Chicago's Bid for the 2016 Olympic Games

[pcgd]

If Chicago gets the bid

would Millwaukee, Indianapolis, or possibly Detroit have an event or two?

DC, Miami, and Orlando helped host the 96 olympic soccer games

Some soccer games might be played elsewhere. Otherwise all Chicago. Downstate may get an event or two tossed its way to fend off outright revolution, but that's it.

I know University of Minnesota's brand new TCF Bank Stadium, Northwestern's Ryan Field, and Soldier Field are all scheduled to host soccer matches.

The best thing I think about our is the fact that most of the venues are existing. Ryan Field, Soldier Field, TCF Bank Stadium, United Center, Allstate Arena, Chicago State University, and McCormick place already takes care of 14 events.

What's McCormick Place hosting? Isn't it just a bunch of HUGE warehouses (more or less...obviously they are carpeted...)

*(edit...jeez do some research pat. They are going to host a ton of stuff there...I'm an idiot)

The 100,000 seat stadium is designed to be temporary. Its not like they are building the Big House and then tearing it down into an amphitheater. It should really help out that part of town with the housing and everything. Plus, that area is where the Great Columbian Exposition was held...otherwise known as the 1896 world's fair. Which for some odd reason I can't get enough of reasearching about. Read "Devil in the White City" everyone. Its a true story about it. It'll creep you out.

Although I don't live there anymore...I will try to make it to one event (if they have it) and avoid it like the plague the rest of the time.

[no97]

I know this is an old thread, but with Obama winning the election tonight, does that perhaps boost Chicago's chances for the Olympics?

If you walk around downtown Chicago, there's ads all over the place for the Chicago2016.org site and how you can get the word out.

I believe there is a very strong possibility this was locked up tonight.

As an Illinois taxpayer...d@mnit.

Obama stumped for the Games this morning...

Moose

[rams80]

I know this is an old thread, but with Obama winning the election tonight, does that perhaps boost Chicago's chances for the Olympics?

If you walk around downtown Chicago, there's ads all over the place for the Chicago2016.org site and how you can get the word out.

I believe there is a very strong possibility this was locked up tonight.

As an Illinois taxpayer...d@mnit.

Obama stumped for the Games this morning...

Moose

I wish he'd focus on getting us a college football playoff.

[dfwabel]

Since the decision is impending, I thought that I would bump following a long hiatus and avoid others starting a new thread.

Below is a link to the report from IOC's Evaluation Committee which was released on September 2.

link to IOC Evaluation of Bid Cities for 2016 Summer Games

1-Chicago's report underlined sponsorships, transportation and guarantees. The IOC recognizes that the Chicago 2016 sponsorship programme is "extensive" and the expenditure budget is "significant" and "the Commission considers the budget to be ambitious but achievable". This will raise some concern to the risk averse members of the Committee.

Transportation around the McCormick Place Complex is a concern and is described on the report as a "challenge".

The report discusses Chicago's request to amend the host city contract and the lack of a blanket financial guarantee. The request was refused, but since the site visit further deveopments have occured with Chicago's financial plans and the issue may be alleviated.

The IOC found that 67% of Chicagoans supported the bid while 61% across the United States were behind it.

2-Tokyo's bid scored the highest marks on the initial evaluation report but the IOC was a bit more critical this time around. By an IOC poll, public support in the City was found to be only 56%; and 55% nationally.

The report indicated there was a discrepency in documentation provided to the IOC. "During the venue visits, it became apparent to the Commission that a number of venues listed as existing would in fact need to be built. This lack of clarity could have communications and legacy implications".

Evaluators had concerns about traffic around the proposed Olympic Village and Olympic Stadium - and they questioned the size of the land allocated for the construction of the Olympic Stadium. However, they did indicate that ii was a very compact venue plan.

The report describes concerns that hotel rates may be very high during the preparation for the Games.

The IOC commended Tokyo's bid committee for their socially and environmentally sustainable plan and their achievable budget.

"Although some on-site presentations and venue plans lacked detail and clarity, documentation and information presented by key organisations involved in the bid was of a high quality" the report concluded.

3-Rio de Janeiro is considered the sentimental bid - offering an opportunity to hold the Games in South America for the first tme. The bid team was commended for their presentations and documentation that was of "very high quality" - but there were technical concerns.

The IOC remarked on the challenge of securing accomodations, especially guarantees on cruise ships - seven years in advance. Other hurdles include potentially long transportation times due to the complex topography and public safety issues, presumeably due to crime; however, the IOC notes that Rio is working on strategies to improve these items.

The report noted the potential conflict with the FIFA World Cup in 2014; "While hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup will accelerate infrastructure delivery and provide valuable organisational experience, it also represents a challenge with respect to 2016 Games marketing and communications strategies".

An IOC poll showed 85% support for the bid in Rio and 69% across Brazil.

4-Madrid received unusual criticism for a bid city with fresh experience.

The report indicated that the bid book and documents "did not demonstrate a full understanding of the need for clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, including financial, between different stakeholders...this could result in organizational and financial challenges."

"Documentation and presentations provided to the Commission by the key organizations involved in the bid varied in quality."

It seems as if the bid committee was not properly prepared and this perception could resonate as a weakness if they were elected to host the Games.

But the bid received praise for the strong public support of 85% in Madrid and 86% across Spain, as well as a compact and efficient plan that would result in short travel times.

[The_Admiral]

Even the Mormons looked dirty and corrupt when they tried putting on the Olympics. Wait till you see what the pros can do!

[FiddySicks]

"Los Angeles Olympics" just feels right, and I'd rather let it be their problem.

