The first major step for fans hoping to attend the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles begins today, as registration for the official ticket draw opens.
How to Register and Key Dates for LA28 Tickets
From Wednesday, 14 January 2026, anyone can register online to enter a lottery for a randomly assigned time slot to purchase tickets. This is not a direct ticket purchase but secures a place in the queue for when sales begin. The organisers, LA28, have confirmed that full ticket sales will commence later in 2026, though a precise date has not been set.
Local residents in areas hosting events will receive a special early opportunity. People living in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties can access tickets from 2 to 6 April 2026, provided they register for the draw by 18 March 2026. Similarly, residents of Oklahoma, Canadian, or Cleveland counties in Oklahoma—where canoe slalom and softball will be held—are also eligible for this early window.
Record-Breaking Scale and Ticket Pricing
The Los Angeles Games are set to be the largest in history, featuring over 11,000 athletes competing across 51 sports. The schedule runs from 14 to 30 July 2028, with some events like baseball and basketball starting on 12 July.
To match the scale, a record 14 million tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics will be released, surpassing the 12 million sold for the Paris 2024 Games. In a move to enhance accessibility, single tickets for both the Olympics and Paralympics will start at an affordable $28.
Community Access and Free Ticket Initiative
In a significant community-focused effort, LA28 launched a fundraising campaign in November 2025 to provide free tickets to people living near the competition venues. This initiative aims to ensure local residents who contribute to the city's spirit can experience the Games in their hometown.
Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President, stated the program underscores that "the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are for everyone." If locals do not secure a coveted early time slot, they will still be entered into the general lottery alongside all other registrants.
While the initial registration process is now clear, several purchasing rules remain undisclosed. The committee has not yet revealed details on limits for how many seats or events early buyers can secure, leaving some questions for eager fans awaiting the main sales period later this year.
