Chicago - Final Four 2016 Olympics

[TexasTerror]

Here's the list for 2016 Summer Olympics. 2008 is China and 2012 is England. One would think that the Olympics would not go to Madrid because they are going to England in 2012. Would they go to Tokyo so soon after going to China?

ATHENS, Greece -- The IOC has picked four finalists in the bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Making the cut are Chicago; Tokyo; Madrid, Spain, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Three cities were eliminated from the race -- Doha, Qatar; Prague, Czech Republic, and Baku, Azerbaijan.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=3425680

[Syntax Error]

SWEET HOME CHICAGO!

[Grizalltheway]

By 2016 it'll have been 20 years since they were in America, so I don't see why not.

[Dane96]

I have a VERY INSIDE SOURCE (Associate Director of Marketing and Event Services) who is pretty confident Chicago is the final two, based on the bids they have seen...no matter WHAT THE IOC is saying.

It is almost TOO perfect a city for it. Oddly enough, our own committee was disappointed with PHILLY's bid. They really thought Philly could have been a great fit...but they screwed the pooch.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

I've been wanting to bring the games to Minnesota... but in the planning we were told that Chicago will basically be allowed to bid until they get it.

but no American city has ever made the final four without getting it... so folks... Chicago 2016 it is!

[Cobblestone]

I have a VERY INSIDE SOURCE (Associate Director of Marketing and Event Services) who is pretty confident Chicago is the final two, based on the bids they have seen...no matter WHAT THE IOC is saying.

It is almost TOO perfect a city for it. Oddly enough, our own committee was disappointed with PHILLY's bid. They really thought Philly could have been a great fit...but they screwed the pooch.

Dane,

What are some of the factors that go into making such a decision. I imagine the public transportation system must be at the top of the list or darn near close to it. Obviously venues available to host the events would be another. Security goes without saying. I'm just curious what other criteria is looked at.

[Cobblestone]

I've been wanting to bring the games to Minnesota... but in the planning we were told that Chicago will basically be allowed to bid until they get it.

but no American city has ever made the final four without getting it... so folks... Chicago 2016 it is!

NYC was amoung the final four being considered for the 2012 games.

[ISUMatt]

Olympics in Chicago would mean a TON of work for ISUMatt in the 7 years leading up to it as everything needs to be built!!!

[TwinTownBisonFan]

NYC was amoung the final four being considered for the 2012 games.

I thought they were in the final 8, but were put off for London, Paris, Moscow and Madrid. (after fact checking it turns out there were 5 finalists) I stand firmly corrected.

I'd love to work on that project in CHI... Put my experience in public policy and sports stadiums (seriously, they let me STUDY that) to work on such a cool project. Helping get the Twins stadium was excellent... this would be epic.

[dbackjon]

Go Chicago!!

[danefan]

I thought they were in the final 8, but were put off for London, Paris, Moscow and Madrid. (after fact checking it turns out there were 5 finalists) I stand firmly corrected.

I'd love to work on that project in CHI... Put my experience in public policy and sports stadiums (seriously, they let me STUDY that) to work on such a cool project. Helping get the Twins stadium was excellent... this would be epic.

Did you write any good articles or papers on the topic? If so I'd be interested in reading them. xthumbsupx

[Dane96]

Dane,

What are some of the factors that go into making such a decision. I imagine the public transportation system must be at the top of the list or darn near close to it. Obviously venues available to host the events would be another. Security goes without saying. I'm just curious what other criteria is looked at.

I am talking to her this weekend...so I will ask more. But, from what she has told me the following order is paramount:

1. Transportation
2. Available venues
3. Revenue Guarantee
4. Weather
5. Security

There is a big deal about weather. They were not happy with Hotlanta....and Athens as well.

Philly just was not organized. In order of who they wanted to give it to: NEW YORK (died when the stadium died), Philly, San Fran/Chicago, and San Diego.

THE USOC might be moving to San Diego. In any event, the city they would LOVE to hold it in is BOSTON...but our transportation system is one of the absolute WORST.

Facility-wise, aside from T&F/Opening Ceromony stadium, this City (utilizing others around it) is PRIMO for the games. They have all the venues you could ever want...and all the olympic housing you can ever want.

Menino, when approached, wouldn't even LISTEN. Dbag. And...alot of the committee hails from NEngland.

