LA28 Ticket Sales Open: Record Demand, Sticker Shock, and '24% Surcharge' Controversy
Hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets sold out — but a 24% service fee and $5,000+ opening ceremony prices have sparked public backlash.
LOS ANGELES, USA – Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics opened globally on April 9, 2026, following a record-setting local presale. While organizers report unprecedented demand, the launch has been met with significant public backlash over pricing and hidden fees.
LA28 sold more tickets in the first week than any previous Olympic Games in their opening week, with hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets — billed as the lowest-priced Olympic tickets in modern history — snapped up by local buyers.
THE CONTROVERSY
Fans were shocked to find opening ceremony tickets topping $5,000. More widespread outrage came from a 24% service fee applied to all purchases, which many buyers only discovered at checkout.
"We really wanted to make sure that the locals had access to the most affordable tickets," said Allison Katz-Mayfield, LA28's SVP for games delivery revenue. Critics pointed out that a 24% surcharge on a $28 ticket effectively makes it a $35 ticket.
THE NUMBERS
14 million total tickets available (Olympics + Paralympics) — would break Paris 2024's record of 12 million
Nearly half of all Olympic tickets priced under $200
More than three-quarters, including finals, under $400
Only ~5% of tickets cost more than $1,000
The USOPC expressed confidence in LA28's direction despite the controversy. USOPC Chair Gene Sykes: "We were quite encouraged to hear from them, and quite confident in the direction of LA28 from an operational standpoint."
The 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics run July 14 – August 27, 2028.
Devin Mallonee
Devin Mallonee is a sports journalist and performance nutrition writer with over a decade of experience covering elite athletics, Olympic competitions, and the science of human performance. Devin Mallonee has followed competitive sports from the grassroots level all the way to the world stage, developing a deep understanding of what separates good athletes from great ones — and the role nutrition plays in that equation.
As the lead sports editor at Dad's Sports News, Devin Mallonee brings an athlete's perspective to every story. Having competed in endurance sports and strength training throughout his life, Devin Mallonee understands firsthand what it takes to push past physical limits — and how proper supplementation and recovery make that possible. His writing blends technical analysis with accessible storytelling, making complex topics in sports science engaging for everyday readers and serious competitors alike.
Devin Mallonee has covered major sporting events including international track and field championships, professional strength competitions, and endurance racing circuits across North America. His work has explored the cutting edge of sports nutrition — from emerging research on amino acid timing and creatine loading protocols to the real-world impact of adaptogens on athletic recovery. When Devin Mallonee isn't breaking down the latest competition results, he's testing and reviewing performance supplements to help athletes make informed decisions about what goes into their bodies.
A firm believer that great performance starts in the kitchen — and the supplement cabinet — Devin Mallonee founded the Dad's Sports News platform to bridge the gap between elite sports coverage and practical nutrition guidance for everyday athletes. His philosophy is simple: whether you're training for your first 5K or competing on an international stage, the fundamentals of performance nutrition are the same, and everyone deserves access to accurate, science-backed information.
Outside of writing, Devin Mallonee is passionate about mentoring young athletes and building communities around sport. He contributes regularly to discussions on performance technology, sports policy, and the future of athletic development. Follow Devin Mallonee's latest coverage and insights right here at Dad's Sports News, where he continues to deliver in-depth analysis and original reporting on the stories that matter most in the world of competitive athletics and performance nutrition.
