Los Angeles: The ongoing wildfires ravaging neighborhoods in Los Angeles have sparked renewed criticism of the city’s ability to host the 2028 Olympic Games. While the fires, considered one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, continue to create hazardous conditions, experts suggest that relocating the Games is highly unlikely.
Wildfires and Their Impact
With desert winds and a parched landscape exacerbating the situation, the wildfires have prompted concerns about Los Angeles’s preparedness for hosting the world’s largest sporting event. Governor Gavin Newsom has reassured residents that the city will be ready, emphasizing that the Games provide an opportunity for the community to shine. “When Los Angeles welcomes the world in 2028, our spirit will shine brighter than ever before,” stated LA28 President Casey Wasserman.
However, critics, including Eric Sheehan from the NOlympics LA coalition, argue that the fires highlight the city’s inability to effectively respond to crises, questioning the suitability of Los Angeles as an Olympic host. Sheehan stated, “These fires cement the message that we’ve been spreading since before we got the bid in 2017, which is that Los Angeles should not host this Games.”
Key Venues Unaffected
Fortunately, key Olympic venues have so far escaped the wildfires’ destruction. The Rose Bowl, set to host soccer events, has been utilized as a staging ground for firefighters. Other venues, such as SoFi Stadium and Crypto.com Arena, have also remained unharmed. Organizers have expressed confidence in the $7 billion budget for the Games, which is privately funded. However, taxpayers may still bear the burden of any costs that exceed this budget.
Last year, the federal government pledged $900 million for public transportation improvements ahead of the Games, but critics argue these projects primarily serve tourists rather than residents. “We deserve a resilient LA that can protect its residents from fire,” said Sheehan.
Relocation and Cancellation Considerations
Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, experts believe that canceling or relocating the 2028 Olympics is improbable. Historically, only a few editions of the Games have been disrupted, such as during World War I and World War II. The Tokyo Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts like Jonathan Aronson from the University of Southern California consider the wildfires to be a minor issue in the grand scheme of hosting the Games.
“Finding someone else to host them at this stage would be almost impossible,” Aronson noted, citing the extensive preparations already in place and the multitude of existing sports venues in Los Angeles.
Nathan Line, a hospitality expert at Florida State University, expressed confidence in the city’s ability to proceed with the Games. He stated, “LA has been preparing for these Games for more than a decade,” emphasizing that no matter the severity of the current situation, the city will work to rebuild.
Conclusion
While the Los Angeles wildfires have galvanized critics of the LA28 Games, the likelihood of relocation or cancellation remains slim. As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the fires, the commitment to host the Olympics in 2028 persists. The focus will need to shift towards addressing the city’s vulnerabilities and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents in the face of future challenges.
By navigating these issues, Los Angeles aims to demonstrate its resilience and readiness to welcome the world in 2028, despite the obstacles ahead.
