Olympic Cauldron Ignites at Coliseum as Countdown to LA28 Ticket Registration Begins

A festive gathering at the historic Coliseum — home to the 1932 and 1984 Olympics and scheduled to host the 2028 opening ceremony and track and field events — kicked off the process that allows fans around the world to register for a chance to buy tickets. Beginning January 14 at 7 a.m. local time, registration will remain open through March 18, after which participants will be entered into a random draw to receive a time slot for purchasing tickets when sales begin in April. Organizers highlighted their intention to make millions of tickets affordable and accessible, underscoring the enthusiasm and global interest building around LA28.

Historic Lighting Sparks Global Excitement

The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum brought together about 300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes — representing generations of the world’s best — in a powerful symbol of unity and anticipation. The Coliseum, steeped in Olympic history from its roles in the 1932 and 1984 Games, stood as a dramatic backdrop for both celebration and the launch of the ticketing milestone. Organizers described the event as one of the largest gatherings of Olympians outside of competition, setting a spirited tone as the LA28 Games draw closer.

Speakers at the event emphasized the city’s resilience and community spirit, noting the support of volunteers and local stakeholders already engaged in preparing for the Games. With more than 150,000 volunteers signed up, organizers conveyed a strong sense of readiness and passion for hosting a global celebration of sport and culture.

Ticket Registration Opens to Fans Worldwide

Starting Wednesday morning, fans everywhere can begin registering online for the ticket draw — the first step in a structured purchase process designed to manage demand fairly. Once registered, fans are entered into a random draw to be assigned a specific time slot during ticket sales, which are scheduled to begin in April. The first “drop” of tickets, including sought‑after Opening and Closing Ceremony tickets, will take place from April 9–19, with time slots issued via email in late March or early April.

Organizers have pledged to make a significant portion of tickets affordable, with prices starting at $28 and about a third expected to be under $100, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and broad participation. Local presale opportunities will also be offered to residents in areas around Southern California and Oklahoma — the latter hosting canoe slalom and softball events — ahead of the general sales period.

Balancing Heritage and Logistics for LA28

The Coliseum lighting and ticketing launch come as part of a broader strategy to build momentum and excitement well in advance of the summer of 2028. Leveraging its unique Olympic legacy, Los Angeles aims to connect past and future Games while accommodating the scale of the event. As the host of the Opening Ceremony and track and field competitions, the Coliseum’s role underscores both the tradition and ambition of LA28.

Meanwhile, the coordinated ticketing approach — a blend of global access, random draws, and localized presales — reflects lessons learned from previous mega‑sporting events and a desire to serve fans equitably. With the Paralympics ticketing process set to follow in 2027, organizers are emphasizing inclusivity and broad fan engagement across Olympic and Paralympic competition.

Looking Ahead to an Unforgettable Games

As registration opens, organizers, athletes, fans and communities are gearing up for what promises to be a uniquely vibrant and widely attended Olympic and Paralympic Games. The combination of historic venues, thoughtfully structured ticket access and global anticipation has set the stage for a summer of sport that aims to unite and inspire millions.

Fans interested in attending are encouraged to register early and follow updates closely, as securing a time slot to purchase tickets will be a key step in being part of Olympic history in Los Angeles.