Organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics announced Thursday that over 4 million tickets were sold in the first release, signaling strong global demand for the Summer Games. The initial sales phase, which opened this month, included tickets priced under $100, with 95% of those sold during a presale for residents of Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. About 500,000 tickets priced at $28 were purchased by local buyers.
LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover called the response "nothing short of historic," noting that tickets were sold in 85 countries and across all 50 U.S. states and territories. The United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Japan were among the top international markets. Women’s Olympic sessions outsold men’s, and artistic gymnastics was the fastest-selling sport. Tickets for flag football, lacrosse, softball, and squash—newly added sports—sold out in the initial release.
However, some residents complained about high prices, fees, and limited availability. The average ticket price is less than $200, including a 24% service fee, with about 75% of all tickets under $400. Premier seats at high-demand events command over $1,000, though these make up only 5% of the total inventory. The next ticket phase, offering refreshed inventory, will begin in August 2026.
Ticketing Challenges and Comparisons
Comparisons to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics highlight significant price increases. In 1984, tickets started at $3 (about $10 today), with opening ceremony seats at $100 (around $315 today). Service fees have also risen dramatically, from $1 per ticket in 1984 to 24% of the ticket’s value for LA28. Organizers justified the fees as covering costs like ticketing platform development and customer service.
Global Demand and Local Concerns
While international demand remains robust, local residents have raised concerns about affordability. The $28 tickets were limited to residents near venue cities, and many lower-priced tickets were quickly sold out. The organizing committee emphasized that all-in pricing is displayed upfront, with a breakdown of fees at checkout.
Future Phases and Accessibility
The second ticket drop in August 2026 will offer new inventory across all Olympic sports and a range of price points. Organizers aim to balance accessibility with the high demand for premium events, ensuring a mix of affordable and high-end options for attendees.