LB PREPARES AS VENUE CITY FOR 2028 OLYMPICS

Long Beach is prepping for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This isn’t just another event for the city; it’s a transformative opportunity to showcase its unique strengths on the global stage and leave a lasting legacy for its residents. Long Beach, a city with a rich Olympic history, is gearing up to be a major venue, hosting a variety of sports and embracing the spirit of the Games.

Paving the Way for 2028

Long Beach’s connection with the Olympics dates back over 90 years. In 1932, when Los Angeles first hosted the Games, Long Beach was the site for the rowing events. The city again played a role in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, hosting archery, fencing, sailing and volleyball competitions. This history of being an Olympic venue city has made it a natural fit to be a major venue for the 2028 Games, from July through September 2028.

The city’s vision for the 2028 Games is to maximize its international profile as a venue city while encouraging investment, promoting economic development and enhancing community benefits. This involves ensuring a well-organized and safe experience and celebrating the diversity of Long Beach.

For the 2028 Games, Long Beach will host at least eight Olympic sports, including handball, marathon swimming, triathlon, sailing, artistic swimming, water polo, rowing and canoe-sprint. The city will also host at least four Paralympic events: para-triathlon, para-rowing, para-canoe and para-swimming. These events will take place across four locations: the Convention Center Lot/Arena, Marine Stadium, Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach.

Long Beach’s journey to becoming a key venue for the 2028 Games was formalized when the City Council approved the Games Agreement with LA28 on May 14, 2024. This agreement outlines the guiding principles, responsibilities and collaborative framework between Long Beach and LA28, specifying how the two will coordinate public services and how the city will be reimbursed for expenses. A Venue Use Guarantee, approved on June 11, 2024, designated specific geographic areas within Long Beach to support the 2028 Games plan.

As a venue city, Long Beach will have a distinct relationship with Los Angeles, the host city for the games. Los Angeles is the financial guarantor for the 2028 Games and will host the greatest number of events. LA28 is the organizing committee responsible for the overall planning and execution of the Games. As a venue city, Long Beach will support the delivery of the events held throughout the City.

The Strategic Roadmap

Long Beach has developed a Strategic Roadmap in collaboration with KPMG consulting to serve as a blueprint for the City’s planning and implementation of its roles and responsibilities as a venue city. It is designed to advance three core principles: equity and inclusion, public safety and legacy activities.

The Strategic Roadmap is divided into four phases: Foundation, Operational Planning, Testing and Delivery and Dissolution.

Foundation Phase (2024-early 2025): The initial phase involves setting the vision and planning for Long Beach as a venue for the Games. The city will create a Foundation Plan detailing governance, policies, staffing estimates and major milestones. Engagement with LA28 will clarify the City’s obligations for venue services, which must be agreed upon by October 1, 2025.

Operational Planning Phase (2025-early 2027): This phase focuses on detailed planning at the city departmental level to prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Long Beach will develop plans for municipal services related to venues, sports and other activities while continuing to define its role and plan legacy programs. Community outreach will engage residents for input and communication. By October 1, 2026, the city and LA28 will finalize an agreement outlining enhanced city services needed for the Games and associated costs.

Testing and Delivery Phase (early 2027-September 2028): This phase focuses on implementing plans from previous phases. Key activities include participating in Games-wide readiness exercises and test events to assess venue operations. The city will deliver Game-time services for programs and initiatives aligned with strategic objectives. The Olympic Games are scheduled for July 14 to July 30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15 to September 3, 2028.

Dissolution Phase (end of Games in September 2028-2029): This final phase wraps up the City’s role in the Games, focusing on the development of a Dissolution Plan that outlines tasks and responsibilities. It includes cleaning up city-owned venues, removing Games-themed changes and giving sports equipment to LB schools and sports groups. The city will settle accounts with LA28, address legal and insurance claims, and return loaned assets. Final reports will be prepared and volunteers will be recognized. The city’s contract with the Olympic and Paralympic Games ends on December 31, 2029.

Impacts and Responsibilities

Long Beach’s responsibilities for the 2028 Games include safety, permitting, parking and local beautification. They are also focusing on accessible accommodations and collaborating with LA28 on transportation planning to minimize disruptions. The Games will impact local businesses, requiring city support, and increase traffic, which Long Beach plans to mitigate.

Standard city services will be provided, with LA28 reimbursing Long Beach for Games-related enhancements, the details of which will be finalized by October 1, 2026. Long Beach aims to create a lasting legacy through initiatives supporting arts, culture, tourism, small businesses and youth development, with the Long Beach Olympics Legacy Foundation playing a key role.

The community is encouraged to stay engaged and visit the 2028 Games website for updates and opportunities to contribute to this historic event: longbeach.gov/2028Games.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me