Fans Eagerly Await 2028 LA Olympics Ticket Sales

Pre-sale tickets for the 2028 Summer Games go on sale, sparking high demand and disappointment for some.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the anticipation and energy surrounding the 2028 LA Olympics.The competitive ticket lottery for the 2028 LA Olympics reflects the high demand and global excitement for the upcoming Games.Los Angeles Today

Fans in Los Angeles are lining up for a chance to buy tickets for the 2028 Summer Olympics, with the first round of the ticket lottery opening in January. While some fans like Gary Friedman were unsuccessful in the initial lottery, they remain hopeful for future ticket windows. Preparations are already underway at venues across the LA area as global attention is expected to drive high demand for tickets.

Why it matters

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are a major event that will bring global attention and tourism to the city. The high demand for tickets reflects the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Games, but also highlights the challenges of meeting that demand through a lottery system.

The details

The first round of the Olympic ticket lottery opened in January, with registration closing on March 18. Those selected in the initial lottery round are being notified between March 31 and April 7 and will have a chance to purchase tickets from April 9 through April 19. Fans who miss out in this round will have additional opportunities in future ticket windows.

  • The first round of the Olympic ticket lottery opened in January.
  • Registration for the initial lottery round closed on March 18.
  • Fans selected in the initial lottery are being notified between March 31 and April 7.
  • The first buying window for selected fans runs from April 9 through April 19.

The players

Gary Friedman

A fan who attended the 1984 LA Olympics as a child and is hoping to return for the 2028 Games, but was not selected in the initial lottery round.

Bobby Chua

Another hopeful fan who is anxious about the ticket lottery process and hopes to secure tickets to see the 2028 Olympics.

Rose Bowl

A venue in Pasadena, California that is one of the locations being prepared to host events for the 2028 LA Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It said my name wasn't chosen for this first group.”

— Gary Friedman

“It's terrible getting rejected. It's terrible. I'm super scared I'm going to get rejected, I'm just hoping I can get tickets to see the Olympics.”

— Bobby Chua

What’s next

Those who miss out in the initial lottery round will have additional opportunities in future ticket windows to try and secure tickets for the 2028 LA Olympics.

The takeaway

The high demand and competitive ticket lottery for the 2028 LA Olympics reflects the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event, but also highlights the challenges of meeting that demand. Fans who were unsuccessful in the initial round remain hopeful for future chances to attend the Games.