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The Race to Transform Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics
The Olympic flag has landed in Los Angeles, and the city is short on time. As the host of the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, LA has some significant changes to make before millions of people start descending on it.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is undertaking a massive $40 billion project called "28x28" to complete 28 infrastructure projects before 2028. This includes a $15 billion renovation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the fourth busiest airport in the world, handling 1,500 flights every 24 hours.
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The centerpiece of the LAX development is an automated people mover (APM), a 2.25-mile elevated train system with six stations. This will help reduce congestion by pushing 42 million vehicles off the roads. The APM will connect to a new Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and the city's Metro network, making it easier for passengers to navigate the airport and the city.
Lessons from the Past
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1932 and 1984. The 1984 games were considered a huge success, as LA adopted a "no-build" policy, modifying existing stadiums instead of constructing new ones. They also freely accepted private sponsorship, earning a profit of $225 million.
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The 2028 Olympics will build on this legacy, with more than 80 venues hosting different events, including the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Rose Bowl. The opening ceremony will take place at the new SoFi Stadium in Englewood, which can accommodate up to 70,000 spectators.
Challenges and Promises
Despite the ambitious plans, Los Angeles faces significant challenges in making the 2028 Olympics car-free, as promised. The city comprises 88 cities with a combined population of 10 million, and 91% of American households own at least one car. This makes the goal of relying solely on public transportation a daunting task.
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However, the city is not deterred. The federal government has approved $900 million in funds to boost infrastructure, and the Metro system is planning to borrow more than 2,700 buses to help transport athletes and visitors. The 28x28 initiative aims to complete 18 highway and transit projects by 2028, including the expansion of the Metro's Purple Line and the extension of the Metro Line D to the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Lessons from Paris
While Paris has been praised for the accessibility of its 2024 Olympic venues, it's important to note that the city is much smaller and more walkable than Los Angeles. The City of Angels is determined to showcase its diversity and international character, with the Hollywood sign and the promise of "magical opportunities" to come.
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As the clock ticks, Los Angeles must complete the necessary upgrades to its transit system to handle the influx of athletes and visitors without going bankrupt. The city's success in the 1984 Olympics has set a high bar, and the world will be watching to see if the City of Angels can replicate that triumph.