The opening of la olympics tickets registration has transformed long-range Olympic dreams into an active countdown for fans across the United States and around the world. With the Summer Games scheduled for July 14–30, 2028, followed by the Paralympics from August 15–27, Los Angeles has officially begun the process that will determine who fills millions of seats across Southern California when the world’s biggest sporting event returns to American soil.
This first phase does not involve buying seats yet. Instead, it introduces a structured, lottery-based system that will control access to future sales windows and help manage global demand. For spectators hoping to witness history in person, understanding how this process works now will be critical for success later.
A New Era of Olympic Ticketing in the United States
Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics for the third time, and the scale of the 2028 event is larger than ever. Organizers are preparing to release more than 14 million tickets across Olympic and Paralympic competitions, ceremonies, and cultural sessions. That volume makes LA28 one of the most accessible Games in history, while still preserving premium experiences for marquee events.
The ticketing model reflects that balance. Instead of a single on-sale moment, access will be distributed through multiple phases, each designed to reduce technical overload and give fans a fair chance at purchasing seats.
How the Registration and Draw System Works
The current registration window allows fans to create an official profile and enter a randomized draw. This draw determines the order in which registered users receive purchase time slots when the first ticket sales begin later in 2026.
Key features of the system include:
- A single account per person to prevent duplicate entries
- Randomized assignment of buying windows
- Advance notification of each user’s designated purchase time
- Multiple sales rounds to release inventory in stages
Registration does not require payment details and does not guarantee tickets. It simply secures a position in the queue that will be used when sales officially open.
Sales Phases and What to Expect
After registration closes, the ticketing process will unfold in several steps.
Assigned Purchase Windows
Each registered fan will receive a specific date and time to enter the online ticketing platform. During this window, they can browse available sessions and select seats based on remaining inventory.
Initial Ticket Drops
The first large release of tickets will include a broad range of events, from preliminary rounds to high-profile finals. Demand is expected to be highest for opening and closing ceremonies, swimming, gymnastics, track and field, and basketball.
Ongoing Releases
Additional ticket waves will follow, providing opportunities for those who miss out early or decide to attend more sessions later. This staggered approach also allows organizers to finalize venue layouts and seating configurations before releasing remaining inventory.
Paralympic Sales Timeline
Paralympic events will follow a similar process on a separate schedule, with their own registration and sales periods closer to 2027.
Pricing: From Entry-Level Access to Premium Experiences
Affordability has been positioned as a central goal for the 2028 Games. Ticket pricing will be structured across multiple tiers.
- Entry-level sessions are expected to begin around the $28 mark, particularly for early rounds and less in-demand sports.
- A significant share of all tickets will be priced below $100, making it possible for families and younger fans to attend.
- Finals, medal sessions, and ceremonies will command higher prices depending on seating location and demand.
- Hospitality packages will offer premium seating, lounge access, and bundled services for spectators seeking an all-inclusive experience.
This range allows the Games to remain both accessible and commercially sustainable, while accommodating a wide spectrum of budgets.
Host Region Presale Access
Residents of Southern California and select co-host regions are expected to benefit from dedicated presale opportunities. These windows are designed to ensure strong local attendance and community participation.
Eligibility is typically determined by billing address during registration, with selected participants receiving earlier time slots than the general global audience. This approach gives local fans a better chance at securing seats for popular sessions in nearby venues.
A Network of Iconic Venues
The 2028 Games will unfold across a geographically diverse set of locations, creating an Olympic footprint that stretches well beyond a single Olympic Park.
Major competition sites include:
- The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for opening and closing ceremonies
- A state-of-the-art stadium in Inglewood for select ceremonial and sporting events
- Downtown Los Angeles arenas for indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball
- Long Beach’s waterfront for beach volleyball and aquatic disciplines
- Venues in Pasadena, Carson, and other cities for soccer, cycling, and team sports
- A dedicated out-of-state site for canoe slalom and softball competitions
This distribution allows fans to attend multiple sports in different settings, often within the same day, while experiencing the cultural variety of the region.
Planning Ahead: Smart Strategies for Buyers
Demand for prime sessions will be intense, but preparation can significantly improve the odds of success.
Prioritize Events
Before your purchase window opens, identify must-see sports and alternative options. Flexibility can make the difference between securing tickets and leaving empty-handed.
Consider Preliminary Rounds
Early sessions often feature lower prices, better availability, and the chance to see top athletes before elimination rounds.
Monitor Multiple Sales Waves
Inventory may be released gradually, and some seats can reappear as layouts are finalized or packages are adjusted.
Plan Travel Early
Los Angeles is expanding transportation infrastructure ahead of 2028, but hotel demand will surge as the Games approach. Locking in accommodation once dates are confirmed can help control costs and reduce last-minute stress.
Why Global Interest Is Surging
Several factors are driving exceptional demand for the 2028 Games:
- The return of the Summer Olympics to the United States for the first time in more than three decades
- A compact venue plan that allows spectators to attend multiple events in a single day
- The popularity of emerging and established American athletes expected to compete on home soil
- The cultural appeal of Los Angeles as both a sports and entertainment capital
Together, these elements create a level of anticipation that is already reshaping travel planning, hospitality bookings, and ticket demand projections.
Looking Toward the Road to 2028
The launch of the registration phase marks the first official step in a multi-year process that will ultimately place millions of fans inside Olympic venues. As sales windows approach and schedules become more detailed, the importance of early planning, flexibility, and awareness of each ticket release phase will only grow.
For spectators, the coming months will define how and where they experience the Games, whether through an affordable preliminary session or a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony under the lights of an iconic stadium.
Final Perspective
The journey to the 2028 Olympics has moved from concept to concrete action. With a structured draw system, broad price ranges, and one of the largest ticket inventories in Olympic history, the path to attending the Games is clearer than ever. Preparation now will determine who gets to be part of the live audience when the world gathers in Los Angeles to celebrate sport, competition, and global unity.