As the countdown for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games continues, ticketing controversies have emerged, drawing criticism from sports enthusiasts and local residents alike. The organising committee, known as LA28, has responded to concerns regarding ticket prices and availability following the initial wave of sales for the highly anticipated event, which kicks off on July 14, 2028.
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Officials pointed out that approximately 50% of tickets are offered for under £200, although many potential buyers have reported difficulties in securing affordable tickets, particularly for significant events such as the opening and closing ceremonies. The higher demand premium seats associated with these events can reach prices exceeding £5,000, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by disappointed fans.
Allison Katz Mayfield, LA28’s Senior Vice President of Revenue, spoke to these issues during an interview on Fox 11’s “Good Day LA”. Addressing the situation, she stated, “The locals had the best access to the widest breadth of tickets.” She highlighted that a substantial number of $28 tickets available to Southern Californian residents during the presale sold quickly.
While LA28 claims that 30% of the tickets left are priced under £200, numerous ticket buyers have shared experiences that suggest only more costly options are accessible for high-profile events. This discrepancy has fueled frustration, particularly given the limited supply of tickets on offer during the initial sales round, which began on April 9.
To alleviate some worries about ticket procurement, LA28 has issued warnings against purchasing from non-verified platforms such as StubHub. Mayfield cautioned fans that these sites may deal in speculative sales rather than confirmed tickets, urging consumers to be vigilant in their ticket purchases.
Further clarifying their vision, LA28 officials stated that beyond the initial ticket releases, future waves of sales would also provide opportunities for fans who missed out. Additionally, registered ticket buyers will have access to tickets for the Paralympic Games, with a ticket draw for these events set to commence in 2027.
Criticism of the ticketing process was voiced particularly by residents of neighbouring counties who participated in the early purchase window. Many expressed disbelief that the $28 tickets advertised did not match the availability they experienced, sparking concerns about transparency in how the tickets were distributed. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover defended the ticketing strategy, asserting that “hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets” were successfully sold and described these as “the lowest priced Olympic tickets in modern history.”
Additionally, the organising committee emphasised its commitment to providing a variety of pricing options and opportunities to attend the events, with more than 75% of all tickets reportedly available for under £400 and only 5% priced beyond £1,000.
For those who signed up for the ticket lottery, notifications regarding available time slots for purchasing tickets are set to be sent out via email between March 31, 2026, and April 7, 2026. Successful applicants will generally have the chance to buy up to 12 tickets, although this number can vary for certain sports.
As the 2028 Games approach, LA28 hopes to address public dissatisfaction while ensuring a more inclusive experience for spectators across the region and beyond. With a commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability for Olympic followers, the organisers are keen to maintain a dialogue with ticket buyers to better understand their needs and expectations. Both fans and officials will eagerly await the next batch of ticket sales, hoping for a more balanced opportunity to witness Olympic history.