As old as the century, some sports will be making comebacks in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Organizers are excited to debut new sports while also bringing back traditional games that have been absent for over a century. The upcoming Summer Games will not only showcase the Pacific Ocean and its beaches but will also highlight LA’s vibrant film and television history.
Among the new additions are flag football, squash, and obstacle racing, the latter resembling the popular “American Ninja Warrior” format. Flag football is seen as a strategic choice for LA, emphasizing the international growth of American football. Squash will join tennis and badminton as part of the racket sports lineup, while obstacle racing aims to make modern pentathlon more relatable and engaging for audiences.
Returning to the Olympic stage after lengthy absences are lacrosse and cricket. Lacrosse, which last appeared in 1908, will be played in a six-a-side format, while cricket will feature the fast-paced T20 format, appealing to a global audience, particularly in cricket-loving nations like India and Pakistan. LA 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman emphasized the importance of lacrosse’s Indigenous roots, highlighting its cultural significance.
Baseball and softball will also make a comeback, having been excluded after the 2008 Beijing Games but returning for the Tokyo Games in 2021. The 2028 Olympics will see softball hosted in Oklahoma City, a city known for its strong softball tradition. Meanwhile, baseball’s inclusion remains contingent on negotiations with Major League Baseball regarding player participation.
The Los Angeles Olympics will begin on July 14, 2028, two weeks earlier than the previous Games. Notably, the event will utilize two stadiums: SoFi Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This dual-stadium approach necessitates a revised schedule, with track and field events taking precedence over swimming.
The focus of the organizers for the Games is on creating a unique and authentic experience that reflects the city’s identity. The organizers aim to move away from comparisons with Paris, emphasizing that the 2028 Games will be distinctively Los Angeles, showcasing innovation, technology, and the spirit of the future.
