How to Buy LA Olympics Tickets? LA28 Travel Guide and Access

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28). Many of you are probably planning to attend, thinking, “I want to experience the Olympics in person—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—in the heart of the entertainment capital!”

However, LA28 is very different from past events. With features like the “lottery-based ticket system” and the “car-free” operational policy—a bold move for car-centric LA—you might find yourself thinking, “This isn’t what I expected,” if you travel there without understanding the local realities.

こIn this article, based on data as of May 2026,

• The Golden Rules for Buying Tickets
• Travel Strategies for visitors
• How to Choose a Safe Area to Stay

will be thoroughly explained.

[Top Priority] Pre-registration on the official website

First, sign up on the official website. If you delay signing up—especially step 2—you risk missing out on the chance to purchase tickets altogether.

• Sign up for our official newsletter : Sign up here
  Specific dates for future ticket sales and important announcements will be sent via email to registered users.
  
• Register on the official ticket website : Sign up here
  To enter the ticket lottery, you must first register on the official ticket website.

[Complete Guide] How the LA28 Official Ticket System Works and Its Essential Rules

Tickets for LA28 are not available on a first-come, first-served basis. To prevent ticket hoarding and other issues, a strict system involving “pre-registration, a lottery, and designated time slots” is in place.

Registration for the lottery for “Drop 2,” the second round of sales, is now open (registration deadline: July 22, 2026). Be sure to check out the “must-know rules” for winning the ticket lottery.

From Ticket Request to Purchase

The ticket application, lottery, and purchase process proceeds in the following order.

• Registration and Application (to be completed by the purchaser)
  As explained earlier, you need to register on the official ticket website and apply for the lottery.
• Lottery (conducted by the Organizing Committee)
  The Organizing Committee will select the winners from among the applicants.
• Notification of Selection and Time Slot Assignment (Administered by the Organizing Committee)
  Selected applicants will be notified via email of their selection and the time during which they can access the sales site (referred to as a “time slot”).
• Ticket Purchase (Performed by the Purchaser)
  You must complete the ticket purchase within the designated time slot.

Ticket Purchase Rules

There are various rules regarding ticket purchases. Since there are certain things you’ll need to prepare on your end, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and get ready well in advance to avoid the disappointment of winning a ticket but being unable to purchase it.

The Time Slot System and the 30-Minute Rule

Winners will be notified via email of the time slot during which they can access the ticket site. They must log in during that time slot and complete payment within 30 minutes of adding the tickets to their cart.

Payment is limited to Visa cards

Visa, a long-standing official partner of the Olympics, has been designated as the sole payment method. Since other credit cards, such as Mastercard and American Express, cannot be used at all, you must make arrangements before making a purchase.

The limit is 12 tickets, but there is an exception for soccer.

There is a purchase limit of up to 12 tickets per person, including all competitions and the opening and closing ceremonies. However, there is a special rule for soccer (Football) events, which are held in larger venues, allowing for the purchase of up to an additional 12 tickets under a separate quota.

Tickets start at

You might be worried that the prices are “extremely high,” but the lowest price is set at $28, and over a million tickets in this price range will be available. Additionally, since about 50% of all tickets are priced at $200 or less, it’s definitely possible to find tickets at reasonable prices.

Local Transportation Strategy

Here’s a guide to getting around Los Angeles.

LA28’s “Car-Free” Strategy

While Los Angeles is known as a car-centric city, the LA28 Organizing Committee has adopted “Transit First” and “Car-free” operational policies to prevent major traffic congestion during the Games.

There will be no parking available for the general public at the main venues, the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium. Spectators will need to take a dedicated shuttle bus from the large hub parking lots set up throughout the city or use the Metro to reach the venues.

Important Notes on Uber/Lyft and Metro

The primary mode of transportation for travelers is, of course, ride-hailing apps (such as Uber and Lyft). However, severe traffic congestion and dynamic pricing are expected during the event.

If you plan to take the Metro to avoid traffic, please pay close attention to the time of day. While it is generally safe during the day, be aware that safety conditions can deteriorate rapidly at night, in the early morning, or near station entrances and exits, so please remain vigilant at all times.

[Safety & Accessibility] How to Choose the Right Neighborhood for Your Stay

Los Angeles is a vast city. If you choose a hotel simply because it’s “close to the venue” or “inexpensive,” you risk running into serious trouble.

⭕️ Recommended Safe Areas for Accommodation

We recommend the following areas as ideal locations for watching the Olympics.

Westwood, around UCLA

The area I recommend most is Westwood, near UCLA.

Since the UCLA campus will serve as the Athletes’ Village, it will function as the central hub of the Games. As it is located in a student district, the area is safe, and with the extension of the Purple Line subway currently underway in preparation for the Olympics, access to downtown is expected to improve dramatically.

Santa Monica

The next area I recommend is Santa Monica.

It is a beach volleyball venue and a beautiful seaside tourist destination. Since it is the terminus of the subway (E Line), it offers excellent access to the Coliseum and downtown on a single train ride.

❌ Dangerous areas where you should absolutely avoid staying or entering

On the other hand, there are areas where you should avoid staying or visiting. Even if hotel rates are attractive, please do not visit the following areas as they pose a high risk.

It’s dangerous even if you just wander in without realizing it. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the dangerous areas beforehand.

Skid Row

Located east of Downtown LA, this is one of the most dangerous areas in Los Angeles, densely packed with homeless encampments. Do not enter this area under any circumstances, day or night.

South LA / Compton area

Although this area stretches south of the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, it is extremely dangerous for travelers to use as a base because of high levels of gang activity and crime.

Let’s start preparing right now!

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be a historic Games that blend Hollywood-style entertainment with cutting-edge technology.

First, be sure to register for the “Drop 2” lottery on the official ticket website by the deadline (July 22, 2026) and have your Visa card ready. Also, regardless of whether you win the lottery or not, we strongly recommend that you start looking for a hotel with good security and convenient access right away!

Let’s start by looking for a safe and conveniently located hotel in Westwood or Santa Monica!