Monday, August 12, 2024 The Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony, but this one had a unique twist. Hollywood icon Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance by abseiling into the Stade de France, while global music stars like Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre performed live from Los Angeles, the next host city for the Olympics.
As Los Angeles took the spotlight during the ceremony, Mayor Karen Bass received the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, officially marking the countdown to the LA28 Games. The event promises to be a monumental spectacle, as LA prepares to host several major sporting events in the coming years, including the FIFA World Cup, the NBA All-Star Game, the US Women’s Open Championship in 2026, and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. The rise of sports tourism is a global phenomenon, now accounting for 10 percent of global tourism expenditure, with a projected growth rate of 17.
5 percent, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. Los Angeles has positioned itself as a key player in this booming sector, offering year-round sports attractions that draw fans from around the world. The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA CVB) emphasizes LA’s status as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts, boasting 11 professional teams—the most in the United States.
LA’s iconic venues are set to play a central role in the LA28 Olympics, with existing stadiums being utilized as part of the city’s.