LA28 Tickets, Trips & Experiences Road to LA 2028

[clemsonbeav 701]

I think Long Beach will be a good home base for us because the metro line is right there and can take us into DTLA for any of the main events.  (But Uber will always be there if necessary.)

 

As I've planned this hypothetical best-case-scenario, I don't think travelling outside of LA metro area will be in the cards.  Will save, e.g. Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, etc. for later.

[Olympian1010 8,322]

45 minutes ago, clemsonbeav said:

As I've planned this hypothetical best-case-scenario, I don't think travelling outside of LA metro area will be in the cards.  Will save, e.g. Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, etc. for later.

There's a ferry that allows for day trips (or longer) to Catalina, but it will cost a pretty penny. It's actually something I've yet to do as a local, but many of my family and friends have done so at various times. 

[Triplecast 215]

On 2/24/2026 at 10:23 AM, bmo said:

Yeah transportation from venue to venue is my biggest concern. Hoping to stay in the Carson area. Seems to be between all the venues.

 

Organizers have said there will be no parking, so renting a car will make no sense. I know they a planning a car free Olympics, so I expect an increase in public transportation.

Speaking from my 1984 experience, I rented a car, then drove to a park and ride lot where a bus transported us to and from the Coliseum. It actually worked quite smoothly.

[bmo 274]

16 hours ago, Triplecast said:

Speaking from my 1984 experience, I rented a car, then drove to a park and ride lot where a bus transported us to and from the Coliseum. It actually worked quite smoothly.

Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Would love to hear any stories/memories you have from attending LA 1984!

[kintail 3]

I went to LA84. We stayed in Santa Monica which wasn't a bad central spot. We did have a car and drove almost everywhere. The big venues (Santa Anita, velodrome, UCLA, USC, basketball arena) had parking, or shuttle lots. Don't know if they will be doing that as much this year since they have a better transit system. We did the budget tickets; mostly seeing prelims (often in the morning) which left afternoon for playing tourist. I agree that Long Beach looks like a good spot to stay this time as there are lots of events there. Or focus on what you absolutely have to see and stay near there. In 84 the locals mostly stayed home or left town so traffic wan't too bad.

 

Also focus on what is great to see live and what is better on the tube. Or go to events in big arenas, where you are more likely to get tickets. Pick some of the more obscure sports. We saw basketball, volleyball, swimming, equestrian, track cycling, and track & field (the first woman's marathon!), 1 event per day except track where we did morning and afternoon sessions. They are also drawing out the length of sessions so they run longer, meaning fewer events per day, but that means more days to see something.

 

It really was a once in a lifetime experience - hopefully twice for me if the tickets and travel work out - so try to go if you can, even if just for a few events. 

[bmo 274]

21 hours ago, kintail said:

I went to LA84. We stayed in Santa Monica which wasn't a bad central spot. We did have a car and drove almost everywhere. The big venues (Santa Anita, velodrome, UCLA, USC, basketball arena) had parking, or shuttle lots. Don't know if they will be doing that as much this year since they have a better transit system. We did the budget tickets; mostly seeing prelims (often in the morning) which left afternoon for playing tourist. I agree that Long Beach looks like a good spot to stay this time as there are lots of events there. Or focus on what you absolutely have to see and stay near there. In 84 the locals mostly stayed home or left town so traffic wan't too bad.

 

Also focus on what is great to see live and what is better on the tube. Or go to events in big arenas, where you are more likely to get tickets. Pick some of the more obscure sports. We saw basketball, volleyball, swimming, equestrian, track cycling, and track & field (the first woman's marathon!), 1 event per day except track where we did morning and afternoon sessions. They are also drawing out the length of sessions so they run longer, meaning fewer events per day, but that means more days to see something.

 

It really was a once in a lifetime experience - hopefully twice for me if the tickets and travel work out - so try to go if you can, even if just for a few events. 

Thanks for the tips!! Yes, I heard seeing more obscure sports is a good strategy for finding cheaper tickets. I'm going to avoid any sport I can see at home (baseball, basketball, soccer, golf).

 

I have a list of events that I would LOVE to see and a secondary list of events that are my plan B. Hoping everything works out even though I know I won't be able to see everything I want to.

[clemsonbeav 701]

Any luck with the local ticket draw to any of you in LA/OKC?

[esube 64]

1 hour ago, clemsonbeav said:

Any luck with the local ticket draw to any of you in LA/OKC?

Nothing so far, though I did read that some people yesterday got emails saying you're not in the draw, and I didn't get one of those either.  Keep hope alive.

 

And it's April Fools day so nobody better prank me with a fake email.  

[esube 64]

I am in!  Window opens Friday 10am pacific.  

 

I am so excited.  Must temper this with the recognition that a lot of stuff that I want will be sold out already/

[clemsonbeav 701]

6 minutes ago, esube said:

I am in!  Window opens Friday 10am pacific.  

 

I am so excited.  Must temper this with the recognition that a lot of stuff that I want will be sold out already/

So excited for you! Please share anything you find out!

 

Now just hoping I (or my wife) get a similar email in 6 days.