Summer Games Ultimate Guide

1. What are the Summer Games?

The Summer Games are a large international sports event featuring more than 10,000 athletes competing in over 30 sports, held in one host city over roughly two weeks. The Paralympics follow shortly after, using many of the same venues and offering a parallel program for elite athletes with disabilities.

2. How often are the Summer Games held?

They take place every four years, with the Summer and Winter editions alternating on a two-year cycle.

3. What makes the Summer Games unique?

They include the broadest range of sports in any global event and involve participation from nearly every country in the world (usually around 200 delegations). Because of that scale, most nations send their top athletes, so spectators see “best of the best” competition across the entire program.

4. What is the history of the Summer Games?

Early versions of multi-sport festivals existed in ancient Greece, long before the modern era. The modern Summer Games began in 1896 in Athens, and since then there have been 29 editions (with the upcoming LA Games set to be the 30th). The event has grown steadily, adding new sports, more athletes, and wider global representation.

To learn more about how the Summer Games have evolved, check out our page on the History of the Summer Games .

5. How do the Summer Games differ from the Winter Games?

The Summer Games feature warm-weather sports such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, while the Winter Games focus on snow and ice disciplines like skiing, skating, and hockey. The Summer program is larger, with more events, more athletes, and broader global participation.

1. Which cities have hosted the Summer Games in the past?

Here’s the complete list of modern-era Summer Games hosts:

• 1896 – Athens
• 1900 – Paris
• 1904 – St. Louis
• 1908 – London
• 1912 – Stockholm
• 1916 – (Cancelled – WWI)
• 1920 – Antwerp
• 1924 – Paris
• 1928 – Amsterdam
• 1932 – Los Angeles
• 1936 – Berlin
• 1940 – (Cancelled – WWII)
• 1944 – (Cancelled – WWII)
• 1948 – London
• 1952 – Helsinki
• 1956 – Melbourne (Equestrian events in Stockholm)
• 1960 – Rome
• 1964 – Tokyo
• 1968 – Mexico City
• 1972 – Munich
• 1976 – Montreal
• 1980 – Moscow
• 1984 – Los Angeles
• 1988 – Seoul
• 1992 – Barcelona
• 1996 – Atlanta
• 2000 – Sydney
• 2004 – Athens
• 2008 – Beijing
• 2012 – London
• 2016 – Rio de Janeiro
• 2020 – Tokyo (held in 2021)
• 2024 – Paris

2. How are host cities selected for the Summer Games?

In the past, cities submitted formal bids through their National Olympic Committee. Multiple cities would compete at once, preparing detailed proposals and campaigning for selection.

Today, the process is more collaborative. A National Olympic Committee first puts forward a city it wants considered. The city then enters a multi-year review phase where planners work with the International Olympic Committee to evaluate feasibility, venue plans, transportation, budgets, and public support. Once that review is complete, a final city is nominated and presented to all voting IOC members. The host city is chosen by a majority vote, with members from the candidate country abstaining.

3. How does a city prepare for hosting?

Planning usually begins 7 to 10 years ahead. The work focuses on improving existing venues, upgrading transportation services, coordinating security and broadcast needs, and making sure the city can handle large crowds. The goal is to use as many existing facilities as possible instead of building new ones.

4. Where are the next Summer Games being held?

The next Summer Games will take place in Los Angeles, USA. It will be LA’s third time hosting. Most events will use existing venues across the city and its surrounding region, with the exception of canoe slalom and softball, which will be held in Oklahoma City.

5. Why was LA selected as host this time?

Los Angeles was chosen because it already has many suitable venues, a large transportation network and experience hosting major international events. Its plan focuses on reuse, cost control and long term sustainability.

6. What is the theme for the LA 2028 Summer Games?

The LA Games center on a concept called “Games for All”, which highlights community benefits, citywide participation, and a more sustainable model of hosting. The vision for LA 2028 is less about building new monuments and more about celebrating the city’s creativity, sharing diverse stories, and leaving lasting social and cultural value in the community.

1. 1. What sports are included in the Summer Games?

   The Summer Games feature more than 30 sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, football, tennis, and many others. The exact program changes slightly each edition as new sports are added or rotated.

   For a full list of sports that will be featured in the upcoming Summer Games (LA 2028), check out our Summer Games event page.

   2. Which sports are new, returning, or removed?

   The sports program evolves as host cities propose additions. In recent years, events like skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking have been added. Older sports sometimes come off the program depending on global interest and feasibility.

   Learn more about the new and returning sports in the upcoming 2028 LA Summer Games.

   3. How are sports organized into categories?

   Sports are grouped into broad categories to make scheduling and venue planning easier. For example, aquatics covers swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo, and gymnastics includes artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline. Other categories include athletics, combat sports, team sports, cycling events, racquet sports, and more. These groupings make it easier to organize schedules, venues, and qualification systems.

   4. How do athletes qualify for the Summer Games?

   Each sport has its own qualification rules set by its international federation. Some sports rely on world rankings, while others use designated qualifying tournaments, continental championships, or specific performance standards like time or distance. To ensure global participation, there are limits on the number of athletes (per country) that can participate in each event. The hosting country also receives automatic qualification in many events.

   In other words, qualification is often a mix of merit, quotas, and regional balance.