[Dane96]

I thought they were in the final 8, but were put off for London, Paris, Moscow and Madrid. (after fact checking it turns out there were 5 finalists) I stand firmly corrected.

I'd love to work on that project in CHI... Put my experience in public policy and sports stadiums (seriously, they let me STUDY that) to work on such a cool project. Helping get the Twins stadium was excellent... this would be epic.

NY WAS A SHOO-IN. It was only after the W. Side stadium went down that the USOC (not the IOC) pulled the NY bids for 2012 and 2016.

[jessesd]

I may be the only one here, but I think Rio has a better chance of hosting the summer games than Chicago has due to the current economy and set of world events surrounding the games and lets not forget the unspoken policies of spreading the games around the world more evenly.

I agree that Madrid and Tokyo chances are limited by the next Olympics in Beijing and London and everyone else outside the USA is unhappy with so many games hoseted in North America as a whole, (St. Louis, LA Twice, Montral, Mexico, ATL and countless of Winters editions).

Facilities... Rio de Janeiro has Maracana stadium still an impresive venue with a lowered capacity of 100k and about 5 other large soccer stadiums that can be converted to track and field, brand new arenas and aquatic centers both with larger than 15k capacities built in 2007 and several other arenas in the 10k size, and lets not forget.......Copacabana Beach, tons of hotels and turist friendly city, their subway system is getting enlarged and public transportation is huge (they still have traffic issues like any other larger city of their size)!!!

Crimewise and safety factor is not much different than Chicago and maybe a bit safer than areas of Atlanta and New York City and Summers in Rio are not too hot since is officially winter in the southern Hemisphere and due to the current economies the cost of the games will be much lower and larger profit margins....xtwocentsx xtwocentsx

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Did you write any good articles or papers on the topic? If so I'd be interested in reading them. xthumbsupx

My senior thesis on: "Publicly financed stadiums and arenas: boon or boondoggle" was lost to the blasterworm in 2003. xnonono2x xnonono2x

My conclusion was essentially this: "When a stadium project is used as an impetus for significant transportation and infrastructure improvements, as well as an anchor for ongoing economic redevelopment in a given location, a stadium project can benefit a project substantially. Whether in boosting political support for the project, or serving as an areas primary tenant for 30 years... these are the projects that have found success. In addition, the real benefit of these projects is as a feather in the cap for the city building the facility. They serve as matters of civic pride.

Notable disasters I studied:
Cincinnati's G.A. Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium - massive site, limited chance for new development, not a terribly good calling card for the city

Miller Park in Milwaukee... in the middle of a sea of parking lots, no nearby development happening

Seattle's Safeco Field - at the time... it's improved with Qwest Field... a remarkable Stadium... but Safeco was WAY over budget, and doesn't market a beautiful city at all.

Notable successes
Jacobs Field - Cleveland. Brilliant siting, part of the redevelopment of the downtown that has revitalized the city.

PNC Park - best panorama in all of sports, accompanied by infrastructure... huge source of pride (even if the Pirates stink)

Turner Field - Atlanta. While this is not the greatest ballpark in sports, it showed brilliant civic foresight to build Olympic Stadium so that it could be converted, and while it hasn't been a boon for redevelopment in Atlanta, it was the most creative re-purposing of what would otherwise be a white elephant.

I studied a lot on the subject of funding mechanisms, what worked, what best served the public interest, etc.

[Dane96]

I may be the only one here, but I think Rio has a better chance of hosting the summer games than Chicago has due to the current economy and set of world events surrounding the games and lets not forget the unspoken policies of spreading the games around the world more evenly.

I agree that Madrid and Tokyo chances are limited by the next Olympics in Beijing and London and everyone else outside the USA is unhappy with so many games hoseted in North America as a whole, (St. Louis, LA Twice, Montral, Mexico, ATL and countless of Winters editions).

Facilities... Rio de Janeiro has Maracana stadium still an impresive venue with a lowered capacity of 100k and about 5 other large soccer stadiums that can be converted to track and field, brand new arenas and aquatic centers both with larger than 15k capacities built in 2007 and several other arenas in the 10k size, and lets not forget.......Copacabana Beach, tons of hotels and turist friendly city, their subway system is getting enlarged and public transportation is huge (they still have traffic issues like any other larger city of their size)!!!

