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≡ LA28 IOC SESSION REPORT ≡
“I want to emphasize my confidence and the confidence of the Coordination Commission in what we have seen with LA28 with their planning, revenue generation, their growth and their ambition.”
That’s the bottom line view of the International Olympic Committee’s Los Angeles 2028 Coordination Commission Chair Nicole Hoevertsz (ARU) at the IOC Session in Milan (ITA) on Tuesday.
A 47-minute LA28 presentation was opened by U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee President Gene Sykes, who addressed in direct way any concerns about the U.S. government’s support of the Games, as well as the preparedness of the organizing committee:
“L.A. is not just preparing to host the Games. It is preparing to host the world. LA28 has a very clear plan, very strong governance and an unprecedented amount of private investment.
“We’re advancing forward with optimism and discipline. Just as importantly, LA28 is doing so in close alignment with the IOC, grounded in the shared priorities around the athlete experience, sustainability, innovation and global engagement.
“At a time when reassurance matters, let me be clear: the United States remains fully committed to the independence, the integrity and the global mission of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. We understand the responsibility that comes with hosting the world. We embrace it, with humility, with respect, and preparation. …
“Their leadership is steady, collaborative and deeply intentional. …
“They are not only on track, they are trying to set a new standard for how future Games can engage their communities, elevate athletes and inspire the world. They want to be trusted partners for the IOC, as well as steadfast champions for athletes and architects of something that should endure well beyond 2028.”
LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman offered an energetic message of commitment to the task of putting on the 2028 Games:
“Through times of challenge and change, the Olympics have endured as a beacon of hope and human achievement. And I promise you all today, LA28 will be no different, just 892 days from now.
“Together, we will welcome the world to a safe and secure environment, one that celebrates the very best of sport and humanity. An environment built on innovation, sustainability and inclusion and one that leaves a lasting impact on communities long after the Games come to an end.
“Of course, the L.A. Games will not happen in a vacuum. The world is complicated and unpredictable. Conflicts within and among nations ignite, and are resolved. We are not naive to this reality. We take it seriously and will face it head-on.
“But I argue, it’s exactly because of these challenges, the world needs a strong Olympic Games more than ever. Rather than focus on what is frightening, let’s focus on the opportunity this moment presents. The opportunity to undeniably establish the Olympics as the singular, unifying force for the world.
“Because here’s the truth: the world does not need another reason to fight with each other. It needs a reason to come together.”
He closed with:
“When the moment arrives, LA28 will be eager to meet it. We will proudly host the largest peacetime gathering in human history, defined by confidence, readiness and accountability, and anchored in an Olympic Games that meet the moment we’re living in: an athletes-first Games, rooted in community, designed to elevate performance and celebrate the very best of human achievement.
“We will meet this moment with our values front and center: unity, respect and excellence. Not as lofty ideals or principles to pay lip service, but as commitments we live up to every single day, between now and 2028. And we will deliver.”
LA28 chief executive Reynold Hoover received a warm reception to a detailed review of what has been achieved so far, notably to the 1.5 million-plus registrations by potential ticket buyers from 175 countries, with Hoover noting that it “made one thing clear: that the world is ready for the LA28 Olympic Games.”
As for the organizing effort:
“Today I can say with confidence, we are building momentum, we are adding talent, sport experience and voices from across the Olympic Movement to a team that is rising to the moment. Over the last year, the momentum has translated into real progress.
“Our team has grown to more than 600 people and will approach 1,000 by the end of the year.”
He added that beyond the UCLA main village, there will also be three satellite villages and 30 training sites. He also introduced an important new initiative: the launch of the LA28 VisaLink program, working in concert with the U.S. State Department to help navigate travel to the U.S., with a dedicated visa assistance team already in place within LA28.
As for 2026, Hoover noted LA28 would introduce its mascot, unveil its Cultural Olympiad program, the “Look of the Games” and more. And a lot more testing:
“In terms of operational readiness, we are moving from planning to proving through comprehensive testing and readiness programs across every venue zone. We’ve conducted joint operational planning sessions with our local, state and Federal partners, and we are launching a comprehensive, organization-wide training program this year.
“Table-top and functional simulations will begin this quarter and continue through 2028, stress-testing everything from Games and sport operations to medical response and emergency planning, logistics to transportation.
“As you can see, we are validating our plans and training today, so when the world arrives in L.A., we will be ready.”
Hoevertsz’s view from the Coordination Commission standpoint, praised LA28 for listening to the group’s recommendations and “we have full trust in you and your entire team.”
She expressed confidence in the budget and the budgeting process and commented on the ticket pricing, which she said “goes from the very affordable to very premium, which your unique market can bear. Our ambition is full stadia, as we are in Paris.” Wasserman reiterated that one million tickets will be available for $28 and two-thirds of all tickets will be priced under $200.
Test events are slated for the summer of 2027 through June of 2028.
There were the typical International Federation questions of why isn’t everything completely ready now and worries about visas for spectators, but in general a positive reception to the LA28 report by the IOC membership.
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