Cleveland Could Host 2028 Olympic Torch Relay

Cleveland may soon host a piece of international history as the city explores bringing the Olympic flame to its streets. An emergency ordinance, filed as 1176-2026, proposes authorizing the Mayor and the Director of Parks and Recreation to enter into a host agreement with the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 (LA28) to bring a torch relay through the City of Cleveland.

## What's in the file
The proposed legislation would allow the Director of Parks and Recreation to sign contracts with LA28 to host a portion of the national torch relay, which is intended to travel through all 50 states. According to the 1176-2026-Legislative Summary-LA Torch Run, Cleveland is positioned as the final stop in Ohio before the relay moves to the next state.

The planned event details include:
* Timeline: A one-day event occurring between May 1, 2027, and May 10, 2027.
* Route: A relay path no longer than five miles.
* Activities: The city would host the torch relay along with a "fanfest" and other related activities, potentially featuring local Olympians.
* Partnerships: The City would work with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to execute the event and assist in securing volunteers.
* Costs: While LA28 would not be charged special event fees, the City would cover internal hosting costs, such as security, waste collection, road closures, and event support like seating and tents.

The LA28 organizing committee's broader games plan emphasizes using existing venues to maintain fiscal responsibility and a high-quality fan experience Official Games Plan for the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics.

## Who may be affected
The record specifically names the following groups and departments:
* Department of Parks and Recreation
* The Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 (LA28)
* Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

## Status and timeline
The emergency ordinance was introduced to City Council on September 25, 2026, and has completed its first reading.

Residents can verify the details of this proposal by reviewing the official record for File No. 1176-2026 at the Cleveland City Council website.

Source record

File
1176-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
First Reading
Committee
City Council
Introduced
September 24, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources