What’s Being Built and Upgraded for the 2028 Olympics
- Compton Chamber Admin
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
📌 “No New Permanent Stadiums” — But Major Infrastructure Work
The LA28 organizing committee is intentionally using existing venues across Los Angeles and Southern California rather than constructing many new permanent sport facilities — a strategy aimed at keeping costs down and creating a legacy rather than white elephants.
🚆 Massive Transit Expansion: “Twenty-Eight by ’28”
One of the biggest effects of the Olympics on the county is transportation, led by the Metro “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative, which includes numerous major projects designed to significantly improve mobility before the Games and leave lasting benefits:
Extensions of Metro rail lines (e.g., D Line along Wilshire)
Improved bus rapid transit corridors
Expanded connections between major sports venues and rail/bus systems
Enhanced access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via the new Metro transit center, now open, and further people-mover expansionsThese improvements aim to support the roughly 1 million extra daily trips expected during the Games and reduce car reliance citywide.
🛫 Airport and Regional Connections
In 2025, LA Metro opened the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, connecting rail directly to the airport — a major milestone as LA had lacked a direct rail link to one of the world’s busiest airports until now.
🚶♂️ Temporary Structures & Fast-Track Projects
Los Angeles City Council has moved to fast-track temporary structures and support facilities for Olympic operations, recognizing that venue delivery deadlines require streamlined permitting and construction processes.
🤝 Regional Collaboration — Including Compton
Los Angeles County is coordinating with all 88 cities in the county on planning, operations, and contracting opportunities tied to the Games, ensuring local participation and preparation across municipal jurisdictions.
Compton is part of the planning framework for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although it is not a competition venue city itself. Instead, its involvement so far has been through regional planning, community engagement, and local opportunity initiatives connected to the broader LA28 process:
Los Angeles County and the LA28 organizing bodies are working with all 88 cities in the county to coordinate planning, operations, contracting, and community engagement tied to the Games. This includes economic, cultural, and workforce development opportunities for municipalities beyond just venue cities. Compton Chamber
📌 Compton-Specific Activities So Far
The Compton Chamber of Commerce has highlighted that the city and its businesses are being engaged in planning activities that could lead to:
Contracting and service opportunities for local companies connected to Olympic events and preparations
Participation in cultural and community engagement programs such as fan experiences, public art, and local events tied to the Games
Inclusion in regional planning for transportation, safety, and workforce readiness in advance of 2028
The City of Compton City Council has been inviting residents to participate on local Olympic planning committees, indicating early local efforts to take part in Olympic-related coordination. Mayor Sharif encouraged the residents to apply for the 2028 Olympics Committee in the City Clerk's Office.
📍 What Isn’t Planned (So Far)
No official Olympic competition venues have been confirmed for Compton in the current LA28 venue plan. The majority of sports and events are set to be hosted in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Carson, and other nearby cities, but not in Compton itself.
📌 Indirect Impacts That Could Benefit Compton
Even without a venue in the city, Compton may see indirect Olympic-related effects, including:
Expanded transportation initiatives (e.g., Metro expansions and bus systems) that can improve regional connectivity.
Workforce development and local hire programs promoted by LA28 to increase employment among local residents through Olympics-related jobs and training.
Business readiness and contracting support, especially for small and minority-owned enterprises, as part of the broader county/city engagement strategy.
📌 Community Engagement
LA28 has held working groups and meetings with local community leaders around business development, workforce inclusion, and sustainability, which provides additional channels for cities like Compton to contribute to planning and benefit from Games preparations
📈 Economic Impact and Legacy Growth
💵 Significant Regional Economic Boost
A new report estimates the 2028 Olympics could generate $13 billion–$18 billion in economic impact across five Southern California counties, with Los Angeles County receiving the largest share. This includes construction jobs, tourism spending, and operational support roles.
👷♂️ Jobs and Construction
Tens of thousands of jobs are expected to be created by Olympic preparation efforts, particularly in transportation, hospitality, and construction. NBC Los Angeles
The huge infrastructure push accelerates projects that benefit local residents long after the Games end.
🏟️ Challenges and Resilience Elements
🛠️ Logistical & Climate Considerations
The region has faced wildfires in recent years, which in some areas came close to key infrastructure — underscoring the importance of resilient planning as the Games approach.
📍 Summary — What’s Going On Now
Transportation improvements are the centerpiece of the Olympic build-out, with numerous megaprojects underway across Los Angeles County to support mobility for both visitors and residents.
Existing venues are being enhanced, temporary infrastructure is being fast-tracked, and regional coordination is intensifying as the July 14–30, 2028 Games approach.
The economic impact is projected to be substantial, and much of the construction is designed to create lasting transit and connectivity benefits beyond the event itself.