California lawmakers question LA Olympics official about high ticket prices

Concerns Raised Over Access to LA 2028 Olympics Tickets

California lawmakers expressed significant concerns on Wednesday about the affordability of ticket access for local residents attending the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Joey Freeman, representing the LA28 organizing committee, informed legislators in Sacramento that fans from across the U.S. and from 85 different countries had purchased over 4 million tickets during the initial sale.

Freeman mentioned that around 500,000 tickets priced at $28 were allocated specifically for local residents, adding that 95% of tickets priced under $100 were sold during the local pre-sale phase. He noted that registration for the upcoming ticket release in August is currently ongoing.

“We want the people who live in the heart of these games to be able to participate in the games,” Freeman asserted.

However, lawmakers seemed skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Earlier this year, there was significant frustration when the limited $28 tickets sold out rapidly.

“Frankly, people were shocked at the prices,” state Senator Ben Allen remarked. “Sure, there’s a promise of a million $28 tickets, but choosing between winning the lottery or getting one $20 ticket? It’s a tough decision.”

Freeman responded by mentioning ongoing efforts to create a community ticketing program, funded by charitable contributions, which he explained could help provide free tickets directly to nonprofit organizations for local residents.

Lawmakers, like Senator Aisha Wahab, questioned the number of tickets designated for nonprofits compared to those available during local pre-sales, but Freeman admitted he didn’t have those specifics.

Wahab raised concerns about simply distributing free tickets to nonprofits without a clear control mechanism. She argued that tickets could be better allocated to schools or other local entities to ensure community access. “Handing out tickets randomly doesn’t ensure that this community can actually attend,” she pointed out.

Wahab also noted that often, priority in ticket distribution ends up favoring the acquaintances of executives rather than the actual communities in need.

Senator Laura Richardson criticized Freeman for not providing precise figures on the initial ticket sales. “This is important because we’re here in a state hearing,” she said. “We don’t even know how many tickets were issued or how many were under $100, which is information our community needs.”

Richardson shared that a relative of hers had attempted to secure tickets but found that prices were exorbitant, with no options available for less than $100. “We were faced with tickets costing thousands—this isn’t what we were promised,” she said.

“I think we need to go back and consider a ticket payment plan seriously,” Richardson suggested, advocating for another session to address these concerns.