Your step-by-step guide to experiencing the world’s biggest sporting event in the City of Angels
The Olympic flame is heading to Los Angeles in 2028, and it’s not too early to start planning your trip. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a curious traveler, or a brand team scouting for experiential opportunities, the LA28 Games promise to be one of the most thrilling and globally connected events of the decade.
From securing tickets and navigating venues to booking the right accommodations and building a cultural itinerary around the Games, here’s your essential early guide to planning your Olympic adventure.
1. Know the Dates and the Layout
The 2028 Summer Olympics will take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, with events staged across multiple venues throughout Greater Los Angeles, including:
- SoFi Stadium (Opening Ceremony)
- com Arena (formerly Staples Center, for basketball)
- Dignity Health Sports Park (tennis, rugby, and more)
- UCLA & USC campuses (athlete villages + competitions)
- Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and more
Pro Tip: These aren’t walkable clusters—start learning the geography of LA now to plan your transport and accommodation around your key sports.
2. Follow Official Channels for Ticket Alerts
Ticketing for Olympic events often opens 12–18 months in advance, and it’s managed through the official LA28 and IOC platforms. Signing up early for newsletters and alerts gives you first access to:
- Event ticket lotteries
- Package deals for popular sports (like gymnastics, track & field, or swimming)
- Opening and Closing Ceremony passes
- Hospitality experiences and fan zones
Don’t wait until 2027—by then, many prime sessions may already be sold out.
3. Book Your Accommodation (Way) in Advance
Hotel rooms in host cities book up fast—and rates surge the closer you get to the Games. Your options will include:
- Hotels in Downtown LA (close to Crypto.com Arena, fan experiences, nightlife)
- Short-term rentals in West LA or Santa Monica
- University housing (some Olympic cities open campus lodging to visitors)
- Loyalty point redemptions—lock in now if you’re part of a hotel rewards program
Travel Hack: Use flexible bookings now with free cancellation. That way, you have a fallback plan while watching for better deals later.
4. Consider Transportation—Before You Land
LA isn’t a one-venue city. With events spread out across multiple neighborhoods, transport planning is key:
- LA Metro will likely expand service, but not all venues are transit-friendly.
- Expect road closures around major venues—plan for ride-share delays.
- Some events (like surfing in Orange County) will require regional day trips.
- Event organizers may offer shuttles to certain high-demand areas.
Towerhouse Tip: For brands and VIP guests, consider private car services or branded shuttles to ensure seamless access and control the experience.
5. Plan Your Cultural Side Trips
Los Angeles is more than just a sports town—it’s a global destination in its own right. While you’re here, make time to explore:
- Hollywood landmarks and studio tours
- Coastal cities like Venice Beach, Malibu, or Santa Monica
- Museums and arts like The Getty, LACMA, or the Broad
- Food culture spanning Koreatown, DTLA, and Westside fusion hotspots
Bonus Tip: Align with Olympic partner activations, fan festivals, and art installations—these immersive brand pop-ups are often just as fun as the Games.
6. Track the New Sports—And Hot Tickets
Newly added for the 2028 Games:
- Flag Football
- Cricket (T20)
- Lacrosse (Sixes format)
- Squash
- Baseball/Softball (returning)
These events could become some of the most in-demand sessions, especially among younger and international audiences.
Fan Insight: Emerging sports often have more ticket availability early on—don’t overlook them when making your selections.
7. Look Into Brand Activations or Business Opportunities
If you’re part of a brand or agency team, the Olympics are more than just sport—they’re a global experiential stage. Start now to:
- Scout locations for brand activations
- Identify licensing or sponsorship opportunities
- Connect with agencies producing fan engagement zones
- Research permits, street-level partnerships, and temporary venue options
Towerhouse Global Insight: We’re already working with partners planning Olympic-adjacent activations. Timing and placement are everything—start scouting now.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Plan Is Now
The LA28 Games will bring the world to California—and those who prepare early will enjoy more, stress less, and unlock unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cheering in the stands or launching a brand presence, there’s no better time to start planning.
At Towerhouse Global, we live at the intersection of live events and cultural energy. From experiential activations to Olympic-week VIP engagements, we help brands and fans create experiences that win—on and off the field.
