Have you heard the news that LA will host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games? Exciting, right? Well, it doesn’t stop there, the city will also host the FIFA World Cup 2026 AND the Super Bowl in 2027! These back-to-back world-class events have been putting LA in the international spotlight, drawing spectators from all corners of the world. In fact, the city is only the third in history to host the Olympics three times!
If you're an avid sports fan, you might want to plan out your trip sooner rather than later because fans (and non-fans alike) around the world will gather for these events. But before you purchase your ticket and pack your bags, let's explore LA as the new sports capital of the world and why it's worth a visit.
LA is home to eleven professional sports teams
Whether you're a basketball fan, baseball or football fan, even ice hockey, you can always see one of these sports in any season of the year whenever you visit LA. The city is home to eleven professional sports teams, including iconic franchises like the Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams. And not just the star-studded teams, the stadiums are just as iconic. The state-of-the-art Intuit Dome arena, worth $1.2 billion, is the new home for the legendary LA Clippers basketball team recently opened this August - AND will be the basketball venue for the 2028 Olympics.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Imagine witnessing history at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue that's been pivotal in shaping LA’s sports culture, which will become the first stadium ever to host the Summer Olympics three times when it welcomes the games in 2028. This venue has already made its mark during the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. It serves as the home field for the USC Trojans, one of the most storied college football teams in the nation. If you're not there for a game, tours are still available for you to enjoy.
Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium
If you’re looking to catch some of the world’s most legendary athletes in action, you may want to add to your checklist visiting Dodger Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Dodgers for over 60 years. This iconic ballpark is where you can witness baseball extravaganza, with its breathtaking views of the city and a backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, especially when Shohei Ohtani, one of the most extraordinary talents in modern sports, steps up to bat. What a bonus!
In honor of the Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his statue was unveiled in the arena, marking his incredible career. After his passing, hundreds of murals appeared all over LA. An interactive map shows the locations of more than 630 tribute murals in 45 countries.
Along with Kobe, there are also other sporting heroes at Crypto.com that you can take photos of from Magic Johnson to Shaquille O’Neal.
Beachsides Sports
Enjoying surf sports, paddleboarding, or beach volleyball? LA offers them, too! Places like Malibu or Manhattan Beach are popular among these type of sports. You won't be considered "living like an Angeleno" if you haven't visited or tried these activities.
Of course, there’s more to LA than its sports wonders. But one thing that make the city fascinating is how passionate the people to accommodate such hefty events not just for the benefit of their tourism, but also their economy. The LASEC or Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission have this goal to make the city the premier destination for all things sports, and so far, they are winning the game.
Whether you’re coming for the upcoming Olympic games or just to catch a glimpse at one of the city’s iconic venues, Los Angeles is ready to welcome you to the ultimate sports experience. If you’re thinking about making a trip, start planning! The city’s future as the Sports Capital of the World is only one part of the incredible journey that awaits you there.
