For major global events like the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics, success usually hinges on one thing: logistics. Getting everything ready on time is a gargantuan task that often leaves cities in debt and stadiums abandoned. However, Los Angeles 2028 is taking a radically different approach.
For the first time in 80 years, an Olympic host city will not build a single new permanent venue. Instead, LA is leaning on its existing world-class infrastructure, utilizing heavyweights like SoFi Stadium, the Memorial Coliseum, and the brand-new Intuit Dome to host over 800 events. It’s a masterclass in sustainability, until you look at the soccer map.
Coast-to-Coast Kickoff with “LA” Soccer Heading to New York and Nashville
While the rest of the Games will be concentrated in Southern California, the committee’s plan for Olympic Football (soccer) has left many fans scratching their heads. The tournament, featuring 12 men’s and 16 women’s teams, won’t just stay in the neighborhood. Instead, the preliminary and knockout stages are set to span six U.S. cities: New York, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San Jos, and San Diego.
The decision to include East Coast and Midwest hubs like New York and Nashville is a baffling choice for a “Los Angeles” Olympics. While these are fantastic soccer markets, the logistical strain is undeniable. Forcing athletes to endure five-hour flights and fans to shell out for cross-country travel seems to contradict the “local efficiency” theme of the Games. It feels less like a city-hosted event and more like a second World Cup in disguise.
The only consolation for traditionalists is that the journey eventually leads back home; the final stages will be held at the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium, where nearly 90,000 fans will witness the gold medal matches in the same venue that hosted the 1994 World Cup Final.
The Flag Football Revolution
With the 2028 Games, Los Angeles will officially join London and Paris as the only cities to host the Summer Olympics three times (1932, 1984, and 2028). But this third edition comes with a distinctly American twist. Of all the new disciplines being introduced, Flag Football is easily the biggest headliner. There is no better place for the sport to make its Olympic debut than in the United States, and the hype is already reaching a fever pitch.
The U.S. National Team will enter as the overwhelming favorite to take home the gold, but the real intrigue lies in the roster. With the NFL actively supporting the inclusion, fans are already dreaming of a “Dream Team” scenario where current NFL superstars could potentially trade their pads for flags.
Seeing how professional athletes adapt to the non-contact, high-speed 5v5 format will be a fascinating experiment. Whether it’s a veteran QB or a lightning-fast wide receiver taking the field, Flag Football is poised to be the breakout star of the LA28 lineup.
