Cleveland Could Host 2028 Olympic Torch Relay
Cleveland could serve as a key stop for the Olympic flame as the city considers hosting a portion of the national torch relay. An emergency ordinance, filed as 1176-2026, would authorize 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 the relay through the city.
What's in the file
According to the 1176-2026-Legislative Summary-LA Torch Run, the proposal would allow the city to host the relay as part of a national tour across all 50 states, with Cleveland serving as the final stop in Ohio. The legislation seeks to create a unique community opportunity by partnering with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to execute the event.
The summary outlines several specific parameters for the proposed event:
- Event Window: The relay would take place on one day between May 1, 2027, and May 10, 2027.
- Route Length: The relay path would be no longer than five miles.
- Activities: The city would host the torch relay alongside a "fanfest" and other related activities, which could include featuring local Olympians.
- Financial Terms: LA28 would not pay special event fees, and the City would cover internal hosting costs such as security, waste collection, road closures, and special event support like tents and seating.
- Staffing: The City would work with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to secure volunteers to support the relay.
Who may be affected
The record names the following groups and departments:
- Department of Parks and Recreation: Tasked with entering into the agreements and overseeing the relay.
- Greater Cleveland Sports Commission: Partnering with the City to execute the event and manage volunteers.
- Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 (LA28): The entity entering into the host agreement.
Status and timeline
- September 25, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced and received 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.
Key facts
- Proposed relay window
- May 1, 2027 - May 10, 2027
- Maximum relay distance
- five miles
Source record
- File
- 1176-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- September 24, 2026
Official documents
- 1176-2026-Ag w Los Angeles Organizing Comm for 2028 Olympics for torch relay
- 1176-2026-Legislative Summary -LA Torch Run-FINAL 10132026