The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are drawing closer, and with them, the anticipation surrounding the support of the incoming Trump administration is building. Olympic officials are confident about the federal backing needed for the Games, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
LA28 officials recently shared updates about their preparations as part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s Coordination Commission's visit to Los Angeles. The city is reportedly on track as the Games' opening ceremony is just 1,338 days away, scheduled for July 14, 2028. "We're four short years away," remarked Casey Wasserman, the chairman and president of LA28.
Wasserman provided insights on the visits made to venues including the iconic Rose Bowl and the new Intuit Dome. During this comprehensive three-day review, which was the first since the pandemic began, the Planning Committee members expressed enthusiasm about the facilities already available. "The venues are absolutely spectacular," stated Nicole Hoevertsz, the chair of the Coordination Commission, highlighting the lack of construction needed and the expertise of the city’s organizers.
Preparations are not just about checking off boxes; the groundwork is laid for extensive planning over the coming years. By 2025, details such as venue specifications, competition schedules, and athlete quotas will be set, all of which will be pivotal for transportation and security logistics. Wasserman noted, "We cannot wait to host the world," emphasizing the excitement of engaging with the global audience.
The thread of political anticipation runs through this planning, particularly with the Trump administration's return on the horizon. The last time Trump held office, he was president when LA secured its bid to host the Games during the IOC's 2017 approval process. At present, Olympic leaders remain optimistic about continuing to work effectively with the federal government. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, formerly of the Army, affirmed, "We’ve developed relationships with the incoming Trump administration through the transition team and across various federal partners. This is about delivering the greatest Games ever.”
Transportation and security are at the forefront of federal responsibilities. Recognizing the previous travel bans and restrictions, Wasserman is assured these will not hinder the upcoming events. "No,” he stated when asked about concerns over past travel policies affecting Olympic attendance. Trump's prior stances during his administration will be countered by the groundwork already laid for inclusivity on the global stage.
Though some voiced hesitation over potential restrictions, officials are honing in on their preparations without interference. The sentiment is clear: these Games should rise above petty politics and focus on celebration and unity. "The Olympics aren’t about politics," said Wasserman. "They’re not about red and blue, they’re about red, white, and blue. These are America’s Games taking place in Los Angeles, and they sit above politics."
The upcoming Olympics will welcome new sports such as cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, reflecting the changing dynamics within competitive athletics. Wasserman voiced ambitions about cricket: "We need to find the best place to produce the best cricket tournament. If we can find one, we will." This pivot toward diversifying sports line-ups points to LA28's efforts to uphold local interests within the broader Olympic framework.
LA28's organizing committee aims to create legacy-focused Games, emphasizing the necessity of fitting the event to the local culture rather than molding the city to accommodate the Games. Plans for ticketing and hospitality options will launch as festivities commence. The strategy for the Olympics prioritizes deepening community ties, restoring faith after past controversies surrounding the Olympics' cultural impacts.
With expectations high for accountability and performance, Los Angeles seeks to emerge not just as host but as stewards of Olympic values. The focus will be on how LA embodies these ideals as the Games approach. Public excitement and scrutiny will shape the experience not just for athletes but for attendees and viewers alike.
Trump's election approach during these preparations undoubtedly shapes public dialogue and perceptions about the coming Olympics. The 2028 Games could mark symbolic political and cultural intersections if things proceed on track. The focus, for now, remains entirely on ensuring the Games reflect not just athletic excellence, but the spirit of unity and celebration of global culture. This also includes ensuring the games serve as gateways to broader dialogues about inclusivity, progress, and social good.
For the LA organizing committee, the next steps include ticket sales, hospitality packages, and even the mascot selection process. Each detail is key to staging what they hope will be the most memorable Olympic experience yet. Further discussions will touch on the integration of the organizing committee's learnings from the recently concluded Paris 2024 Games and how best to apply those lessons moving forward.
The LA28 organizing committee's tenacious drive culminates not only from their logistical frameworks but also from the broader expectation of what those years leading up to the Games will involve. Compelled by the promise of collaboration across the political spectrum, they aim to rise to the top, ensuring both the public and the athletes regard their version of the Olympics as fitting and memorable.
The LA Games infer the broader reality of sports and politics intertwined, pressuring those involved to facilitate conditions conducive to participation from all corners of the globe. The coming months will continue to define not just the Games but the broader sentiment around them. The world will watch closely to see how Los Angeles curates this Olympic episode, cementing its legacy as it approaches the event of 2028.
Engagement strategies and overtures of goodwill with the international community will be necessary as the Games progress. Each decision will need to reflect the ambitions and values they hope to project. With planning already underway, it remains to be seen how the confluence of sports and politics will impact the execution of LA28 and events leading up to it.
