Global ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics began Thursday after organizers reported breaking records during the initial week of local presales, demonstrating significant early interest for Games that depend heavily on private funding.
According to LA28, more tickets were purchased during the opening week than any previous Olympic Games achieved in their first week of sales. Every ticket during this initial period went to buyers from the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City regions, though some customers voiced concerns about elevated prices, additional fees, and limited availability.
Officials reported that local purchasers bought hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets, which organizers promote as the most affordable Olympic tickets in modern times. However, some buyers have expressed frustration over high costs, fees, and scarce ticket options.
“The success of the locals presale speaks for itself,” stated LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover. “We’re thrilled by the level of interest and enthusiasm in tickets to the Games.”
The worldwide sales phase, called “Drop 1,” continues until April 19 for fans chosen through a lottery system and given specific purchasing windows. Tickets are offered for all Olympic competitions, including opening and closing ceremonies.
Event organizers admitted that some customers experienced surprise at pricing after marketing campaigns emphasized the $28 entry-level options, only to discover many budget seats sold rapidly or that certain events carried much higher price tags.
Allison Katz-Mayfield, LA28’s senior vice president for games delivery revenue, explained to Reuters this outcome was anticipated since the cheapest tickets would naturally sell first.
“We really wanted to make sure that the locals had access to the most affordable tickets and we saw that come to life through this presale,” she explained, noting that additional low-cost options would become available in upcoming sales periods.
LA28 announced that over one million $28 tickets will eventually be offered to the public. Nearly half of all Olympic tickets cost less than $200, while more than three-quarters, including championship events, are under $400. Only approximately 5% of tickets exceed $1,000, according to organizers.
Katz-Mayfield reported that interest surpassed projections from the registration process through the initial sales window. She noted that roughly one-third of currently available tickets remained priced below $200 as global sales commenced.
The organizing committee faces pressure to demonstrate it can produce a financially responsible Games without burdening taxpayers, who might bear responsibility for budget overruns. LA28 has stated its more than $7 billion operation will be funded primarily through ticket sales, sponsorships and hospitality services.
Katz-Mayfield said robust ticket sales, combined with sponsorship and hospitality income, provided encouraging indicators for the Games’ financial stability.
LA28 also cautioned fans against purchasing from unauthorized resale websites before its official resale program launches in 2027, warning that tickets sold elsewhere might be speculative or invalid.
