The Route Is Being Built City by City
LA28 has promised that the 2028 relay will visit all 50 states, starting in Atlanta in spring 2028. It hasn't published a route yet, and won't until 2027. But you can already see the route taking shape in city council agendas.
LA28's September 29 announcement said the relays "will be brought to life through a nationwide collaboration among cities, states, communities and partners." LA28 chair Casey Wasserman added that "in the months ahead, we look forward to welcoming even more cities and partners." The mechanism is a contract called a Torch Relay Agreement.
Cities That Have Acted So Far
| City | What happened | When |
|---|
| Fresno, California | City Council approved a Torch Relay Agreement with LA28, including Addendums A through D, on its consent calendar | June 25, 2026 |
| South Lake Tahoe, California | Council voted 5-0 to let the mayor sign the agreement; the city says it was considered as a "final day" city with a cauldron lighting | July 2026 |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | Council voted 10-0 to serve as an official relay host city | August 13, 2026 |
| Springfield, Missouri | Council considered an ordinance to enter a Torch Relay Agreement; the city says it was selected as a partner city | August 2026 |
| Tampa, Florida | A resolution to join the relay "at no cost to the City" came before council | September 3, 2026 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | Named the relay's first US stop at an announcement at City Hall | September 29, 2026 |
| Phoenix, Arizona | Council unanimously approved a contract for the relay and a cauldron lighting community event | October 7, 2026 |
| Savannah, Georgia | Council approved an agreement; a community task force will choose torchbearers and the local route | October 8, 2026 |
The October votes, and what the agreement asks of a city, are in the cities signing on.
LA28's own answer to "How can my city get involved?" is that "the route is currently being carefully planned in conjunction with cities and towns across the country," and that "after the route is published, we will share opportunities for communities to further engage with the Relays."
LA28 hasn't published a list of participating cities. In Fresno the agreement passed as a routine consent item, so others can go through with little notice.
What a Torch Relay Agreement Asks of a City
Fresno's staff report said LA28's guidelines "remain confidential at this stage of the consideration process," so the full terms aren't public. Springfield's deputy city manager, Colin Quigley, described what his city would provide:
- Planning, advisory and operational support
- A community task force
- Emergency and medical services
- Waste management
- Traffic management
The city handles the street-level work: closing roads, staffing the route, cleaning up, and keeping people safe. Earlier reporting on Fresno's invitation described the same local task force helping to shape the route and choose torchbearers in its area. (More on how stops get chosen.)
Visit Springfield's CEO, Mark Hequet, gave the reason a city signs up: "linking into LA28 will create a national and international audience."
Why This Matters If You Want to Carry the Torch
Community torchbearers have always been a big share of American relays. In 1996 most torchbearers were local "community heroes." If cities with Torch Relay Agreements set up local task forces, those task forces are one of the most direct routes to a torch for someone whose case is local: a coach, a teacher, a volunteer, a neighbor.
That makes your city council one of the places to watch. If your town signs an agreement, the task force it creates is who to talk to.
How to Find Out if Your City Is In
- Search your city council agendas for "Torch Relay Agreement" or "LA28." Most cities post agendas and minutes online, often through a system called Legistar.
- Ask your council member's office. Agreements go through city managers and mayors' offices before they reach a vote.
- Ask your state. State governments are part of LA28's "collaboration among cities, states, communities and partners," so your governor's office or state tourism agency may know first.
- Watch for 2027. LA28 will publish the full route then.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a city get the 2028 Olympic torch relay?
By signing a Torch Relay Agreement with LA28. Fresno, California approved one in June 2026, and Springfield, Missouri took one up in August 2026.
What does a city have to provide?
In Springfield's description: planning and operational support, a community task force, and emergency, medical, waste and traffic services. The full LA28 guidelines are confidential.
Will the torch come to my town?
It will come to your state, since LA28 has confirmed all 50. Which towns will be known when the route is published in 2027. Find your state's page.
Where I Come In
I'm from Santa Monica, and I'm trying to carry the flame for one mile of this relay. If you'd back me when nominations open, add your name here and I'll send you the link.
