LA28 Olympic ticket registration

More than 300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes gathered Tuesday at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, signaling a major milestone in preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The event marked the official countdown to the launch of public ticket registration, which opens Wednesday.

Importantly, athletes from 28 Olympic Games dating back to 1960 attended the celebration. Among them were iconic figures such as Nadia Comaneci, Apolo Ohno, Bart Conner, and Cullen Jones. Together, they represented decades of Olympic excellence and shared commitment to the future of the Games.

Olympic Cauldron Lighting Sparks Momentum

To build excitement, the athletes joined Janet Evans for a brief countdown that ended with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. Under a bright winter sky, the moment symbolized continuity between Olympic history and the upcoming Los Angeles Games.

Evans, a four-time Olympic champion and chief athlete officer for the LA28 organizing committee, emphasized the event’s deeper meaning. “Los Angeles plans to deliver an athlete-centered Games,” she said. “However, that promise only works when athletes help guide every step of the process.”

Athlete Voices Shape LA28 Planning

Before the public ceremony, athletes met directly with LA28 leadership. During those sessions, many shared feedback on housing, transportation, and competition logistics. As a result, organizers gained valuable insight from those who understand Olympic life firsthand.

Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian with eight medals, described the gathering as emotional and energizing. He explained that he reconnected with longtime friends from his training days.

“As soon as I arrived, I recognized people I trained with years ago,” Ohno said. “Some friendships go back decades. That sense of connection really matters.”

Meanwhile, Jones highlighted how athlete input now plays a central role in decision-making. After retiring from competitive swimming, he joined the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as associate director of athlete marketing.

“We finally have athletes speaking where it counts,” Jones said. “Because of that, I feel confident about the direction LA28 is taking.”

Existing Venues Allow Focus on Athletes

Conner explained that Los Angeles holds a major advantage over many host cities. Since most venues already exist, organizers can prioritize athlete experience rather than construction challenges.

The city will host most events, while Oklahoma City will stage softball and canoe slalom competitions. This setup, Conner said, reduces uncertainty and allows planners to focus on competitors.

“The athletes sit at the center of every major decision,” Conner noted. “They do not get consulted after the fact. Instead, they already participate in leadership meetings.”

He also pointed out that LA28 includes more athletes in leadership roles than the International Olympic Committee, a shift he called both refreshing and necessary.

Comaneci Reflects on Olympic Legacy

Nearby, Comaneci posed for photographers beneath the Coliseum’s peristyle. She remains one of the most recognizable figures in Olympic history. At the 1976 Summer Olympics, she became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10.0.

This year also marks a personal milestone for Comaneci and Conner, who will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in April. Their presence together added emotional weight to the event and highlighted the lasting impact of the Games.

LA28 Ticket Registration Opens Wednesday

Ticket registration for the 2028 Olympics opens Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST on Tickets.LA28.org. Fans must register to receive a randomly assigned time slot to purchase tickets beginning in April.

Additionally, LA28 plans to release multiple ticket phases throughout the year. Those releases will include individual event tickets, hospitality packages, and travel-inclusive options with accommodations.

As anticipation grows, LA28 continues to emphasize transparency, inclusion, and athlete leadership. Because of that approach, the Los Angeles Games aim to set a new benchmark for Olympic planning—one built not just for athletes, but with them.