Where exactly in Los Angeles will the main events and opening ceremony for the 2028 Olympics be held?
The LA 2028 Opening Ceremony will uniquely split between the historic LA Memorial Coliseum and the modern SoFi Stadium.

The main events and the unprecedented Opening Ceremony for the LA 2028 Olympic Games will be split across two iconic venues: the **Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum** and the **SoFi Stadium in Inglewood** (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). This dual-venue format for the Opening Ceremony marks a historic first, allowing the Games to leverage both the established legacy of the Coliseum—which will host events for the third time—and the modern spectacle of SoFi Stadium. This strategic venue selection underscores LA28's commitment to utilizing existing infrastructure while delivering a globally unique and expansive celebration.
### How will the unprecedented dual-venue Opening Ceremony be managed?
The decision to split the Opening Ceremony between the LA Memorial Coliseum and the SoFi Stadium is an intentional, landmark approach designed to maximize both legacy and modern capacity (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). The ceremony, scheduled for July 14, 2028, will be "shared" between the two sites. This strategy allows the Games to create an expansive experience that pays homage to the history of the Olympics in Los Angeles—as the Coliseum will become the first venue to host Olympic events across three separate Games—while simultaneously showcasing cutting-edge infrastructure at SoFi Stadium (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). While specific logistical details regarding the moment-to-moment execution of the broadcast remain under wraps, the concept suggests a highly coordinated effort, possibly involving large-scale, synchronized programming across both locations to create a unified global spectacle.
### Which major existing venues will host other key athletic events?
Beyond the ceremonies, LA28 is heavily leaning on existing world-class venues to meet sustainability goals and minimize new construction, a core tenet of the bid (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). The **Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum** is set to host Athletics (Track & Field) events, securing its place in Olympic history (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). Furthermore, the **SoFi Stadium** in Inglewood, the home of the NFL's Rams and Chargers, is slated to host the sport of skateboarding (See the updated 2028 LA Olympics event schedule, n.d.). This reuse of infrastructure aligns with the IOC's Agenda 2020+5, which prioritizes the sustainable use of existing facilities. The specific distribution of all other sports across the greater Southern California region is part of a broader plan that integrates established university campuses and sports complexes into the Games matrix.
### What is the significance of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosting events for a third time?
The LA Memorial Coliseum holds profound significance as it will be the only venue in history to have hosted events for three different Olympic Games—having previously done so in 1932 and 1984 (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). This continuity demonstrates LA’s established capability to host the Games and provides a tangible link between the past, present, and future of the Olympic movement in the city. By hosting the Opening Ceremony alongside SoFi Stadium and holding the Athletics events there, the Coliseum is central to the narrative of the LA28 Games, reinforcing the city's enduring commitment to the ideals of the Olympics.
### How does the venue selection reflect the broader sustainability goals of the LA28 Games?
The venue plan for LA28 is heavily predicated on utilizing roughly 95% existing or temporary facilities, a strategy that significantly reduces the environmental impact and capital expenditure often associated with hosting the Games (LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations, 2025). By centering the ceremonies and key events in venues like the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, the organizers avoid the complex process and long-term financial burden of constructing entirely new Olympic Parks or stadiums. This focus on infrastructure leverage is a key differentiator for the LA28 bid, emphasizing operational efficiency and minimizing the long-term legacy footprint on the city, in line with modern Olympic hosting expectations.
### Key Takeaways
* **Dual Ceremony:** The Opening Ceremony will be a historic, shared event between the **LA Memorial Coliseum** and **SoFi Stadium** in Inglewood.
* **Legacy Anchor:** The **LA Memorial Coliseum** will host events for its third Olympic Games (1932, 1984, 2028), anchoring the Games in LA's sporting history.
* **Modern Showcase:** **SoFi Stadium** will introduce a modern, state-of-the-art venue to the Olympic rotation, hosting specific events like skateboarding.
* **Sustainability Focus:** The venue strategy heavily relies on existing infrastructure, supporting the LA28 commitment to using approximately 95% pre-existing or temporary sites.
The confirmed venues for the LA28 Games signal a pragmatic and ambitious approach. By weaving together historical landmarks with cutting-edge architecture, the organizers are setting the stage for a Games that is both respectful of tradition and undeniably forward-looking. Understanding these central hubs is crucial for anyone planning to attend, follow, or study the economic and cultural impact of the 2028 event, as these locations will serve as the initial face of the Games to the world.
## References
* LA28 Unveils 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Locations. (2025). *LA28*. Retrieved from https://la28.org/en/newsroom/la28-unveils-2028-olympic-paralympic-opening-and-closing-ceremony-locations.html
* See the updated 2028 LA Olympics event schedule. (n.d.). *NBC Los Angeles*. Retrieved from https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics-2028-los-angeles/2028-la-olympics-events-schedule/3803658/
