LA28 has officially unveiled the comprehensive competition schedule for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and it’s packed with groundbreaking changes! From the historic swimming-athletics swap to a record-breaking “Super Saturday” featuring 26 finals sessions, the biggest Olympic Games ever promises unforgettable moments across 51 sports and 49 venues.
With ticket registration opening in January 2026, now’s the perfect time to start planning your Olympic experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this revolutionary schedule.
Table of Contents
LA28 Olympics Key Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Competition Starts | July 12, 2028 |
| Opening Ceremony | July 14, 2028 – 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT |
| Day 1 Competition | July 15, 2028 |
| First Medal Event | Women’s Triathlon (Venice Beach) |
| Super Saturday | Day 15 – 26 finals sessions |
| Closing Ceremony | July 30, 2028 – 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT |
| Paralympics Start | August 15, 2028 |
| Paralympics End | August 27, 2028 |
Game-Changing Schedule Innovations
Historic Athletics-Swimming Swap: For the first time in Olympic history, track and field will dominate the first week at LA Memorial Coliseum, while swimming moves to week two at SoFi Stadium. This switch accommodates SoFi’s dual role hosting the Opening Ceremony and aquatic events.
Triathlon Returns as First Medal: After more than two decades since Sydney 2000, triathlon reclaims its position as the first Olympic medal event. Women’s triathlon champions will be crowned on Day 1 at iconic Venice Beach – a stunning coastal backdrop showcasing Los Angeles at its finest.
Swimming Finale: The final LA28 Olympic champions will be crowned in swimming on Day 16, just before the Closing Ceremony – creating a dramatic conclusion at SoFi Stadium before the party moves to LA Memorial Coliseum.
Record-Breaking Women’s Representation
Day 1 Makes History: July 15 will feature the most women’s finals ever held in a single Olympic day:
- Women’s Triathlon (Venice Beach)
- Women’s 100m and Shot Put (Athletics)
- Women’s -48kg (Judo)
- Women’s Epee Individual (Fencing)
- Women’s Kayak Single (Canoe Slalom)
- Women’s Rugby Sevens
- Women’s 10m Air Rifle
Gender Parity Achieved: LA28 will feature 50.5% female athletes across all 51 sports, with every team sport having equal or greater numbers of women’s teams compared to men’s – a historic Olympic first.
New and Returning Sports
Olympic Debuts:
- Flag Football – First medal winners crowned on Days 7-8
- Squash – Champions decided on Days 9-10
Long-Awaited Returns:
- Cricket – First Olympic appearance in over a century (finals on Days 6 and 15)
- Lacrosse – Back for first time since 1908 (finals on Day 15)
- Baseball & Softball – Return after Tokyo 2020 absence
New Mixed-Gender Events: Six exciting mixed team events debut including 4x100m mixed relay (athletics), mixed artistic gymnastics, and mixed team golf.
Super Saturday: The Ultimate Sports Marathon
Day 15 (July 29) will be the most action-packed day in LA28 history, featuring 26 finals sessions across 23 sports – including marathon, boxing, swimming, and table tennis. Expect non-stop drama as athletes across multiple disciplines chase Olympic glory simultaneously.
Venue Highlights and Strategic Scheduling
SoFi Stadium: Becomes the first NFL stadium to host Olympic swimming starting July 22, following its Opening Ceremony co-hosting duties.
Venice Beach: Hosts the Games’ first medal ceremony with women’s triathlon – perfect for showcasing Southern California’s beach culture.
Oklahoma City: Canoe slalom and softball venture beyond LA to Devon Park and Oklahoma City Whitewater Center.
Strategic Timing: Diving at Rose Bowl Aquatic Center scheduled for mornings/afternoons to avoid glare; equestrian events at Santa Anita Park during cooler hours.
Planning Your Olympic Experience
Ticket Registration: Opens January 2026 at LA28.org
Pricing: Starting at $28
Official Ticketing: Managed by AXS and EVENTIM
Hospitality Packages: Available through On Location
For comprehensive Olympics 2028 coverage and LA sports venue guides, explore our sports hub. Get official updates at the Olympics website.
The Biggest Games Ever
LA28 represents unprecedented scale:
- 51 sports across multiple disciplines
- 49 competition venues in 18 zones
- 351 medal events throughout 17 days
- Third time Los Angeles hosts Olympics (1932, 1984, 2028)
- First time LA hosts Paralympics
What Makes This Schedule Special
Athlete-Centered Design: Developed in coordination with Olympic Broadcasting Services, International Federations, and IOC approval to optimize competition conditions.
Fan-Friendly Format: Most women’s finals concentrated on Day 1; Super Saturday provides maximum drama for spectators.
Legacy Building: Schedule supports LA28’s commitment to leaving lasting community impact through programs like PlayLA, which has already enrolled over one million participants.
FAQs
Why are swimming and athletics swapping their traditional Olympic schedule positions?
The historic swap was necessary because SoFi Stadium will host both the Opening Ceremony on July 14 and swimming competitions starting July 22. This logistical challenge required moving athletics to Week 1 at LA Memorial Coliseum, allowing time for SoFi’s transformation from ceremony venue to aquatic center. The change enables SoFi to become the first NFL stadium hosting Olympic swimming while maintaining athletics’ traditional finale marathons on the final weekend.
How can international fans plan their LA28 Olympic attendance?
Ticket registration opens in January 2026 on LA28.org, giving fans over two years to plan. Prices start at $28, making many events accessible. The detailed schedule allows strategic planning – you can now decide whether to attend Week 1 (athletics, triathlon debuts) or Week 2 (swimming finals, Super Saturday). International fans should book accommodations early, as LA28 spans 18 zones across Greater Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. Consider multi-day packages to experience diverse sports across iconic venues like Venice Beach, SoFi Stadium, and LA Memorial Coliseum.
