Eyewitness Newsmakers: Will Los Angeles be ready for the 2028 Olympics?

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In just two short years, Southern California will welcome some of the world's best athletes as our area hosts the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We're exactly where we should be and where we want to be. We just had the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in town that talked through all of the different milestones where we should be at this stage," said John Harper, Chief Operating Officer of LA28.

Harper also spoke about ticketing during his appearance on Eyewitness Newsmakers, saying there was unprecedented demand during the first drop. The initial round of ticket sales was disappointing to some people, as several events quickly sold out and prices soared. However, Harper highlights that about 500,000 tickets were sold at the $28 level, and 95% of tickets sold under $100 were for the local communities where the games are taking place.

"As we get closer to the games, we are instituting a community ticketing program. The Los Angeles Rams were the first donor towards that ticketing program, committing $5 million to be able to put the tickets in the hands of people across the communities, and we'll continue to build that as we get closer to the games," Harper said.

As for the athletes who will be competing, that's the focus of Janet Evans, Chief Athlete Officer of LA28. Because Evans is a former swimmer who won five Olympic medals -- four of which are gold -- she understands the unique needs of Olympians. From extra-long beds, nutritious food and transportation, to the venues and security, Evans wants the athletes to focus solely on competing.

"My goal is when the athlete wakes up on the morning of their competition, they go to the dining hall at UCLA, they get fabulous food, they get on a bus, they get to their venue and they compete at their best, Evans said.

Hear more about transportation plans, security for the events, the cost of the Olympics and more on Eyewitness Newsmakers with Marc Brown in the video player above.