Global ticket sales opened Thursday for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with over a million tickets at just $28
Tickets for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics went on sale to the public Thursday, giving fans around the world their first real shot at securing a seat — including to the marathon and track events that pack stadiums every four years.
The global sale, called Drop 1, runs through April 19. It’s the earliest public ticket sale in Olympic history, which tells you something about the demand they’re expecting.
The Locals Presale Broke Records
Before Thursday’s global launch, LA28 ran a presale for residents of Los Angeles and Oklahoma City (where some soccer matches will be held). In its first week, it outsold the opening week of every previous Olympic Games. Millions registered; hundreds of thousands locked in seats — many at $28 each — before a single ticket was offered to the rest of the world.
“The success of the Locals Presale speaks for itself: hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets — the lowest priced Olympic tickets in modern history — were sold to LA and OKC locals,” said Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28. “We’re ready to welcome millions of others to Los Angeles in 2028.”
What Tickets Actually Cost
Nearly half of all Olympic tickets are under $200. More than three-quarters — including finals — come in under $400. Over one million tickets are priced at $28. Only about 5% exceed $1,000, reserved for prime seats at marquee events.
How Drop 1 Works
Fans selected through the LA28 Draw received a time slot to shop. Once you add your first ticket to the cart, you have 30 minutes to complete your purchase. You can buy up to 12 Olympic session tickets, including up to 4 Opening Ceremony and 4 Closing Ceremony tickets.
Reminder emails go out 24 hours and 3 hours before your slot, with a direct link to the platform.
Didn’t Get Selected? You’re Not Out
Anyone who missed the draw is automatically entered into future ones — free, no action required. More drops are planned throughout the year, and Paralympic tickets go on sale through a separate draw starting in 2027.
Why This One’s Worth Paying Attention To
Los Angeles will become only the third city in history to host three Summer Olympics, following 1932 and 1984. The marathon and road events will run through some of the city’s most iconic terrain — the same streets that have hosted some brilliant racing in recent years.
The 2028 Games will also be the first in history to allocate more quota spots to women athletes than men — and the first since 1948 to be staged entirely within existing venues. It’ll be a Games worth watching, including for fans tracking whether legends like Kipchoge find their way back to the start line. The committee has also been busy reshaping who competes — with some significant policy decisions still being digested by the running world.
LA28 operates as a privately funded non-profit. The $7 billion-plus budget comes from ticket sales, hospitality, and sponsorship — so selling seats matters.
More details at la28.org. And if you’re buying on the resale market before 2027, LA28 can’t verify those tickets. Buyer beware.
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