Long Beach is positioning itself as a pivotal location for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Mayor Rex Richardson at the helm of a delegation traveling to the 2024 Paris Games to gather intel on hosting such a massive event, as announced in a press release by the City of Long Beach. The trip is framed as an opportunity for Long Beach officials to learn from Paris's current experience, ensuring the Southern California city is well-prepared for its stint as a Venue City when the international spectacle makes its way stateside four years from now.
Mayor Richardson, who has been proactive in doubling the number of Olympic and Paralympic events planned in Long Beach come 2028, is set to join other key figures such as Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero and Deputy City Manager Tyler Bonanno-Curley in Paris from August 8-12 and from September 2-7, respectively, they will observe, learn and prepare for what's to come, "During this visit, we will meet Olympic organizers and gain valuable insights and best practices to delivering safe, successful and memorable sporting events for the 2028 Games," Richardson said, according to the City's press release. Additionally, Third District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan will attend on a separate personal trip where she will also partake in Olympic briefings and tours organized by the City of Paris.
Serving as a crucial hub for the 2028 Games, Long Beach is already confirmed to host seven sporting events with the list expected to grow; these preliminary visits by city leaders symbolize Long Beach's dedication to understanding the depth of such an undertaking. The delegation will engage in a variety of sessions focusing on environmental sustainability, safety, and event organization and, as Mayor Richardson underscored the importance of these learnings, "We are grateful to the City of Paris for their hospitality, and we look forward to learning from them."