   5. What do athletes win at the Summer Games?

   Athletes who finish in the top three earn gold, silver, or bronze medals, all designed specifically for each edition of the Games. Beyond medals, many countries award their athletes additional financial bonuses or national honors, but these are determined by individual governments or sports bodies, not the Summer Games themselves. Some athletes also gain long term career opportunities, sponsorships, or increased visibility after winning.

1. When should travelers start planning their Summer Games trip?

Most people start planning about 1-2 years in advance, especially if they want better accommodation options or flexibility with travel dates. Closer to the event, prices and availability can change quickly.

For a more detailed timeline, check out How to Plan Your Trip to the Summer Games. 

2. How does demand usually affect travel logistics?

Demand rises steadily as the event gets closer, which can affect flights, hotels, and transportation. Popular dates and major event days tend to fill up first. Travelers who book early generally have more choices and more predictable costs.

3. What accessibility standards do Summer Games venues follow?

Venues follow accessibility guidelines that support a wide range of mobility and sensory needs. This usually includes wheelchair-friendly routes, accessible seating, assisted listening services, service animal accommodations, and accessible transportation options to and from venues. Exact details vary by host city but accessibility is a core requirement for hosting.

4. What should travelers know about documentation and entry requirements?

Entry rules depend on the host country. Many visitors only need a standard passport, but some countries require visas or electronic travel authorizations. It is best to check official entry requirements early since processing times can vary.

1. How much does a typical Summer Games trip cost?

A Summer Games trip can vary a lot in price, but many travelers end up spending between $3,000 and $10,000 USD per person. This usually covers flights, accommodations, meals, local transportation, and attending a few events.

2. What factors influence pricing during the Summer Games?

Costs can be lower or higher depending on travel distance, choice of accommodation, duration of stay, and how many (and which) events someone attends. Prices tend to rise closer to the event, so make sure to book key expenses like lodging and flights as early as possible to secure better rates.

3. How can travelers budget for meals, transportation, and activities?

It helps to set a daily budget based on the host city’s typical prices for food, public transit, and local attractions. Many cities offer affordable options alongside more premium choices, so travelers can adjust based on their preferences.

4. What unexpected expenses should visitors plan for?

Visitors may run into higher than expected costs for food and drinks inside venues, surge pricing during major event days, and citywide price increases around popular sessions. In addition, event schedules can shift due to weather or timing delays, which sometimes means staying at a venue longer than planned or needing to adjust transportation. Having a small buffer helps with these kinds of last minute adjustments.

1. How early should spectators arrive for their event?

Most people arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the start time to get through security, find their seats, and settle in. Arriving earlier is helpful for high demand events or when traveling through busy transit hubs.

2. What security measures should visitors expect at Summer Games venues?

Most venues have airport style security with bag checks, metal detectors, and restrictions on the size and type of bags allowed. Lines can move slower during peak times, so arriving early helps avoid delays.

3. Which items are typically prohibited at major venues?

Common restrictions include large bags, glass containers, alcohol, drones, and items that can block views like umbrellas with long handles. Each host city publishes its own list, so travelers should check the rules before heading out.

4. What happens if weather disrupts outdoor events?

Outdoor events can be delayed, paused, or rescheduled if conditions become unsafe. Most delays are short, but occasionally events may shift to another time slot. Visitors should keep an eye on official updates and be prepared for longer days when weather is unpredictable.

5. What essential tips should first time attendees know?

Expect a lot of walking between venues, transit stops, and fan areas, so building extra time into your schedule helps reduce stress. Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and a portable charger since services can get crowded. It’s also a good idea to download official apps or maps ahead of time because cell service may slow down when many people are in the same area.

6. Can fans attend multiple events in one day?

Yes, many fans combine events, especially if venues are close to each other or the schedules do not overlap. However, travel time between venues can vary, so it helps to plan ahead and avoid tight transitions.

1.  What should visitors know about Los Angeles as the 2028 host city?

Los Angeles is known for its mix of entertainment, coastline, cultural diversity, and year round mild weather. It is one of the few cities to host the Summer Games three times, and its long history with major events means the region already has many world class venues. Visitors will find neighborhoods with distinct identities, from arts districts to beach towns to iconic film locations, all within the same metropolitan area.

2. Where will most events take place in Los Angeles?

Events will be spread across several clusters throughout the region, including Downtown LA, the Westside, Hollywood, the Valley, and coastal areas. Some sports, including canoe slalom and softball, will take place in Oklahoma City. For the full list of venues and the sporting events they will host, see our LA28 Venues  page.

3. What types of accommodations does Los Angeles offer?

Los Angeles has a wide range of hotels, including luxury properties, full service brands, and boutique stays in areas like Downtown, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Some travelers also choose short term rentals such as Airbnb for more space or flexibility, though availability varies during major events.

4. What is the food and culture scene like in Los Angeles?

LA is known for its global food landscape, spanning fine dining, regional cuisines from around the world, and local favorites found across dozens of communities. The city also offers major museums, film and music landmarks, outdoor art, and a creative scene rooted in its multicultural history. During the Games, event specific celebrations and cultural programming may take place around popular districts. More on Food and Culture in Los Angeles .

5. What can visitors do between events?

Many visitors explore beaches, museums, entertainment districts, scenic parks, or neighborhoods known for shopping and architecture. Options range from hiking in Griffith Park to exploring the coastline in Santa Monica or visiting well known film and media attractions. Temporary fan zones and citywide celebrations may also be available during the Games.