Going For The Gold: How PCL Construction Is Helping LA Prepare For 2028 Olympics

Like a world-class athlete preparing for a big event, Los Angeles is pulling out all the stops to get in shape to host the 2028 Olympics.

As the city prepares to host its third Olympic Games since 1932, PCL Construction will help shape LA’s infrastructure, venues and visitor experience with its renovation work at Los Angeles International Airport, Crypto.com Arena and the UCLA Olympic and Centennial Residence Hall, which will serve as the Olympic Village.

“With the Olympics just three years away, we're making sure accordingly every renovation doesn't just help prepare for the Games but also aids in LA’s future prosperity,” PCL General Superintendent Allen Hill said. 

He added that he is excited about his company’s role in helping shape people’s experiences of the LA Olympics, which for many will begin when they step off a plane at LAX.  

“One of the first things people notice about a country is their experience at the airport,” said Hill, who is leading the company’s work at LAX. “When athletes and spectators first step foot in LA, we want to create a positive first impression that they’ll remember for a lifetime.”

LAX: A Good First Impression

LAX is undergoing a $15B capital improvement program that will increase its capacity and improve the experience for international guests. PCL has already delivered $3B of work at LAX with two projects: Midfield Satellite Concourse and the LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, or ConRAC, Hill said.

The new 1.7M SF Midfield Satellite Concourse added 12 international gates at LAX, accessible by a passenger tunnel connected to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. This work also included the redevelopment of three existing gates and wayfinding signage to create an unparalleled passenger experience.

“We’ve created gates to handle both large and small aircraft, which took a lot of effort to put together,” he said. “Not only did we have to follow strict compliance measures but had to consider all ADA and life safety aspects such as boarding bridge slopes, fueling locations and pavement striping that all come into play for optimal gate efficiency.”

Hill said the facility wasn't initially designed for small aircraft, and this required PCL to work with Los Angeles World Airports and authorities having jurisdiction to ensure all fire ratings and code compliance could be sufficiently designed. Upgrades to bring the facility up to code were conducted while the airport performed uninterrupted daily operations. PCL also kept the work on schedule by setting up an airport work zone perimeter fence that meant its workers had landside access and didn't need to go through daily security checks. 

To help transport passengers and baggage to the new terminal, PCL constructed new underground tunnels. PCL connected to the existing international terminal beneath two taxiways to the Midfield Satellite Concourse, allowing for better pedestrian access flow.

Hill said PCL also installed a unique baggage handling system to help reduce delayed flights and maintenance costs while also enhancing the passenger experience. 

“Instead of using belts, we put in a tub system where an RFID scan is utilized to sort and help facilitate a smoother baggage process,” Hill said. “We've helped move passengers efficiently and kept more flights on schedule, something we are proud of with the millions of people coming to the 2028 Olympics.”

PCL’s work on the $1.2B ConRAC facility will provide parking for more than 18,000 rental vehicles and be able to accommodate a rental car leaving every two seconds. 

“ConRAC is one of the largest concrete structures in the U.S., with more than 6.4M SF of space,” Hill said. “When the facility is completed, it will connect to LAX’s Automated People Mover train system, providing timely access to terminals, parking, pickup and drop-off curbs, and LA’s light rail.”

Hill said that PCL also contributed to future-proofing the facility by incorporating the capacity of electric charging stations and a parking structure designed to accommodate autonomous vehicles.

'Amazing Experience' For Fans

PCL has also been integral in making sure that sports and entertainment venues such as Crypto.com Arena can accommodate the requirements of an Olympic-scale event. 

Crypto.com Arena, which is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Kings, will host the gymnastics events during the 2028 Games. 

The facility has been undergoing renovations to modernize the fan experience. Most of this work has been done during the offseasons, PCL Construction Manager Daniel Brown said. This is not only in preparation for the Olympics but for the sports teams as well. 

Brown said that although there are concerts, special events and other sports teams playing, PCL plans ahead to make the work easier and understands that public safety is a priority.

“This takes months of preparation with the owner, AEG, to find areas of the arena needing mechanical, electric and plumbing, delivering high-level finishes and utilizing these venues before IT teams, operations and even the teams themselves occupy it,” he said. 

Brown added that PCL’s work is not only about renovating the space but also making sure the guests have a top-notch experience in terms of food and beverage, entertainment and connectivity. 

Some of the upgraded amenities include grab-and-go concessions options with contactless payments, phone charging stations, high-speed internet and multiple screens for fans in each facility. Guests can also take advantage of VIP experiences with City View Terrace, which provides indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment options. 

All of these improvements will ensure that the venues meet visitors’ expectations long after the 2028 Olympics have become history, Brown said.

“The arena desires to have an amazing experience, not just at a concert or at the games, but have a one-stop shop to enjoy a premium meal, shop at various retail stands and enjoy everything LA Live has to offer,” he said.

It Takes A Village

Another area where PCL has helped prepare for the Olympics is the Olympic and Centennial Village at UCLA, where athletes will stay during the two-week Games. 

PCL had to deliver student housing to meet the needs of Olympic athletes, PCL District Manager Thai Nguyen said. 

“For projects like the Olympic Residence and Centennial Residence Halls, which will be part of the Olympic Village, we integrated flexibility into the design to ensure seamless transitions from student housing to world-class accommodations for athletes,” he said.

He added that PCL had leveraged advanced prefab techniques like modular bathrooms to ensure timely delivery and collaborated with UCLA and the design teams to ensure that every detail met the needs of both student living and then athlete accommodations.

This was just the start, as PCL worked to make the LEED Gold-certified facility more appealing for athletes with enhanced soundproofing and climate control for rooms, adding a more private and functional touch. 

Nguyen said that the work in the Olympic Village involves not just creating rooms but also building environments where students, visitors and athletes can thrive and coexist. 

“The Olympics are a showcase of excellence in today’s athletes, and they expect world-class facilities that prioritize accessibility, comfort and technology,” he said. “At PCL, we’ve evolved these spaces to meet these expectations with upgraded seating, enhanced athletic training, recovery areas like cold plunges, and smarter route management systems.”

Nguyen said these upgraded facilities will not only meet Olympic standards but also reflect the energy and spirit of the city. PCL takes those details into account because “the needs have changed and people demand more,” he said. 

A Lasting Impact

Nguyen said PCL is proud that its work will contribute to LA’s economy and its growth, especially after the financial burden of the LA wildfires this year.

“We’ve created thousands of construction jobs in our renovation work on the Olympic Village, LAX and multiple sports venues because of the Olympics,” Hill said. “We’re expecting this to have a lasting impact on the local workforce and community even after the Games are long gone and as we build a foundation for the city’s economic recovery.”

This article was produced in collaboration between PCL Construction and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.