LA28 Volunteer Applications Open July 14. Why Long Beach Should Pay Attention Now
LA28 volunteer applications open July 14, and for Long Beach, it’s a signal that the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are moving from distant possibility to active civic preparation.
Volunteers will help shape the human experience of the Games: greeting visitors, guiding guests, supporting venues, and bringing the spirit of welcome that people remember long after an event is over.
LA28 has announced that applications for Games-time volunteers will open on July 14, 2026. They’re building a 60,000-person LA28 Volunteer Crew for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. with volunteer role categories including Ceremonies, Communications, Driving, Experience, Medical, Operations, Sport, and Technology.
More opportunities for local businesses and civic organizations.
Volunteering isn’t just about filling shifts during the Games. It’s part of the human infrastructure of LA28. Visitors, athletes, delegations, media, families, and fans will experience SoCal not only through venues and events, but through the people who help them navigate our area.
Long Beach has a special opportunity in that story.
As an event venue city and a waterfront destination, Long Beach will engage in the international experience of LA28. So local businesses should start thinking now about what it means to be visitor-ready. Can staff answer basic LA28 questions? Are businesses easy to find on devices? Are hours, directions, parking, accessibility, and transportation information clear? Are we prepared to welcome people experiencing Long Beach for the first time?
The volunteer application process is also a reminder that the Games will need many people with particular skills. LA28 notes that Games-time volunteers may support everything from guest guidance to more specialized roles, including medical and language-related services. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old by January 1, 2028, being proficient in English, and being available for a minimum of 10 non-consecutive shifts of approximately eight hours each during either the Olympic or Paralympic Games volunteer period.
Not everyone will volunteer. Not every business will become a supplier. Not every organization will host an event. But every local stakeholder can ask themselves::
How can we help Long Beach be ready?
For some, that may mean applying to volunteer. For others, it may mean attending LA28 community updates, sharing accurate information with networks, preparing staff for increased visitor questions, or looking for ways to connect local businesses with international guests and partners.
The Games are two years away, but the preparation window is already open.
The smartest move now is simple: stay informed, get connected, and begin thinking about the role your business or organization can play in welcoming the world to Long Beach.
Helpful LA28 links
LA28 Volunteer Program: https://la28.org/en/volunteer.html
LA28 Supplier Registration https://www.rampla.org/s/
Zydeco Design will continue following LA28 updates with a local business lens. In the coming weeks, we’ll look at ticket demand, procurement opportunities, community engagement, and what Long Beach businesses can do now to prepare for 2028.
