I Went to the 2026 Olympics—Here’s What I’d Do Before L.A. 2028

I think that it’s a pretty universal experience to be a little kid in gymnastics or ice skating class and start daydreaming of a gold medal hung around your neck. While sports weren’t the path for me, there is something about the Olympics that seems to inspire me every two years. I was lucky enough to attend the incredible Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

The energy couldn’t have been higher, and I’ve walked around for weeks now telling everyone, “You have to go to the Olympics.” With LA 2028 just around the corner, I’m here to tell you that now is the time to start planning. This guide will cover what I learned from the 2026 Games and how I’ll apply it to my LA 2028 adventures. It includes what went well, what I’d do differently, and everything in between.

1. Enter the Drawing for Olympics Tickets ASAP

Entering the official Olympic ticket draw is a must for securing the events you want to see. For LA 2028, the chance to enter the draw ends on March 18, 2026. If selected, you’ll have some of the first shots at securing tickets to the most popular events and medal rounds. For both Milan Cortina and the 2024 games in Paris, I entered the drawing and bought a whole bunch of tickets. You can always resell your tickets via the official Olympic resale market if you end up not wanting to see something. Now is the time to start thinking about your tickets for LA 2028.

2. Pay Attention to the Olympic Resale Market

Two of the hottest events on the market were the United States vs. Canada hockey matches. While official tickets had sold out quickly, there was always an opportunity to snag tickets to this game on the Olympic’s resale market. Additionally, my fiancé and I had tickets for a hockey match that we could no longer attend, so we put them on the resale market. With puck drop just 60 minutes away, we thought they weren’t going to sell, but at the very last moment, all four of our seats were bought. Keep refreshing your app to see if there are any new tickets or if your tickets have sold out. Things change quickly at the Olympics.

3. Download the Official Olympic App

We all have too many apps on our phones, but truly downloading the official app is the way to go. Not only do you have access to tickets and the resale market, but it's also an easy way to keep track of your favorite athletes, teams, and other events.

4. Book Your Accommodations Early

It’s no secret that hotels will fill up fast and probably be more expensive than usual. We went to see a few ski events in Livigno, Italy, and had to stay about a 45-minute bus ride away from the event areas. This was pretty common, as most of the competing teams had bought out accommodations in this small community. Yes, L.A. is a huge city. However, depending on where the specific event you’re going to see is, you may be forced to stay 45-60 minutes away from the venue.

5. Get Comfortable with Public Transportation

As a Chicago resident, public transportation is my bread and butter. However, I recognize that it isn’t the case for everyone. Milan Cortina did an excellent job of clearly marking their Olympic bus routes. Be sure to allow time for “things to go wrong.” For example, on day one of our Olympic adventure, we had two full buses pass us by before we could get on one bus. When you leave early, you allow time to figure out where things are and ensure you’re not getting flustered.

6. Buy Team USA Merch in Advance

Official Team USA merch is a hot commodity and can actually be a bit challenging to get your hands on. Check out the official Team USA store early and often to ensure you get your hands on the pieces you want before they sell out!

7. If You Want an Olympic Souvenir, Don’t Wait to Get it

We found that official Olympic-branded merch sold out fast. If there is something you want, get it that day. For example, my in-laws wanted a specific stuffed animal for our nephew, and they couldn’t find it in stock at any Olympic store. Or I bought a sweater that was the only item in stock, and I never saw it again at any of the other official shops. These items are hot, and you have to get them when you can.

8. Be Proud of Team USA

I’ll be the first to admit I went into the Olympics nervous about wearing my Team USA gear. Not because I’m not proud of our athletes, but because it’s no secret that the rest of the world has a complicated relationship with us right now. I wasn’t sure if advertising where I was from would be the safest or most welcome choice. However, I quickly realized that wasn’t the case. The Olympics are magic. For a brief 16 days, I experienced a moment of global unity that I haven’t felt in a long time. Whether you’re Australian tossing your kangaroo balloon in the air when an Aussie does well or a Canadian donning the iconic Maple Leaf, there was nothing but love between people of all countries. Get your face painted, wear the big hat, and be proud of our United States athletes. 

I know that the time I spent at the Olympics formed a core memory. I went from “going to the Olympics would be cool” to “I want to go to as many Olympics as I possibly can.” The Olympics have been bringing people together since ancient times.  As a Greek-American who has experienced it firsthand, I found it especially meaningful to witness that tradition come to life.