Paul Krekorian: 2028 Olympics, 973 Days, “We Will Be Ready”
Paul Krekorian, who has served the LA area from Burbank School Board member to California State Assemblymember to LA City Council and now is heading up Major Events for LA, was in conversation with South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) Executive Director Nolan Marshall at the SPBID Social District’s Annual Meeting on November 20 at ASU’s campus at the Herald Examiner Building on Broadway at 11th Street.
Mayor Karen Bass created a Major Events position in her administration due to the number of upcoming international and national events – 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, FIFA World Cup in June 2026, NBA All-Star game in February 2026, US Women’s Open in June 2026, and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. She appointed Krekorian to head up the Major Events office.
He recognizes that South Park will be at the center of the 2028 Olympics with venues at Crypto.com, Peacock Theater, and the LA Convention Center and nearby at the Coliseum, Galen Center, and Dodger’s Stadium. With that, South Park will see a remodel of the Pico Metro Station along with first and last mile transportation options with considerations for bike, tree/shade, and pedestrians.
Krekorian spent time at the Paris Olympics, not at the games, but checking out how the city prepared for 5-15 million people who attended the games. Block by block planning is required, focusing on how to make the area pristine by planning out basic services like trash pick-up and how to handle street closures. The details matter.
Krekorian acknowledged that there are people who do not believe LA will be ready after dealing with the Palisades fires, the ICE raids, and the effects of tariffs on trade partners. He noted that the LA 1932 Olympics, which drew a million people, came off with no problems in the middle of the Great Depression. He said the most financially successful Olympics in LA were during a deep recession with 10% unemployment in 1984. “We will be ready. This is what LA does.”
What are your thoughts and concerns about the effects the 2028 Olympics will have on South Park – pros and cons? What preparation do you believe South Park needs to do for residents and visitors? Are you interested in volunteering at the Olympic games? Send us an email with your thoughts – spnadtla@gmail.com.
By Debra Shrout