According to the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, the ticket sales are already the most in-demand ticketed event in Olympic history. The hand‑wringing over LA28 ticket pricing appears to have all the structural integrity of a wet paper cup. Registration numbers tell the story more bluntly than any press release: demand isn’t just high; it’s sprinting laps around the discourse.
On July 29, LA28 reported that ticket registrations have surged to 12 million, more than doubling the 5 million figure shared back in February. The announcement coincides with the opening of the LA28 Visa Presale, where qualifying Visa cardholders get first crack at Drop 2 tickets across all sports. The organizing committee framed it as a milestone moment, and for once the marketing copy isn’t overselling it.
“This has been an incredible summer of sports for fans across the globe, and LA28 is up next,” said CEO Reynold Hoover. “Twelve million people registered for a chance to buy tickets… and it’s only the beginning.” With two years to go, Hoover points to the Visa Presale, August’s Drop 2, and the newly opened volunteer program as early ways for fans to plug into the Games.
Global demand, local dominance
Two years out from the Opening Ceremony, LA28’s ticket interest has ballooned to historic levels. Fans from 200+ countries and all 50 U.S. states have registered, marking the strongest early demand for a Summer Games since Atlanta ’96. LA28 says more ticket opportunities will roll out between now and 2028, with Paralympics tickets slated for 2027.
The momentum follows a record-setting Drop 1, where 4 million tickets were snapped up. Nearly 75% of those went to residents of Los Angeles and Oklahoma City—LA28’s dual host markets—along with 95% of all sub‑$100 tickets and half a million $28 seats. Accessibility, at least in the early rounds, appears more than just a slogan.
Community access gets a boost
This week, LA28 and the Los Angeles Rams named the first recipients of the Community Ticket Program: ten local organizations receiving 1,000 free tickets to Olympic Swimming and Flag Football. The Rams’ inaugural $5 million donation underwrites the initiative, ensuring that the Games aren’t reserved solely for those with premium budgets.
More ways to get involved
Tickets are only one entry point. Applications are now open for the LA28 Volunteer Crew, presented by Delta Air Lines. Fans can also explore premium hospitality packages through On Location, offering prime seating, priority entry, and dedicated lounges for those who prefer their Olympic experience with a side of velvet rope.
Key details: Visa Presale & Drop 2
- Visa Presale: July 29–31 (Visa card required)
- Drop 2: August 10–20
- Fans not selected for the Visa Presale automatically enter the Drop 2 draw
- Fans selected for the Visa Presale are not eligible for Drop 2
- Time‑slot notifications: August 6–7
- Purchase limits:
- Up to 12 Olympic event tickets
- Up to 12 Football (Soccer) tickets
- 4‑ticket limit per Ceremony (counts toward the 12‑ticket max)
A verified resale network launches in 2027, and LA28 cautions fans against buying tickets outside the official system until then. Paralympics tickets also go on sale in 2027.
