The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games [1, 2].
Selecting this venue anchors the upcoming Games in a site of significant sporting heritage. Because the Coliseum has previously hosted Olympic events, its use minimizes the need for new, temporary construction and leverages existing infrastructure in the heart of Los Angeles [3].
The stadium is recognized as a historic venue capable of managing the high-profile requirements of the Games' bookend events [3]. With a seating capacity of 77,500 [3], the Coliseum provides the scale necessary to accommodate international delegations and spectators.
Organizers said the Coliseum will share the responsibilities of the opening and closing ceremonies with SoFi Stadium [1]. This dual-venue approach allows the city to utilize both a historic landmark and a modern architectural marvel to showcase the diverse landscape of Los Angeles [1, 2].
The decision aligns with the city's strategy to utilize existing facilities to reduce costs and environmental impact. By focusing on the Coliseum, the 2028 Games maintain a connection to the 1932 and 1984 Olympics, which also utilized the venue [3].
Local officials said the venue's capacity and history make it a suitable choice for the ceremonies. The integration of the Coliseum into the 2028 plan ensures that the Games remain centered in the urban core of the city [1, 3].
“The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The use of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reflects a broader trend in Olympic hosting toward sustainability and the reuse of existing infrastructure. By avoiding the construction of a dedicated 'Olympic Stadium,' Los Angeles reduces the risk of creating a 'white elephant' venue—a costly facility with no long-term purpose—while emphasizing the city's sporting legacy.
