The largest pool in history and the moving tribute to Kobe Bryant: A rare glimpse into the preparations for the Olympic Games

In two years, Los Angeles will become the third city in history to host the Olympic Games for the third time, after London and Paris. The first time was in 1932, during the Great Depression, and the City of Angels hosted again in 1984, games considered an economic success and a new model of Olympic management, despite the Eastern Bloc boycott. Today, Los Angeles is already feeling the Olympic pulse. As part of a special press week, dozens of journalists from around the world — with Yedioth Ahronoth being the only representative from Israel — were given a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the main competition sites. Unlike many past Olympic cities that invested billions in new stadiums that were later abandoned, Los Angeles will not build a single new permanent facility. Instead, the city will rely on over 40 existing venues undergoing adjustments. Organizers estimate the investment will pay for itself through expected revenues.

The largest pool

The first stop was a symbol of the new Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This spectacular facility will host half of the opening ceremony, alongside the historic Coliseum, which hosted the ceremonies the previous two times the city hosted. This is the first time in history that the ceremony will take place at two different sites, symbolizing the connection between the city's glorious past and its future. The magnificent stadium, opened six years ago, serves the Rams and Chargers. For the Olympics, the field will become the largest swimming pool ever installed, specifically for the Games. About 40,000 spectators will be able to attend in an unprecedented atmosphere.

The Coliseum, built in 1923, is identified by the Olympic torch towering above it. For the Israeli delegation, the emotion begins at the memorial sign for the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The delegation included Israel Olympic Committee Chair Yael Arad and CEO Adi Bichman. Ahead of the Games, an Olympic running track will be installed, and a special platform will be built over the field, which will be dismantled afterward, returning the Coliseum to its regular use as the USC football field.

Adjacent to the Coliseum in Exposition Park is BMO Stadium, which will host flag football and lacrosse. The proximity of the stadiums will make the area a convenient walking complex for fans.

Hot in the Valley

For the first time, competitions will take place in the San Fernando Valley. The Sepulveda Basin complex and Lake Balboa will host BMX, skateboarding, modern pentathlon, and 3x3 basketball. The challenge for athletes will be climatic: summer temperatures in the Valley can exceed 40 degrees.

Many venues will be part of the celebration: the Peacock Theater will host boxing and weightlifting, while the Intuit Dome will host basketball. The Crypto.com Arena will host the decisive stages of the basketball tournament, alongside artistic gymnastics and trampoline finals. We entered the arena through the Kobe Bryant Gate, dedicated to the Lakers superstar, and visited the parquet where great moments were written.

Dodger Stadium will host baseball, and Long Beach will be a major hub for 11 sports, including handball and beach volleyball. Venice Beach will host triathlon, marathon, and road cycling. While soccer tournaments will be spread across the US, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena will be the center.

Logistical challenge

Los Angeles faces a massive logistical challenge with 3–5 million expected visitors. The city is expanding its train and public transport network to connect LAX to various areas. Dedicated shuttle systems and special lanes will be implemented. Despite these efforts, heavy traffic remains a concern.

The Jewish side

Yael Arad noted that the Games represent a unique opportunity to connect US Jewry to Israel. After the Paris Games, the Friends of the Olympic Committee of Israel association in the US was re-established. "We want to sweep the community to come to the stadiums, cheer for the athletes, and wave the Israeli flag," Arad said. Donations are intended for long-term programs that provide Israeli athletes with a competitive advantage.

Adi Bichman added that high hopes are placed on the beach volleyball pair, Kevin Kuzmichev and Elon Elazar, who have made meteoric progress in recent years.

Olympic Village

The Olympic Village will be located on the USC campus. Student dorms will house athletes, who will travel to competition sites via dedicated fast-route buses. The day ended with a visit to the official 2028 Games store, where tour participants were able to purchase merchandise, the "holy of holies" of Olympic souvenirs.