Explore the Lasting Impact of the 1984 Summer Olympics at The Eternal Flame Exhibit
Local Exhibit Celebrates Legacy of 1984 Olympics Ahead of 2028 Games
As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a noteworthy local exhibit is shedding light on the city’s previous Olympic hosting experience during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Located at the LA84 Foundation’s headquarters, the Eugene W. Britt House on West Adams Boulevard, the exhibit, titled “The Eternal Flame,” commemorates the historic events of 1984 and their lasting impact.
The LA84 Foundation, established in the wake of the 1984 Olympics, is dedicated to promoting sports among children through youth development programs aimed at fostering equity and access. The exhibition not only honors the legacy of the Games but also reflects the foundation’s ongoing commitment to these ideals.
President and CEO Renata Simril expressed pride in showcasing the significance of the 1984 Games. “This display captures how historic those Games were for Los Angeles and the world of sports,” she noted, recounting how the city took the initiative to finance the Olympics at a time when there were doubts about the future of the event itself.
The exhibit features a wide range of items, from the iconic Olympic mascot, Sam the Eagle, to artwork created for the event. Simril emphasized that each Olympic Games leaves a cultural mark on its host city, highlighting the diversity and history of Los Angeles.
Additional artifacts include a miniature replica of the gateway at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and a display of notable Olympic torches from preceding Games. There is also a section dedicated to the unique uniforms worn during the 1984 Olympics, showcasing a departure from the traditional red, white, and blue to a palette of pastels.
In a nod to the remarkable athletes of that era, the exhibit features photographs of sports legends such as Mary Lou Retton, Greg Louganis, and Carl Lewis. Notably, Lewis stands out as one of only four athletes to win nine Olympic gold medals, four of which he achieved in 1984. Simril remarked, “Not one, not two, not three, but four gold medals,” as she highlighted Lewis’ outstanding achievements.
The 1984 Olympics marked a significant milestone, being the first time the women’s marathon was included as an Olympic event—a race won by Joan Benoit Samuelson. Simril fondly recalled the excitement surrounding that moment, stating, “I still feel like I could hear the roar from the Coliseum.”
The exhibit also includes authentic seats from the LA Memorial Coliseum, specifically marked 107 and 108, which were used during the track and field events. In addition, a collection of original tickets from the 1984 Olympics illustrates the historical pricing, with track and field tickets priced at $10 and closing ceremony tickets at $200.
While the exhibit pays homage to past Olympic athletes, the LA84 Foundation continues to focus on the future of sports for youth. Simril emphasized their long-term commitment, stating, “For more than four decades, we have been investing back into communities to ensure that all kids have access to sports.”
The LA28 Olympics will take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, with the Paralympic Games scheduled from August 15 to August 27. The upcoming Olympic Games promise to further highlight Los Angeles’ role as a historic host city, as the world anticipates another memorable celebration of athletic excellence.
