Disorder or Victory? The Critical Countdown to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles

Will the current wildfires prompt the authorities in Los Angeles to reevaluate the decision to host the Olympic Games in 2028?

The recent flames ravaging the city have ignited a complex dialogue on Los Angeles' preparedness to host the 2028 Olympic Games. Despite important Olympic venues being unscathed, the fires' closeness has elicited concerns among residents and officials.

Aerial image of the damage caused by fires in Pacific Palisades, California. Image: Josh Edelson-AFP-Getty Images

As fires ravaged the Pacific Palisades, the Riviera Country Club — designated to host the Olympic golf competition — narrowly escaped devastation. Notwithstanding this close call, the majority of the over 80 Olympic venues remain situated outside of high-risk fire zones. Considering that the Olympics occur in July, a period often devoid of the Santa Ana winds that exacerbate wildfire conditions, historical data suggests that the likelihood of such disasters during the Games is negligible.

The arrival of the Olympic flag in Los Angeles, California (2024). Image: Etienne Laurent, AFP

The current issue, however, underscores the broader challenges of hosting a significant event in a region more susceptible to natural calamities. Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business School in Paris, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The situation is grave, and considering the likelihood of substantial climate change, one must question whether the current circumstances could recur, potentially even during the Games.” He also inquired whether a mega-event of this nature could be insured under these circumstances.

Political Football

California Governor Gavin Newsom has reaffirmed the state's dedication to hosting the Olympics despite the increasing adversity, stating on NBC's Today show that preparations for the 2028 Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup—featuring eight matches in Los Angeles—are proceeding as scheduled.

He saw the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2026 FIFA World Cup as opportunities to showcase the community's resilience and cohesiveness. Newsom stated, “My modest stance, which is not merely naively optimistic, underscores the necessity of acting swiftly and fostering collaboration and cooperation.”

Despite these assurances, many argue that the city's current challenges indicate fundamental concerns that could hinder good Olympic hosting. Eric Sheehan of NOlympics LA, a coalition opposing the Games, asserts that the fires demonstrate Los Angeles's inability to adequately support its inhabitants while managing the demands of the world's premier athletic event.

Conservative commentators have promptly demanded the revocation of Los Angeles' Olympic hosting rights. Right-wing personality Charlie Kirk declared on X, “The Los Angeles Olympics should be canceled.”

He stated, “If you cannot sustain fundamental infrastructure such as fire hydrants, you are unqualified to host the Olympics.” Relocate the Games to places such as Dallas or Miami, where athletes may participate in venues equipped to successfully manage and execute such an event.

Financial considerations are also highly significant. Approximately USD 7 billion of the Games' budget is financed privately; however, taxpayers would likely bear the costs in the event of any overruns. The recent wildfires have exacerbated resource strain and may complicate financial preparations for the Olympics.

Critics contend that hosting the Olympics will intensify Los Angeles' existing housing crisis. The city's preparations for the Games have heightened concerns of gentrification, widespread displacement, and the prioritization of Olympic-related infrastructure at the expense of affordable housing. Activist organizations such as NOlympics LA have highlighted that public funding designated for Olympic initiatives may be redirected to tackle the housing crisis impacting tens of thousands of Angelenos.

The controversy has escalated because to reports of soaring rents and evictions in areas adjacent to proposed Olympic venues. Certain residents apprehend that the Games would convert Los Angeles into a recreational hub for tourists and corporations, neglecting the city’s most disadvantaged inhabitants.

Return to Paris?

Although Paris may function as a possible alternative because to its developed infrastructure and recent experience with significant events, the probability of relocating the 2028 Games is minimal. The city's readiness and capacity to execute a flawless event are apparent; nonetheless, with time constraints and the intricacies of such a transition, analysts concur that Los Angeles will continue as the host, notwithstanding its increasing difficulties.

Consequently, experts believe that relocating the Games is improbable despite the challenges. Due to the constrained timetable and logistical difficulties, securing a substitute host at this juncture would be virtually unfeasible, as stated by Jonathan Aronson, a lecturer at the University of Southern California. “It will persist unaltered,” he asserted.

The path to the 2028 Olympics appears fraught with difficulties as Los Angeles contends with the aftermath of the wildfires. The situation requires a meticulous equilibrium between immediate rehabilitation efforts and long-term strategies to ensure the city can effectively and securely host the world in 2028.