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Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games have promised to deliver an “affordable and inclusive” event as preparations begin for the opening of ticket registration through a global lottery system.
LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman said on Tuesday that one million tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics would be priced at Ksh3612, while one-third of the estimated 14 million tickets available would cost Ksh12817 or less.
“From the beginning, we’ve been clear; access to these games, because these games belong to everyone,” Wasserman said.
“These games have to be affordable and inclusive.”
Wasserman was speaking at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a day before organisers launch the first phase of ticket sales.
Global Ticket Lottery Opens Wednesday
From Wednesday, fans across the world will be able to register for a chance to purchase tickets when sales officially begin in April.
Those who sign up will be entered into a draw, with successful applicants randomly assigned specific time slots during which they can buy tickets for the Games.
“This is the first step for fans around the city, around the country, and yes, around the world, to get their ticket to history and join us here in LA for the greatest games the world will have ever seen,” Wasserman said.
“The foundation of everything we’re building tomorrow is about fans, the people who bring the energy, the enthusiasm, and the noise.”
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Ticket Strategy Draws Contrast With FIFA Criticism
Wasserman’s comments come amid recent backlash against world football governing body FIFA over its ticket pricing strategy for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA faced criticism after ticket prices were described as “extortionate and astronomical,” prompting the organisation to release a limited batch of tickets priced at ksh 7740 last month.
Olympic Cauldron Lit at Coliseum Ceremony
Tuesday’s announcement coincided with a ceremonial event at the Los Angeles Coliseum, where officials lit the Olympic cauldron in front of around 300 Olympians and Paralympians from past Games.
“Our tickets are going to be affordable, our games will be accessible, and they’re right here in our backyard,” LA28 chief executive Reynold Hoover said.
Hoover also revealed strong early engagement from the public, noting that more than 150,000 people have already signed up to volunteer for the Games.
“That’s nearly 150,000 supporters saying ‘I want to be a part of this, I want to be a part of history,’” he said.
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Inspiration for the Next Generation
US swimming great Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medallist and LA28’s chief athlete officer, reflected on attending the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as a young fan.
“The Olympics and Paralympics bring the world together, but they inspire people,” Evans told AFP.
“As a 12-year-old who came to watch the games here in ’84, I was inspired to do what I do now.
I think that making tickets accessible and affordable for everyone here in the city of Los Angeles is going to inspire young people…because that’s what the Olympics do, they inspire people.”
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The image shows Olympics Track &Field
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