Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum makes history as the only venue to host the Olympics three times

Elected officials and members of LA28 gathered on Thursday morning at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to announce that the iconic venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic Games.  

With this announcement, the 100-year old Coliseum makes history as the only venue in the world hosting three Olympics, in 1932, 1984 and now 2028. 

George L. Pla, president of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, said it is a great honor to serve as the official venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. This location is well known for hosting important figures in the past such as John F. Kennedy when he accepted his presidential nomination in 1960, a mass hosted by Pope John Paul II in 1987, and two Super Bowls, which took place in 1967 and 1973, among many others. 

Pla celebrated seeing Mayor Karen Bass last year in Paris, along with gymnast Simone Biles  waving the Olympic flag, to show that the next Olympics would be in the United States.

Bass said the city will make history again as it becomes the heartbeat of games that will take place in every neighborhood and in every corner of the city.

“From the triathlon at Venice Beach to skateboarding in the San Fernando Valley, from boxing downtown to baseball at Dodger Stadium and track and field here at EXPO Park, the entire city will be on display,” said Bass.

In an effort to beautify the city with enough time in advance, Bass has been promoting the Shine LA Initiative to keep people moving while beautifying neighborhoods in the area.

“We have planted trees, cleaned our parks, painted curbs and more, because we all can play a different part in preparing our city to welcome the world,” said Bass.

SoFi will also be in the spotlight

In 2028, the plan is to have the opening ceremony in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum with the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood as a second venue. SoFi will also be the venue for the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games.

James Butts, mayor of Inglewood said he’s excited to be able to share the July 14, 2028 spotlight with the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

“SoFi will also host the Olympic swimming competition during the 2028 Olympic Games,” he said. “But that's not enough. On August 15, 2028 the Paralympic opening ceremony will take place again in SoFi Stadium.” 

The ceremony at the SoFi will introduce the Paralympic movement to the region in what is considered one of the most modern and impressive stadiums in the world, said Butts, creating an unparalleled platform to celebrate these games and the extraordinary athletes.

“This sets the stage to showcase the spectacular scale and magnitude of the limitless possibilities for L.A'.s first Paralympic Games,” said the Inglewood mayor.  

Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price, who represents District 9, which includes the L.A. Coliseum, said it is not just about the medals or the records during the Olympics, but also about the people and the spirit they represent. 

“Being here today reminds us of the true strength of Los Angeles, and it resides in our communities, in our neighborhoods and the people who shaped them,” he said. “A few weeks ago, Mayor Bass challenged Angelenos everywhere. She asked us to come together in the spirit of health and wellness, to improve the health and beauty and to take ownership in our neighborhoods.” 

Price said many Angelenos have really become change agents by volunteering in cleaning efforts, planting of trees and cleaning the streets. 

“We're going to show the globe a city that is rooted in history, driven by innovation and fueled by culture,” said Price. 

The councilmember said the event will be a good moment to showcase a legacy and the countless moments of triumph and unity over the years. Landmarks will represent the resilience and creativity, from the birthplace of West Coast jazz along Central Avenue to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on the LA Expo campus.

“Our venues are ready to honor the past, celebrate the future and build toward making our community come together,” said Price. 

LA28 Games will feature more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports and 800 events in more than 80 venues across Southern California. The 2028 Summer Olympic Games will run from July 14 to July 31 and the Paralympic Games from August 15 to August 27.