The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics torch relay is set to kick off in Atlanta, the location of the previous U.S. Summer Games in 1996, and traverse all 50 states, as per an announcement made by organizers on Tuesday. The Olympic flame will be ignited in Olympia, Greece, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games, before embarking on its journey across the United States in the spring of 2028. The detailed route for the torch relay will be disclosed in 2027.
LA28 coordinators have revealed that this relay will mark one of the most extensive in Olympic history, encompassing iconic landmarks and international attractions, making stops at significant cultural and sporting events, and holding festive celebrations in chosen cities nationwide. Casey Wasserman, the chair and president of LA28, expressed, “Every Olympic Games commences with a single flame, and it is a privilege to carry that flame to Los Angeles, a journey that we will share with every corner of the country, as individuals from all 50 states partake in carrying the flame towards our Opening Ceremony.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his city’s pride in welcoming back the Olympic flame after 32 years since hosting the centennial Summer Games. Dickens stated, “Atlanta has evolved over the years. We have grown in size and connectivity to the world. Therefore, when the flame makes its return to the U.S., Atlanta will be prepared, ready to receive it from Greece, celebrate the Games’ spirit together as a community, and pass it forward towards Los Angeles, thus continuing America’s Olympic legacy.”
Following the conclusion of the Olympics in August 2028, the Paralympic torch relay will commence, originating in Stoke Mandeville, England, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. The starting location in the U.S. for this relay will be announced at a later date. Both torch relays will be supported by sponsors including Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate, and Xfinity.
