News Summary
Peter Rice has been named the head of ceremonies and content for the LA28 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Tasked with overseeing the opening and closing ceremonies, Rice will utilize his extensive experience in the entertainment industry to create memorable events celebrating Los Angeles’ culture and legacy. The ceremonies will be held at iconic venues, with expectations for a substantial budget to showcase the city as a global entertainment capital. Rice emphasizes the importance of honoring both sporting excellence and creative diversity.
Los Angeles – Peter Rice has been appointed the head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles, as announced by LA28 organizers. In this significant role, Rice will oversee the physical production and creative vision of the opening and closing ceremonies for both events scheduled to take place in 2028.
The opening ceremony is set to occur at two iconic venues: the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, while the closing ceremony will be hosted exclusively at the Coliseum. These ceremonies are pivotal moments in the Olympic tradition and will celebrate not only sporting excellence but also the unique cultural landscape of Los Angeles. Rice has expressed his excitement about creating ceremonies that honor the rich legacy of the Coliseum while also looking forward to the innovative contributions represented by SoFi Stadium.
LA28 President and Chairperson Casey Wasserman has commended Rice’s extensive experience in creativity, operational insight, and production excellence as ideal qualifications for this prominent position. With over two decades at 21st Century Fox, where he rose to the role of president, Rice brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in the entertainment industry.
After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, Rice took on the role of chairman of Disney’s TV content division. He was rumored to be a potential successor to CEO Bob Iger, but was ousted from Disney in 2022 over concerns related to culture fit within the organization. Since leaving, Rice has been working as an independent producer, aligning with A24 and engaging in various film and television projects.
While the specific budget for the LA28 ceremonies has not been disclosed, it is anticipated to be substantial, particularly when considering the reported $108 million budget for the opening ceremonies of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Wasserman has underscored the importance of the ceremonies exceeding expectations and creatively showcasing Los Angeles as the global entertainment capital. Rice’s extensive network of relationships in the entertainment industry is expected to be instrumental in attracting talent and talent to the ceremonies.
The opening ceremony for the Olympic Games will take place on July 14, 2028, followed by the closing ceremony on July 20, 2028. The Paralympic Games are scheduled to hold their opening ceremony on August 15, 2028, and the closing ceremony on August 27, 2028. Throughout these events, Rice is dedicated to celebrating both the spirit of sporting excellence and the rich creative diversity found in Los Angeles.
In a recent interview, Rice reflected on his long-standing relationship with Wasserman and affirmed his honor in taking on this role in his hometown. His commitment to crafting memorable and innovative ceremonies aligns with the expectations set forth by LA28 as the world watches Los Angeles prepare to celebrate its athletes and culture on a global stage.
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Additional Resources
- Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: 2028 Summer Olympics
- Wikipedia: Peter Rice (business executive)
