The City of Carson will officially begin its countdown to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on Wednesday, June 24, with the launch of the Carson Experience and the unveiling of a nearly 700-pound Olympic countdown clock. The event is scheduled for 9:25 a.m. at Carson Park, 21411 Orrick Ave, and will feature hundreds of Carson youth alongside Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Lewis, Team USA Rugby Sevens player Marcus Tupuola, city leaders, and representatives from LA28.
The Carson Experience is a new initiative designed to connect residents to the Games. As an official LA28 Venue City, Carson will host multiple Olympic and Paralympic competitions. The program aims to engage the community through events, activations, and celebrations leading up to the 2028 Games, while showcasing local pride and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Lewis, who won gold in the 4x400 meter relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, emphasized the importance of involving youth in the Olympic journey. “The Olympics are about more than just competition; they are about bringing communities together and inspiring young people to dream big,” Lewis said. Marcus Tupuola, a current member of the USA Rugby Sevens team, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of community support in athletic achievement.
The centerpiece of the event will be the 700-pound countdown clock, which will serve as a daily reminder of the approaching Games. The clock will be permanently installed at Carson Park, a location that will also host some Olympic events. The unveiling ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and other city officials, who will discuss Carson’s Olympic legacy and its future role in LA28.
Carson’s involvement in the Olympics dates back to the 1984 Los Angeles Games, when the city hosted the cycling road race. For LA28, Carson will host competitions in multiple sports, including rugby sevens and track cycling, at venues such as the Dignity Health Sports Park and the VELO Sports Center. The Carson Experience is designed to build excitement and ensure that residents feel connected to the global event.
City officials emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “The Carson Experience is about creating a lasting legacy for our community,” said a city spokesperson. “By engaging residents, especially our youth, we are fostering a sense of pride and participation that will extend far beyond the 2028 Games.” The event is free and open to the public, with activities planned for families and attendees of all ages.
For more details, see the full announcement at Reportable and additional information from the City of Carson.
