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 sustainability initiatives. Highlights include SoFi Stadium, which will host the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, and the LA Memorial Coliseum, which will make history by hosting track and field competitions for the third time. Other significant venues include the historic 1932 Olympic pool for diving events, the new Intuit Dome for basketball, and the San Fernando Valley, which will host BMX, skateboarding, and archery events for the first time.
Adam Burke, President and CEO of LA CVB, was in Paris to observe the tourism impact of the Games as LA gears up for an unprecedented series of sporting events. “We’re honored to join Mayor Karen Bass in commemorating the historic handover of the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles,” Burke stated. “We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where LA will become the third city in history—and the first in the US—to host the Games a record three times, joining Paris and London on the medal stand.
” Burke also highlighted how the LA28 handover boosts the city’s visibility as a global sports capital. “Félicitations to our friends in Paris for an incredible job,” he added. Tourism leaders are optimistic that LA’s surge in sporting events will lead to increased visitation in the coming years.
Beyond sports, visitors can look forward to new attractions like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Destination Crenshaw, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Cosm Los Angeles, which promises to rival Las Vegas’ Sphere. Additionally, travelers will benefit from the modernized Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), designed to enhance the visitor experience. As Paris 2024 comes to a close, the world’s attention shifts to Los Angeles, one of Australia’s favorite overseas holiday destinations.
With record-breaking performances by Australian athletes and the excitement of the upcoming LA28 Games, the stage is set for an unforgettable celebration in 2028. In July, California’s sports culture was also highlighted in the new documentary “Gameday,” a collaboration between Visit California and Australian streaming platform Stan. The documentary offers viewers an immersive look at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of California.
There’s no doubt that LA28 will be a showcase of not only athletic excellence but also the unique blend of culture, entertainment, and innovation that defines Los Angeles. It’s SHOW TIME at LA28!.
