The summer of 2028 is the time for Los Angeles to shine and welcome the world to the remarkable Olympic and Paralympic Games. Top athletes from around the world will compete on this stage, and the countdown has already started.
2028 marks the third time LA has hosted. There will be over 800 events for 55 Olympic and Paralympic sports, over 80 venues, and more than 3,000 hours of live action.
So, what’s new? LA 28 is making history, with the addition and return of 5 new sports:
Flag Football
Flag football will bring new athletes and excitement to the games. Similar to tackle football, Olympic officials say that the “preeminent nation” is America as they have won multiple women’s and men’s world championships.
Baseball/Softball
Last seen at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics respectively, baseball and softball are returning to the stage in 2028. Previously, Cuba won the gold medal in the debut of Olympic baseball, while America won the first 3 gold medals of women’s softball.
Cricket
Cricket, returning to the Olympics in 2028, is played in one of three possible formats as described by the International Cricket Council. The LA Olympics is set to feature the Twenty20 (T20) Internationals format, which makes for a 3 hour game.
Lacrosse
After a 120-year hiatus, lacrosse is finally returning to the games. In the past, Canada won gold twice. The World Lacrosse Sixes version will be played, utilizing a smaller field and shorter game duration.
Squash
The squash events of LA 28 will be no different than people know it. In 2018, it was featured as a demonstration sport at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, played to promote it rather than to win medals.
The 2028 Olympic Games will also be LA’s first time hosting the Paralympics.
Alongside the five sports, there will be multiple new and reconstructed buildings. An Olympic pool will added to SoFi Stadium, and the LA Memorial Coliseum will host athletic events the same as LA’s Olympic Games before.
LA 28 also holds a sustainability vision, with a promise of “car-free” Games. This means attendees are instructed to take public transit rather than drive during the games. According to the Olympics website, LA hopes to host the first “Energy Positive Games” through renewable energy sources and venue partnerships to achieve zero waste.
While there are two more years until the 2028 Games officially begin, people are already preparing for it. With the addition of 5 new sports and reconstructed buildings, the games will show the LA spirit on a global scale. What else is in store for LA 28? We’ll have to wait and see!
