LA28 Olympics Tickets Sell Out Quickly at Sky-High Prices

High demand and soaring prices threaten to price out many average fans for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring fragmented, overlapping planes of bright colors and shapes representing various Olympic sporting events, crowds, and the Los Angeles cityscape, conceptually illustrating the accessibility challenges of the 2028 Games.The soaring prices and limited availability of tickets for the 2028 LA Olympics threaten to create a two-tiered experience, with many average fans priced out of attending the Games.Los Angeles Today

The first round of ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has left many would-be spectators disappointed and financially strained, with the most sought-after events like swimming, gymnastics, and track and field commanding prices well into the thousands of dollars per ticket, and the most expensive opening and closing ceremony tickets reaching nearly $5,000. While a limited number of $28 tickets were made available, they sold out quickly during the initial 'locals' presale.

Why it matters

The high prices and limited availability of LA28 Olympics tickets highlight the growing challenges of hosting the Games in a major metropolitan area. With the cost of travel, accommodations, and other expenses, attending the Olympics is becoming increasingly out of reach for many fans, especially families. This raises concerns about the accessibility and inclusivity of the event, as well as the potential impact on the local community's ability to participate in the festivities.

The details

The first general ticket sale for the 2028 LA Olympics began on April 6th, with buyers given 48-hour windows to purchase tickets. Many reported issues accessing the ticketing website at the start of their window due to high demand. While LA28 organizers had touted $28 tickets, the most popular events like swimming, gymnastics, track and field, and basketball were priced well into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per ticket. The most expensive opening and closing ceremony tickets were seen selling for around $4,700, significantly higher than the $3,000 top price at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Buyers also face a 24% service fee on top of ticket prices, which LA28 says is 'industry standard.' Those seeking a more premium experience can purchase hospitality packages, with the least expensive options starting at $350 per person for preliminary events and reaching over $3,000 per ticket for the women's gymnastics finals.

  • The first general ticket sale for the LA28 Olympics began on April 6, 2026 and runs through April 19, 2026.
  • Tickets to the Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2027.

The players

LA28

The organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

On Location

The official hospitality provider for the 2028 Olympic Games, offering premium packages that include reserved seating, venue lounge access, food, and other perks.

Dave Guenther

The president of RoadTrips.com, who advised that it's less important to get to all the major events than it is to take in the spirit of the Games and the city they're in.

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What they’re saying

“Our packages can be as bespoke and as grand as our customers want, including private suites, transportation, and personal itineraries, so the sky's the limit.”

— Ed Horne, Chief Operating Officer, On Location

What’s next

Additional ticket sales for the LA28 Olympics will be held later in 2026 and throughout 2027, providing more opportunities for fans to secure tickets. Organizers have promised that all sports will continue to be available at a variety of price points in future drops.

The takeaway

The high prices and limited availability of LA28 Olympics tickets highlight the growing challenge of hosting the Games in a major metropolitan area, where the cost of attending can price out many average fans and threaten the accessibility and inclusivity of the event for the local community.