Why Some Angelenos Might Miss the 2028 Olympics Events in Their Own City

Sticker Shock for Angelenos During 2028 Olympics Presale

As the locals presale for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics closed on Monday, many residents experienced unexpected price increases, leading some to forgo the opportunity to secure tickets for this major event.

While Olympic officials promoted ticket prices starting as low as $28, many attendees found that these options were scarce. Lifelong Angeleno Tony Anthony shared his disappointment, stating, "There were none available." He ultimately purchased eight tickets for his family at a cost exceeding $11,000, which included significant service fees. "We didn’t go top tier, but we were in approximately just over $1,000 range per ticket. It’s a choice," he explained.

In response to concerns about pricing and potential hidden fees, LA28 officials, including Allison Katz Mayfield, clarified their pricing structure. "If you see a ticket for $200, that includes the service fee already," she noted. Katz Mayfield further explained that the ticket pricing was set after extensive market research to reflect regional and national demand.

Approximately 14 million tickets are anticipated to be sold for both the Olympics and Paralympics, with about a quarter priced under $200 and one million tickets expected to be available at the $28 rate. Katz Mayfield emphasized that the organization aimed to allocate a significant number of $28 tickets for local residents, stating, "We wanted to make sure that local Angelenos had the greatest access to our $28 tickets."

For those feeling overwhelmed by ticket prices, there is a recommendation to explore less conventional sports. One attendee recounted her experience of missing out on gymnastics tickets, opting instead for an equestrian event.