In the sweltering heat of a Los Angeles summer, thousands of fans will pour into the city, tickets in hand, hearts pounding, as a historic moment unfolds—not at a massive stadium or sprawling sports complex—but on the very set where Hollywood magic is made.
It’s not a movie this time. It’s real.
The Olympic Invasion of Universal Studios Hollywood
The 2028 Summer Olympics are coming to LA County, and for the first time ever, a major Olympic event will be held inside Universal Studios Hollywood. So, what’s happening? And more importantly, why might your Hollywood vacation plans need a serious rethink?
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the venues hosting events for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Universal’s iconic backlot will host Squash, one of the new sports making its debut at the games. Matches will take place at the Courthouse Square. #LA28 – @AshleyLCarter on X
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the venues hosting events for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Universal's iconic backlot will host Squash, one of the new sports making its debut at the games. Matches will take place at the Courthouse Square. #LA28 pic.twitter.com/jC19XiPCXo
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 15, 2025
Universal Studios Hollywood will serve as one of the official venues for the 2028 Summer Olympics. One of the newest additions to the Olympic Games—Squash—is scheduled to take place on the iconic Universal backlot, an area known for decades of cinematic history, from Back to the Future to War of the Worlds.
This means that what’s usually a tranquil studio tour will be transformed into a full-blown sporting arena. For the first time in Olympic history, the same cobbled streets that hosted fictional disasters and car chases will echo with the intensity of real-life competition. But behind the excitement lies a logistical storm waiting to hit.
Expect Historic Crowds—and Historic Headaches
While it’s thrilling to imagine Olympic glory unfolding at Universal, here’s the truth for everyday guests: 2028 could be the worst time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood.
Why?
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Massive Crowds: With LA being the central hub for the Olympics, crowds will be at an all-time high—millions of tourists, fans, athletes, officials, and media will flood the region. Universal Studios, already a popular destination, will become an even bigger hotspot.
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Hotel Shortages: Reports already suggest that hotels and resorts across Los Angeles County are preparing for full bookings years in advance. Nearby accommodations, even budget-friendly ones, will either be sold out or marked up to eye-watering rates.
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Transit Turmoil: LA traffic is bad on a normal day. Add an Olympic Games to the mix and expect gridlock. Freeways near Universal (like the 101 and 134) could be congested for hours at a time, impacting access to the theme park itself.
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Park Modifications: Hosting the Olympics means potential closures of certain parts of the park—particularly the backlot, a huge attraction on the Studio Tour. Universal may restrict access or reroute experiences to accommodate security, athletes, and media.
Could the Olympics Change Universal Forever?
There’s also a larger, long-term angle here. With the eyes of the world on Universal Studios Hollywood in 2028, it’s possible the park could lean into this once-in-a-lifetime spotlight by investing in future changes—revamping attractions, altering crowd flow, or even building new infrastructure to support the event.
While that sounds like good news for future guests, those traveling in the actual Olympic year may encounter temporary fencing, construction zones, or redirected guest experiences—something that could diminish the magic for first-time visitors.
So, Should You Cancel Your Universal Trip?
If you’re dreaming of a 2028 Universal vacation, the short answer is: consider rescheduling.
The better years to visit? Try 2026 or 2027 to beat the Olympic surge, or even wait for 2029 once things have calmed down and the park potentially unveils post-Olympics upgrades. And if you’re dead set on visiting during that summer, book early—like now early—and prepare for limited flexibility, steep costs, and massive crowds.
The 2028 Olympics will undoubtedly be a historic moment for Los Angeles and for Universal Studios Hollywood. Seeing squash played on a movie set might be a dream for sports and cinema fans alike. But for families hoping for a casual park day filled with Minions, Hogwarts, and Transformers, the Olympic buzz might quickly turn into Olympic burnout.
So, as the world turns its eyes to Hollywood’s biggest summer in decades, ask yourself:
Do you want to be part of the crowd, or beat it entirely?
