When Does the Olympics Start – 2028 LA Dates and Full Schedule

The 2028 Summer Olympics will commence in Los Angeles on Friday, July 14, 2028, marking the third time the city has hosted the Games. The seventeen-day festival of sport will conclude on Sunday, July 30, 2028, with both opening and closing ceremonies taking place at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Organizers have confirmed that competition will span more than thirty sports across multiple venues, including SoFi Stadium and Exposition Park. While the official opening falls on July 14, preliminary rounds in select disciplines may begin as early as July 12 or 13, according to the latest scheduling documents released by LA28.

The timing represents a shift from the 2024 Paris Olympics, which opened on July 26. Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) opts for a mid-July start to align with Southern California’s climate patterns, offering spectators and athletes distinct conditions from the previous European edition.

When Do the 2028 Olympics Start?

• The Opening Ceremony occurs on Friday, July 14, 2028, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
• Preliminary competitions may commence on July 12 (Day -2) or July 13 (Day -1), preceding the official start.
• The Games span exactly seventeen days from ceremony to closing.
• Athletics competitions begin on July 15, one day after the opening.
• Swimming events start later, on July 22, at SoFi Stadium.
• Five sports—cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball—join the program.
• All schedules remain preliminary and subject to final IOC approval.

What Is the Full Olympics 2028 Schedule?

Early Competitions and Preliminary Rounds

While the Opening Ceremony officially launches the Games on July 14, sporting action potentially begins earlier. Documentation from LA28 indicates that Day -2 (July 12) and Day -1 (July 13) may host preliminary rounds in team sports or early qualification stages, though specific events remain unconfirmed.

Athletics and Swimming Timelines

Track and field events commence on July 15 at the LA Memorial Coliseum, featuring women’s 100m preliminaries at 9:00 a.m. PST followed by men’s 100m preliminaries at 9:23 a.m. PST. Swimming competitions, held at SoFi Stadium, begin on July 22 and continue through the closing date of July 30.

Where and When Are the Next Olympics?

Competition Venues Across Los Angeles

The 2028 Games utilize a decentralized model across Los Angeles County. The LA Memorial Coliseum anchors athletics and ceremonies, while SoFi Stadium in Inglewood hosts swimming. Diving takes place at the historic 1932 Pool, and the marathon concludes along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Ceremony Versus Competition Start

A distinction exists between the ceremonial start on July 14 and the first medal events. While the Opening Ceremony celebrates the Games’ commencement, the initial gold medals typically award on July 15 in shooting or other early-finishing disciplines. This gap allows broadcasters to build narrative momentum before peak competition.

How to Watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony

Broadcast Partnerships and Streaming

NBC Sports holds domestic broadcasting rights, with daily timetables released in Eastern Time. Coverage will span NBCUniversal platforms, including peacock.tv for streaming. International audiences will access feeds through their respective Olympic broadcast partners, though specific global schedules remain under development.

Ticket Access and Sales Phases

As of 2026, ticket sales likely remain in preliminary phases. Prospective attendees should monitor teamusa.com and la28.org for release announcements. No pricing tiers or specific sale dates have been published in official channels. Planning international travel for the Games requires attention to scheduling complexities similar to those detailed in Calgary to Delhi Flights – Prices, Schedules and Booking Tips, particularly regarding peak-season pricing.

What Is the Day-by-Day Timeline for LA28?

1. July 12-13 (Tentative): Preliminary competitions in select sports may occur. Source: RoadTrips
2. July 14: Opening Ceremony at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Source: LA28 Official PDF
3. July 15: Athletics competition begins; first medal events likely awarded. Source: Wikipedia Athletics
4. July 16: Diving events commence at 1932 Pool. Source: RoadTrips
5. July 22: Swimming competitions start at SoFi Stadium. Source: RoadTrips
6. July 30: Closing Ceremony concludes the Games. Source: LA28 Official PDF

What Details Are Confirmed Versus Pending?

How Does LA28 Fit Olympic History?

Los Angeles becomes the third city to host the Summer Olympics three times, following London and Paris. The Coliseum’s reuse connects 2028 to the 1932 and 1984 Games, creating a century-spanning legacy unique among Olympic venues. This continuity emphasizes LA’s role in Olympic history, from the early twentieth century to the modern era.

The July 14 start date contrasts with Paris 2024’s July 26 opening. The earlier timing accommodates Los Angeles’ climate, avoiding the peak late-summer heat common in the region. Additionally, LA28 introduces cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash to the program, replacing Paris’s emphasis on breaking and sport climbing expansions. These shifts reflect evolving global sporting interests and regional preferences.

NBC Sports reports that schedules remain preliminary and subject to IOC/LA28 updates until the Games conclude, indicating that while the core dates are fixed, specific event timings may shift during the final preparation phase.

Who Confirms These Dates?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) endorses LA28 through official scheduling documents. The organizing committee releases authoritative PDFs detailing daily competitions, with Version 2.0 (November 2025) representing the most recent comprehensive update.

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (LA28) are scheduled from Friday, July 14 to Sunday, July 30, 2028.

— LA28 Official Scheduling Documentation

Schedules are preliminary and subject to IOC/LA28 updates until Games conclusion.

— NBC Sports Analysis

Key Facts About the 2028 Olympics Start

The 2028 Summer Olympics open on July 14, 2028, in Los Angeles, running through July 30. Preliminary events may occur July 12-13, with core competitions spanning seventeen days across thirty sports. For additional schedule navigation guidance, see Programmation de Canadiens de Montréal – 2024-25 Schedule Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions