The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of international sport—an event that captures the imagination of billions and transforms host cities into cultural and historical landmarks. While cities like London, Tokyo, and Paris have each had their turn in the spotlight, many wonder: Will Chicago ever host an Olympics?
It’s a valid question—and one that becomes even more interesting as we look ahead to the LA Olympics 2028, the next Summer Games to be held in the United States. While Los Angeles prepares to take the global stage once again, could the Windy City someday follow in its footsteps?
In this blog, we’ll explore Chicago’s Olympic potential, the legacy of past bids, what a Chicago Games could look like, and how major global events like LA28 continue to raise the bar for experiential marketing, live event production, and brand engagement. And we’ll also highlight how Towerhouse Global—a leading LA-based event production agency—is helping organizations make the most of the opportunities surrounding LA28 right now.
Chicago’s Olympic Ambitions: A Legacy of Potential
Chicago has long been seen as a viable candidate to host the Olympic Games. In fact, the city came very close to winning the 2016 Summer Olympics, ultimately losing the bid to Rio de Janeiro.
That bid was serious. Backed by local leaders, national politicians (including then-President Barack Obama), and international athletes, Chicago 2016 promised a compact, lakeside Olympic plan centered around sustainability, community development, and sports legacy.
While the bid fell short, it positioned Chicago as a major contender for future Games. The city’s blend of architecture, public transportation, cultural infrastructure, and world-class sports venues still makes it a logical choice. And with a proven record of hosting large-scale events—from the NFL Draft to Lollapalooza—Chicago certainly knows how to handle the spotlight.
So, Will Chicago Host an Olympics One Day?
While there’s no current bid in place, the possibility remains very real. If the LA Olympics 2028 are successful—which they’re on track to be—the United States could again become an appealing and trusted host nation. That opens the door for cities like Chicago to re-enter the conversation, perhaps for the Summer Games in 2036 or beyond.
Factors that would play in Chicago’s favor:
- Strong infrastructure and transportation
- Existing venues like Soldier Field, the United Center, and Wrigley Field
- Proximity to Lake Michigan for sailing and waterfront events
- A vibrant cultural scene and international appeal
- Central location within North America
Of course, every Olympic bid requires immense planning, political will, funding, and community support. But the blueprint exists, and so does the interest.
What Chicago Can Learn from LA Olympics 2028
As Los Angeles prepares to host the Summer Games in 2028, it sets a powerful example for how U.S. cities can stage Olympics in a smart, sustainable, and creative way.
The LA Olympics 2028 are designed around:
- Using existing venues (not building costly new stadiums)
- Prioritizing community impact
- Integrating technology and innovation
- Centering fan experiences and immersive storytelling
For Chicago—and any future Olympic host—this approach is a model of fiscal responsibility, creativity, and cultural engagement.
The Power of Experiential Marketing at the Olympics
Whether it’s in LA, Chicago, or any future host city, one thing is clear: the Olympics are no longer just about sports—they’re about experiences. This is where experiential marketing becomes essential.
Brands participating in the Games must think beyond traditional advertising. They need to create moments—real-life interactions that engage, inspire, and connect. From pop-up activations and immersive installations to AR-powered fan zones and branded hospitality spaces, experiential marketing has become the key to Olympic relevance.
As we’ve seen in past Games, the brands that win aren’t necessarily the ones with the most signage—they’re the ones that create the most memorable experiences.
Live Event Production: The Backbone of Olympic Success
To bring these brand experiences to life, companies need expert live event production. Olympic cities are high-pressure environments, filled with security restrictions, complex logistics, and global visibility. Whether you’re staging a product launch, hosting an athlete safehouse, or producing a fan-facing experience, precision is non-negotiable.
The LA Olympics 2028 will require thousands of activations across multiple venues, and success will depend on production partners who know the city inside and out.
Towerhouse Global: LA’s Experiential Partner for LA28
At Towerhouse Global, we are a Los Angeles-based agency that specializes in experiential marketing and live event production. With deep roots in LA and decades of experience delivering high-impact events, we’re helping brands, national teams, sponsors, and media companies bring their Olympic vision to life during the LA Olympics 2028.
Our Services Include:
- End-to-end event planning, design, and execution
- Hospitality lounges and safehouses for athletes and sponsors
- Interactive fan experiences and branded installations
- Permitting, logistics, venue access, and production support throughout LA
- Integration of AR, VR, digital storytelling, and real-time engagement tools
If your organization is looking to activate at LA28—even if you’re based outside California or across the country in places like Chicago—we’re the partner who can help you get it done seamlessly and strategically.
The Road to LA28—and Beyond
While Chicago waits for its next chance to host the Olympics, there’s still time to be a part of the Olympic movement in a meaningful way. The LA Olympics 2028 will offer a platform for local and global brands alike to connect with millions of viewers and fans through experiential campaigns and live productions—no matter where they’re headquartered.
For businesses in Chicago and across the Midwest, LA28 offers a blueprint for what the Olympics can look like in the modern era—and a preview of what could happen if the Games ever make their way to the Windy City.
Final Thoughts: Could Chicago Be Next?
So, will Chicago ever host an Olympics? The door isn’t closed. In fact, with the right vision, support, and strategic planning, it could absolutely happen.
But in the meantime, the LA Olympics 2028 are already happening—and they offer the perfect opportunity to get involved, build brand presence, and be part of something globally significant.
Whether you’re watching from the shores of Lake Michigan or activating on the streets of Los Angeles, the Olympics are more than a moment—they’re a movement.
📩Ready to bring your Olympic vision to life at LA28? Contact Towerhouse Global today to get started with expert live event production and experiential marketing built for the biggest stage in the world.
