LA Memorial Coliseum, Stadium to share 2028 Olympic, Paralympic ceremonies

LOS ANGELES, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Stadium in Inglewood will share the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, organizers announced on Thursday.

With the two venues sharing the Olympics opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, it will mark the third time the Coliseum has staged this event - the only stadium to claim that feat in Olympic history - and will represent the first Olympic use of the Stadium in Inglewood. The Games' closing ceremony will take place at the Coliseum on July 30.

Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984.

The Paralympic Games' opening ceremony is scheduled for August 15 at the Stadium in Inglewood, while the closing ceremony will be held on August 27 at the Coliseum.

"The venues selected for the 2028 opening and closing ceremonies will highlight Los Angeles's rich sporting history and cutting-edge future, showcasing the very best that LA has to offer on the world stage," said LA28 president Casey Wasserman.

"These two extraordinary venues will create an unforgettable experience, welcoming fans from across the globe to an Olympic and Paralympic Games like never before and concluding what will go down as one of the most incredible Games in history," he added.

The dual-location approach reflects Los Angeles' long-standing sporting heritage and modern infrastructure, according to Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass.

"For over a century, the Coliseum has been a landmark host to some of the most iconic moments in all of sports history," she said.

"That story continues in 2028 as our city and our region welcomes the world for what will be the greatest Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Inglewood mayor James T. Butts Jr. remarked: "Our stadium is one of the most impressive in the world and will deliver an incredible experience for thousands of in-person fans, with millions more watching from home, as we come together to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The dual-venue approach will see athletics take place in the first week of the Games and swimming in the second, as both disciplines will be staged at the two respective venues. ■