It is still a couple of years away, but fans hoping to attend the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are already lining up for a chance to buy tickets - if they can get them.

The first round of the Olympic ticket lottery opened in January, marking the first wave for would-be spectators hoping to attend the Games. Registration for that round closed March 18.

Gary Friedman was among those who signed up. He said the Olympics have long been part of his life story. He attended events during the 1984 L.A. Games when he was just two years old. More than four decades later, he hopes to return.

His first attempt, however, fell short.

"You said you recently got an email - what did the email say?" Friedman was asked.

"It said my name wasn't chosen for this first group," he replied.

Fans selected in the initial lottery round are being notified between March 31 and April 7 with assigned time slots to purchase tickets. That first buying window runs from April 9 through April 19.

Those who miss out in this round will have additional opportunities in future ticket windows.

"I was hoping to get the first chance at tickets ... but maybe the next one will come through," Friedman said.

Bobby Chua, another hopeful fan, echoed that sentiment.

"It's terrible getting rejected. It's terrible," he said. "I'm super scared I'm going to get rejected, I'm just hoping I can get tickets to see the Olympics."

Meantime, preparations are already underway at venues across the Los Angeles area, including the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

With global attention expected to focus on L.A., demand for tickets is anticipated to be high.