Full Breakdown
LA28 Ticket Sales Reach Historic Milestone as Drop 2 Approaches
4/28/2026, 3:47:09 AM
First Ticket Drop: Sales Milestone
Drop 1 sold more than 4 million tickets across 85 countries and all 50 U.S. states, with the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and Japan leading international purchases. Ninety-five percent of tickets under $100 were taken in the Los Angeles-Oklahoma City locals presale, which allocated roughly 500,000 $28 tickets. Women’s sessions (93 % vs 88 % men) outperformed men’s, artistic gymnastics sold out fastest, and all football venues sold out.
Upcoming Drop 2: Registration and Official Outlook
Registration for Drop 2 runs through July 22, 2026. Selected fans receive a 48-hour purchase window in August, allowing up to 12 Olympic tickets plus 12 football tickets, with a four-ticket limit per ceremony. LA28 says the draw reflects its “commitment to a fiscally responsible Games,” and projects up to one million tickets under $30 and two-thirds under $200. Visa is the official payment partner.
Pricing and Availability
Drop 1 prices ranged from $49.61 (prelim category H) to $104.19 (final category H), with premium tiers up to $1,116.27 (prelim A) and $1,860.45 (final A). Ceremony tickets later jumped to $328–$5,500, and the closing ceremony $5,000 sold out instantly. A 24 % tax and $20 paper-ticket fee added to costs, leaving only high-priced seats after early windows.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The response to our initial on-sale was nothing short of historic. Fans from near and far have spoken: the world wants to be part of the LA28 Games,” — Reynold Hoover, LA28 CEO
- “The success of Drop 1 is about more than momentum — it reflects LA28's commitment to delivering a fiscally responsible Games that create a lasting legacy for Los Angeles and its communities.” — Reynold Hoover, LA28 CEO
- “service fees,” as they call them, “align with standard industry practices for ticketing live events in the U.S.” — LA28 spokesperson
- “the costs of securely processing and delivering tickets, such as ticketing platform development, customer service, payment processing, fulfillment and distribution.” — LA28 spokesperson
Criticism, Conflicts, and Gaps
Residents report chaotic ticketing: some never received confirmation emails, others got purchase slots after inventory vanished. They describe the “cheapest tickets — a mirage — started at $328,” with $20 paper-ticket fees. Social media notes that access appears limited to wealthier fans, contrasting sharply with Paris 2024 where tickets under $120 were common. LA28’s promise of one million tickets under $30 conflicts with these accounts, and the committee has not disclosed total Drop 2 inventory or how affordable tiers will be allocated. A Deloitte report projects 15 million visitors and highlights limited public-transport capacity, intensifying concerns about ticket scarcity.
What’s Next
Drop 2 will open in August 2026. Randomly selected registrants will receive time-slot emails shortly after the lottery closes. The July 22 registration deadline marks the final chance for new participants to enter the draw before the next sales phase.