Crimewise and safety factor is not much different than Chicago and maybe a bit safer than areas of Atlanta and New York City and Summers in Rio are not too hot since is officially winter in the southern Hemisphere and due to the current economies the cost of the games will be much lower and larger profit margins....xtwocentsx xtwocentsx

Negative. Been to Brazil...and am going back in October...so I am not anti the place. Even the World Cup may even have issues. Terrible facilities...and big time crime, which is rarely stopped by police who are on the constant take. Plus...transportation is a MAJOR issue.

If...if they do find this oil to be big...and if....if they have significant changes...maybe. Right now...the the other cities have more to give the IOC. Rio...is ONE BIG "IF." If everything goes as planned...yep...big-time challenger.

[Grizalltheway]

I am talking to her this weekend...so I will ask more. But, from what she has told me the following order is paramount:

1. Transportation
2. Available venues
3. Revenue Guarantee
4. Weather
5. Security

There is a big deal about weather. They were not happy with Hotlanta....and Athens as well.

Philly just was not organized. In order of who they wanted to give it to: NEW YORK (died when the stadium died), Philly, San Fran/Chicago, and San Diego.

THE USOC might be moving to San Diego. In any event, the city they would LOVE to hold it in is BOSTON...but our transportation system is one of the absolute WORST.

Facility-wise, aside from T&F/Opening Ceromony stadium, this City (utilizing others around it) is PRIMO for the games. They have all the venues you could ever want...and all the olympic housing you can ever want.

Menino, when approached, wouldn't even LISTEN. Dbag. And...alot of the committee hails from NEngland.

The how on earth did London get them? xsmhx

[Dane96]

Summer is pretty sweet in London. I have never been there in July and August when it was overly hot or muggy.

Not sure what you are getting at here.

[Grizalltheway]

Summer is pretty sweet in London. I have never been there in July and August when it was overly hot or muggy.

Not sure what you are getting at here.

I just assumed it was rainy there most of, if not all of the time.

[Cobblestone]

I am talking to her this weekend...so I will ask more. But, from what she has told me the following order is paramount:

1. Transportation
2. Available venues
3. Revenue Guarantee
4. Weather
5. Security

There is a big deal about weather. They were not happy with Hotlanta....and Athens as well.

Philly just was not organized. In order of who they wanted to give it to: NEW YORK (died when the stadium died), Philly, San Fran/Chicago, and San Diego.

THE USOC might be moving to San Diego. In any event, the city they would LOVE to hold it in is BOSTON...but our transportation system is one of the absolute WORST.
Facility-wise, aside from T&F/Opening Ceromony stadium, this City (utilizing others around it) is PRIMO for the games. They have all the venues you could ever want...and all the olympic housing you can ever want.

Menino, when approached, wouldn't even LISTEN. Dbag. And...alot of the committee hails from NEngland.

That'd be great! Obviously the Red Sox would hit the road for two weeks on the west coast.

I think you're being a little tough on the MBTA. I don't take it every day but do take it pretty often. I can't say I have ever had a problem with the commuter rail or the subway. But, if you were to take the Olympic size crowds then yes I could see that system coming to a screeching halt.

Menino is an idiot.

[Dane96]

I just assumed it was rainy there most of, if not all of the time.

Gotta save some coin and get on a plane my friend. 14 weeks...k...survived on it!

London is much like Boston-- Completely unpredictable. I was there St. Patty's 3 years ago: 75 and Sunny...IN MARCH!

Summer is usually 65-70...and the dry time (relative) to the rest of the year.

[Dane96]

POOH THE MBTA. The Red-Line....GREAT. Blue-line...GREAT. Orange-line...Great. The most used line, the GREEN LINE...is AWFUL. On a good day it takes at least 45min to go from Cleveland Circle on the C. 40 on the D. Over an hour on the B.

Yep...distance...about 3 miles.

[Grizalltheway]

Gotta save some coin and get on a plane my friend. 14 weeks...k...survived on it!

London is much like Boston-- Completely unpredictable. I was there St. Patty's 3 years ago: 75 and Sunny...IN MARCH!

Summer is usually 65-70...and the dry time (relative) to the rest of the year.

My coin's all gone...from getting on a plane and spending last semester in Europe. I was in Ireland the week of St. Paddy's day, and it was either raining or windy or both the entire week. I'm sure the climates aren't identical, but given that Wimbledon always has at least one or two washout days, I would think that rain could cause some problems.

btw- 3 1/2 months on 1,000 dollars? Did you sleep in dumpsters? xconfusedx

[Dane96]

No....actually...unreal hostels....and...drumroll....

