The Olympic flame for the 2028 Los Angeles Games will embark on an extensive journey across the United States, beginning in Atlanta and passing through all 50 states, organizers announced Tuesday. The flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, the traditional birthplace of the Olympic Games, before commencing its U.S. tour in the spring of 2028.
LA28 organizers have stated that this relay is planned to be one of the largest in Olympic history. The route is expected to highlight iconic landmarks, feature stops at significant cultural and sporting events, and include festival celebrations in various cities nationwide. The complete route details are scheduled to be unveiled in 2027.
“Every Olympic Games begins with a single flame, and carrying that flame to Los Angeles is an honor and privilege that we’ll share with every corner of the country, as Americans in all 50 states carry the flame on its path to our Opening Ceremony,” said LA28 chair and president Casey Wasserman in a statement.
Atlanta, which hosted the centennial Summer Olympics in 1996, will serve as the starting point for the U.S. leg of the relay. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed pride in the city's role, stating, “Atlanta looks a little different. We are bigger. We are more connected to the world. So, when the flame returns to the U.S., Atlanta will be ready.”
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games in August 2028, the Paralympic torch relay will commence. This relay will originate from Stoke Mandeville, England, recognized as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. The specific starting location for the U.S. leg of the Paralympic torch relay will be announced at a later date.
Coca-Cola, JPMorgan Chase, Allstate, and Xfinity are set to sponsor both torch relays.