is an opportunity to showcase its diversity, creativity, and resilience to the entire world.
Ultimately, the Olympics are about more than geopolitics or funding disputes. They are about the beauty of competition, the honor of representing one’s country, and the power of sport to transcend barriers. When the torch is lit at the LA Memorial Coliseum — making it the first venue in history to host three opening ceremonies — the spotlight will not be on political squabbles, but on the athletes and the spirit of the Games.
As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world once again, the promise of LA28 is clear: a celebration of humanity’s shared dreams and an enduring reminder that, for a few weeks every four years, the world can come together as one.
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