In a recent city council meeting, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will be the official venues for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This decision marks a historic moment, as the Coliseum will become the first venue to host the Olympic Games three times, having previously held the events in 1932 and 1984. The dual venue celebration will see the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium share the spotlight for the Olympic opening ceremony, while the Inglewood stadium will specifically host the Paralympic opening ceremony.
In addition to the Olympic announcements, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) issued a warning to Angelenos regarding the safety of metallic balloons. The utility reported that recent incidents of metallic balloons coming into contact with power lines resulted in five outages within a week, affecting nearly 3,000 customers. To mitigate these risks, LADWP emphasized that California law requires metallic balloons to be anchored with weights and should never be released outdoors. Residents are encouraged to report any incidents involving metallic balloons and power lines by calling +1 800 DWP.
Furthermore, Mayor Bass, alongside the economic and workforce development department, invited local business owners to participate in the 2025 Procure LA Summit. This event aims to connect businesses with the city's major agencies, including the LA Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles World Airports, and the Port of Los Angeles. The summit will provide insights into capital access and procurement opportunities related to significant upcoming events, such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic Games. Scheduled for May 29, the summit will feature networking opportunities with over 30 government agencies and prime vendors, along with training workshops and on-site support.
Overall, the meeting highlighted key developments for Los Angeles as it prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games and addresses community safety concerns, while also fostering economic opportunities for local businesses.