Atlanta Will Host 2028 Olympic Torch Relay Plans
Mayor Andre Dickens will unveil details for a nationwide torch route on Tuesday morning.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Olympics
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On Tuesday, September 30, 2026, Mayor Andre Dickens will reveal plans for the 2028 Olympic Torch Relay. The route will span all 50 states over a period of three months leading up to the Los Angeles Games.
Why it matters
The announcement honors the connection between future host Los Angeles and Atlanta, which previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996. This relay serves to build national anticipation for the upcoming international competition.
The relay is scheduled to travel through all 50 states over a total duration of three months. This expansive route will officially conclude on July 14, 2028, at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
The players
Andre Dickens
He is the current Mayor of Atlanta who is leading the local announcement of the 2028 relay plans.
Casey Wasserman
He is a prominent sports executive who currently serves as the chairperson of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Janet Evans
She is a former Olympic gold medalist swimmer who serves as the Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Games.
Billy Payne
He is a former chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club who previously led the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Andrew Young
He is a former Mayor of Atlanta and U.S. Ambassador who played a key role in the city's successful bid for the 1996 Games.
The details
Mayor Andre Dickens will present the relay framework at an event featuring several high-profile guests including Casey Wasserman, Janet Evans, and Lonnie Ali. The gathering will also include appearances by Henrique Braun, Billy Payne, and Andrew Young.
Timeline
Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996.
The relay plans will be announced on September 30, 2026.
The Olympic opening ceremony takes place on July 14, 2028.
Season Trajectory
This relay marks a significant shift in the 2028 Olympic narrative by physically connecting the host city to every corner of the country. It mirrors the precedent set by the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta by reviving the city's legacy as a central hub for the modern Olympic movement.
The relay route ensures that all 50 states will have direct proximity to the torch during its three-month journey. Local communities across the country should prepare for potential event coordination as the relay makes its way to the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028.
The takeaway
The nationwide torch relay serves as a vital tool for building excitement and community engagement ahead of the 2028 Games. Residents can monitor upcoming announcements to see if the torch path passes through their specific region during the three-month tour.
Further reading
For more background on regional involvement in global athletic events, visit the Olympics section.
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