LA28 Opens Ticket Lottery for 2028 Olympics Starting at $28

Los Angeles organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games opened registration for a ticket lottery on January 14, 2026. The process lets fans sign up for a random draw that assigns time slots to buy seats, with individual tickets starting at $28. This step comes more than two years before the events begin in July 2028.

Background

The 2028 Games mark Los Angeles's third time hosting the Olympics, after 1932 and 1984. Organizers have planned events across the city and nearby areas, with many taking place near the University of California, Los Angeles. The competition schedule covers all Olympic sports, from track and field to swimming, plus Paralympic events. Planning picked up speed in late 2025, with announcements on volunteer programs, ceremonies production, and now ticketing. A locals presale runs alongside the main draw for residents in LA and Oklahoma City areas. The ticket system aims to give fair access to seats amid high demand expected from global fans.

Hospitality options exist too, for those wanting premium seats, VIP lounges, and extras like travel help. Visa handles payments as the official partner. Group tickets start at 50 for Olympics and 20 for Paralympics. All this builds on lessons from past Games, like Paris 2024, where base prices sat around $26.

Key Details

Registration runs from January 14 to March 18, 2026. Fans over 18 create a profile on the LA28 website at no cost. No purchase needed to enter. The draw randomly picks who gets a time slot for ticket drops later in 2026. Emails go out to winners with their slot details. During the slot, buyers grab tickets on a first-come, first-served basis through AXS and Eventim.

Ticket Prices and Types

Individual tickets for events start at $28. Prices go up based on the event and seat location. Flexible options fit different budgets. General tickets put fans in the stands for heats, finals, or full sessions. Hospitality packages add guaranteed seats, food, and transport. Travelers should plan ahead, as hotels and flights book up to a year out. LA has plenty of hotel rooms, so prices may not spike like in some past host cities.

"January 14th is the start of the ticket registration. And then what will happen is it’s basically a lottery system. Later in 2026, you will get an email if you get a spot." – Jessica Roy, San Francisco Chronicle

Venues list on the LA28 site, including stadiums near UCLA. Fans pick events like swimming finals or track meets. No guarantees on availability, and terms can change.

What This Means

This lottery levels the playing field for ticket access. High interest from past Olympics means quick sellouts without such a system. Fans entering now position themselves early, but success depends on luck. For locals, the presale offers priority. Travelers face booking challenges, with most software limiting reservations to one year ahead. Set reminders for July 2027 to lock in stays and flights.

The low starting price draws more families and casual viewers. It matches inflation-adjusted costs from Paris while keeping events affordable. Organizers expect full venues, boosting local economy through tourism and jobs. Volunteers programs already launched, tying into community involvement. Production teams for opening and closing ceremonies are set, promising big shows. With 1000 days marked last fall, momentum builds toward summer 2028. Fans worldwide can join the draw, making the Games feel open to all.