The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics officially began this week. On January 14, 2026, the LA28 organizing committee opened the registration portal for the highly anticipated “Ticket Draw.” For fans hoping to witness history in Southern California, the clock is now ticking. This article covers everything you need to know about the registration window, the upcoming “Locals Presale,” and how to secure your spot for the Summer Games.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Registration Window: Jan 14 – March 18
- How the Ticket Draw Works
- Locals Only: The SoCal & Oklahoma Presale
- Ticket Pricing: Starting at $28
- Hospitality Packages: The Premium Option
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
For sports fans worldwide, the dream of attending the Olympic Games often starts years in advance. For the LA28 Games, that journey starts now. As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the official ticket registration portal is live.
With the Games returning to American soil for the first time since Salt Lake City in 2002 (and to L.A. for the first time since 1984), demand is expected to be unprecedented. The organizing committee has introduced a lottery-style “Ticket Draw” system to manage this demand, ensuring a fair shot for fans across the globe. Whether you are a local Angeleno or planning a trip from overseas, understanding the LA28 ticketing timeline is crucial to avoiding the heartbreak of a “sold out” screen.
Registration Window: Jan 14 – March 18
The most important takeaway from this week’s announcement is that you cannot buy tickets yet—but you must act now to be eligible later.
- Opens: January 14, 2026
- Closes: March 18, 2026
- Platform: tickets.la28.org
During this two-month window, fans must create an account and register their interest for the specific sports and sessions they hope to attend. This is not a first-come, first-served queue. Whether you register on January 14 or March 17, your odds in the lottery remain the same. However, failing to register by the March 18 deadline means missing out on the first (and largest) wave of ticket sales.
How the Ticket Draw Works
The LA28 committee, in partnership with ticketing providers AXS and CTS EVENTIM, is utilizing a “Ticket Draw” system similar to the one used for Paris 2024.
- Register: Sign up on the official portal before March 18.
- The Draw: After registration closes, a lottery will assign successful applicants a specific purchasing time slot.
- Purchase Window: The first general public ticket drop will occur between April 9 and April 19, 2026.
If you are selected, you will receive an email notification in late March or early April with your assigned 48-hour purchasing window. During this time, you can log in and buy tickets in real-time. This system prevents the website crashes often associated with major concert tours.
Locals Only: The SoCal & Oklahoma Presale
In a nod to the communities hosting the events, LA28 has announced a special “Locals Presale.” Residents living in specific counties will get the first bite at the apple before the global public.
- Eligibility: Residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
- Oklahoma Exception: Because softball and canoe slalom events will be held in Oklahoma City, residents of Oklahoma, Canadian, and Cleveland counties are also eligible.
- Presale Dates: April 2 – April 6, 2026.
To qualify, you must register during the current window and use a billing zip code that matches one of the eligible counties. This is a massive advantage for locals, offering access to inventory days before the rest of the world.
Ticket Pricing: Starting at $28
One of the most pleasant surprises from the LA28 announcement is the commitment to accessibility. The organizers confirmed that single tickets for all Olympic and Paralympic sports will start at just $28.
While medal rounds, Opening Ceremonies, and high-demand events like Basketball or Gymnastics will certainly command much higher prices, the entry-level price point ensures that the Games remain accessible to the general public. Roughly 3 million tickets will be available during this first sales phase, covering 36 sports across the multiple venue zones.
Hospitality Packages: The Premium Option
For those who want to bypass the lottery luck and guarantee their seats, LA28 is offering official hospitality packages through their partner, On Location.
These packages are separate from the general ticket draw and are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting in early 2026. While significantly more expensive, these bundles include:
- Guaranteed premium tickets to specific events.
- Access to in-venue lounges and hospitality suites.
- Accommodation and transport options.
If you are traveling from out of state and want a stress-free experience, this is the route to take, though it comes with a premium price tag.
Conclusion
The starting gun has fired. The LA28 Olympics are no longer a distant concept; the logistical reality is here. With the registration window now open until March 18, 2026, fans have a limited time to throw their hats in the ring.
Remember: simply registering does not guarantee a ticket, but not registering guarantees you won’t get one in the first wave. Head to the official site, set up your profile, and cross your fingers for a lucky time slot this April.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When can I buy LA28 Olympic tickets? You can register for the ticket draw between Jan 14 and March 18, 2026. Actual purchasing windows for successful applicants begin in April 2026.
Is there a presale for Los Angeles residents? Yes. Residents of select Southern California counties (and specific Oklahoma counties) who register by March 18 will be eligible for a Locals Presale running from April 2-6, 2026.
How much do LA28 tickets cost? Ticket prices vary by event and seat location, but LA28 has confirmed that prices for all sports will start at $28.
What website do I use to buy tickets? The only official source for ticket registration and sales is tickets.la28.org.
Do I have to pay to register? No. Registration for the LA28 Ticket Draw is free and does not commit you to purchasing tickets.
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