Same here

To expand a little....

The 1984 Games in LA seem to be "The Games that saved the Olympics". The Olympics as we know them today date from the success and extravaganza that was Los Angeles in 1984. Better yet, they are recent enough that they should be able to get away with renovating the facilites as opposed to having waves of new construction.

Problem is that California's financial situation isn't any better than Illinois'. In fact, it's probably worse.

[rams80]

Was it that bad two years ago?

[TBGKon]

If Chicago gets the bid

would Millwaukee, Indianapolis, or possibly Detroit have an event or two?

DC, Miami, and Orlando helped host the 96 olympic soccer games

Some soccer games might be played elsewhere. Otherwise all Chicago. Downstate may get an event or two tossed its way to fend off outright revolution, but that's it.

I know University of Minnesota's brand new TCF Bank Stadium, Northwestern's Ryan Field, and Soldier Field are all scheduled to host soccer matches.

The best thing I think about our is the fact that most of the venues are existing. Ryan Field, Soldier Field, TCF Bank Stadium, United Center, Allstate Arena, Chicago State University, and McCormick place already takes care of 14 events.

Based on the Chicago 2016 host site, Northwestern's Ryan Field will be home to the Modern Pentathalon, so no soccer.

As of recent, 6 sites are used for the Olympic Soccer Tourney. Under those assumptions, I can see them definitely utilizing:

- Soldier Field, Chicago

- TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

- Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

And three of the following:

- Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL

- LP Field, Nashville

- Browns Stadium, Cleveland

- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

There could be others to consider, but I'd assume these are frontrunners.

[FiddySicks]

Was it that bad two years ago?

I noticed the post was two years old just after I replied, but even then things weren't good. The deficit was around 10 billion, and it's nearly 5 times that now.

[rams80]

Woooooooooooooooooo!

Good luck Brazil, Japan, or Spain. I hope you like your taxes high and your economic collapses long.

ESPN Chicago link

[Saintsfan]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

Down to Madrid and Rio. Rio favourite in my book given Europe has 2012 Olympics.

[rams80]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

And then 20 years paying it off.

How many of those buildings in Beijing are empty at the moment?

[dfwabel]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

Down to Madrid and Rio. Rio favourite in my book given Europe has 2012 Olympics.

Sadly, I think they will reward a former IOC President in Juan Antonio Samaranch (a former Facist), with another Games in Spain. Especially since Samaranch?s fascist record is taboo at the IOC. It is 50/50.

After reading the book "Dishonored Games" and the book from former IOC VP Dick Pound, the self-titled "Olympic Movement" is bag of nothing and would not survive without the television money from the US.

[Saintsfan]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

And then 20 years paying it off.

How many of those buildings in Beijing are empty at the moment?

China did get a shiny new national stadium and lots of other high quality sports venues out of it. The Atlanta Braves got a new stadium, and I am sure lots of other high quality venues. Potential Olympic venues have to put a lot of thought and effort into creating a legacy. A lot of sponsors pay a lot for the costs of the games. They do create jobs and money, so I wouldn't be quite so dismissive.

[Saintsfan]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

Down to Madrid and Rio. Rio favourite in my book given Europe has 2012 Olympics.

Sadly, I think they will reward a former IOC President in Juan Antonio Samaranch (a former Facist), with another Games in Spain. Especially since Samaranch?s fascist record is taboo at the IOC. It is 50/50.

After reading the book "Dishonored Games" and the book from former IOC VP Dick Pound, the self-titled "Olympic Movement" is bag of nothing and would not survive without the television money from the US.

They already gave Barcelona the games in 92 for Samaranch, and he is a Barcelonian. Also Rio would be convenient for US TV.

[dfwabel]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

And then 20 years paying it off.

How many of those buildings in Beijing are empty at the moment?

China did get a shiny new national stadium and lots of other high quality sports venues out of it. The Atlanta Braves got a new stadium, and I am sure lots of other high quality venues. Potential Olympic venues have to put a lot of thought and effort into creating a legacy. A lot of sponsors pay a lot for the costs of the games. They do create jobs and money, so I wouldn't be quite so dismissive.

The Bird's Nest has not staged any athletics event since last year's Summer Games, plus they build other facilities, including another 80,000 seater which was never used.

[The_Admiral]

lololololololol

[Cujo]

After reading the book "Dishonored Games" and the book from former IOC VP Dick Pound...

I beg your pardon?

[Brian in Boston]

... the self-titled "Olympic Movement" is bag of nothing and would not survive without the television money from the US.

Which is why, with NBC's broadcast rights package to the Olympic Games set to run-out after the 2012 London Summer games, Chicago seemingly was a lock to join Rio as a finalist. Nothing ups the U.S. television ante quite like awarding the games to a U.S. city.

That said, the USOC's recent squabble with the IOC over the former organization's unilateral plan to launch its own cable channel undoubtedly rankled many delegates who may well have taken this opportunity to send the U.S. a reminder of just where it stands in the Olympic hierarchy of the 21st Century. I couldn't understand the USOC engaging in the brinksmanship about the cable television plans so close to a vote about awarding the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It may well have played a significant role in costing Chicago the right to play host.

Also, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's impassioned plea on behalf of Rio's bid to become the host of the first South American Olympic Games was reportedly phenomenal, trumping President Obama's more reserved speech touting Chicago.

[The_Admiral]

Its funny how noone wants the games until they get it!! And then they spend 5 or 6 years complaining about it, and then have 2 freaking awesome weeks watching the best of world sport.

The Bears > women with testicles