LA gears up for Car-Free 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles is set to host the Summer Olympics for the third time, following its previous events in 1932 and 1984. The city was awarded the 2028 Games as a consolation after Paris secured the 2024 Olympics. Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, emphasized the goal of creating a modern and optimistic atmosphere for the upcoming Games. Unlike Paris's innovative opening ceremony, LA plans a traditional stadium-based event at SoFi Stadium, incorporating the historic Memorial Coliseum. Mayor Karen Bass has announced a groundbreaking initiative for a "no-car Games," aiming to alleviate the city's notorious traffic congestion. The plan includes enhancing public transportation, with 3,000 buses borrowed from other cities to ensure that spectators rely solely on transit to access Olympic venues. Bass also intends to encourage remote work for non-essential employees during the Games, drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the city gears up for the Olympics, it faces the pressing issue of homelessness, with over 45,000 unhoused individuals in Los Angeles. Bass has committed to improving conditions for these residents before the Games, aiming to provide temporary and permanent housing solutions. The city is also focused on leveraging the Olympics as a revenue-generating opportunity, with infrastructure projects underway to accommodate the influx of visitors. The 2028 Olympics will feature new sports, including flag football and cricket, and will run from July 14 to July 30, with the Paralympic Games following in August. As Los Angeles prepares for this monumental event, the city is determined to create a memorable and successful Olympic experience.