"befriended" an AUSSIE whose sister was an exec at the Paris Hilton Hotel, while later on "speaking with" a wonderful Dutch girl who lived on the Amstel up by John F. Kennedy highway (avenue..i forget...but right across the river from Philips).

Stuff of dreams my friend...and back when I had skills still.

[Grizalltheway]

No....actually...unreal hostels....and...drumroll....

"befriended" an AUSSIE whose sister was an exec at the Paris Hilton Hotel, while later on "speaking with" a wonderful Dutch girl who lived on the Amstel up by John F. Kennedy highway (avenue..i forget...but right across the river from Philips).

Stuff of dreams my friend...and back when I had skills still.

All xbowx xbowx the world traveler. :D

[Syntax Error]

The olympics should be in a vacation destination same as the FCS Champ Game. Las Vegas right?

[Dane96]

All xbowx xbowx the world traveler. :D

Funniest part of the entire story...the Aussie shows up in Amsterdam...and I have to juggle spending time with her at the Flying Pig Downtown (we got a double) and the Dutch girl who lived all the way on the other side of town. In the end...went with the DUTCHY....still a mistake in my opinion.

If we ever meet up...I will show you the pics of both....and see if I made the right choice. I at a "holiday crush" on the Aussie...that still drives me nuts to this day!

[Eyes of Old Main]

Let the Daley's fix the vote and Chicago will be a shoe in.

[Seawolf97]

I went to the 1996 Games in Atlanta. It is a great atmosphere and Atlanta did a pretty good job of being host. All the main venues were in easy reach of public transportation and except for the bombing it was a great week.

[GannonFan]

Chicago should have a great chance. Madrid is basically out since it's in Europe already 4 years before, and Tokyo would be in a slightly less similar case with Bejing being 8 years before. So it comes down to Chicago and Rio - Rio's got a decent shot, but it also depends on how Brazil handles crime and how they handle the World Cup (or the build up to it since these games will be bid long before the World Cup happens).

[89Hen]

Three cities were eliminated from the race -- Doha, Qatar; Prague, Czech Republic, and Baku, Azerbaijan.
xconfusedx Were they just being nice listing these cities at all? My brother did a tour in Qatar and it's over 100 degrees every day from "Spring" through "Fall". Azerbaijan?? xconfusedx

http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/61/5961-004.jpg

[89Hen]

In any event, the city they would LOVE to hold it in is BOSTON...but our transportation system is one of the absolute WORST.
FWIW, as a tourist I find the T to be very cool. I'm not sure I'd want to ride it every day, but it works. I was there for a one week business school a few years back and we had to get from Cambridge to Faneuil Hall every morning and we had no problems and even quickly knew exactly where to stand to have the doors of the transfer right in front of you. All the single tubes cracked me up.

[Dane96]

Single tubes?

[danefan]

I didn't realize it, but my firm is actually providing all the of the legal work for the 2016 bid pro bono. We're Chicago based. Hopefully that will turn into some good "ins" if Chicago gets the bid.

Assuming I'll still be here in 8 years.xwhistlex

[danefan]

I didn't realize it, but my firm is actually providing all the of the legal work for the 2016 bid pro bono. We're Chicago based. Hopefully that will turn into some good "ins" if Chicago gets the bid.

Assuming I'll still be here in 8 years.xwhistlex

[jessesd]

I didn't realize it, but my firm is actually providing all the of the legal work for the 2016 bid pro bono. We're Chicago based. Hopefully that will turn into some good "ins" if Chicago gets the bid.

Assuming I'll still be here in 8 years.xwhistlex


xbowx xbowx You'll be a partner by then; raking up the big bucks with an explosively hot secretary (a little bit dumb.."prerequisite") and several homes properly placed around the world, with a collection of exotic cars to match!!! xbowx xbowx xbowx

No more ambulance chasing!!! LOLxlolx xlolx xlolx just kidding big dog!!

[jessesd]

I spent some time last night reading the Olympic proposals for Rio and Chicago (I linked thru Wiki); both are impresive and they equally have some if's??? along the way, Crime and trasnportation..... I concluded that either city is better positioned that Atlanta or Beijing were before they were awarded the games.

I still believe these two will make it to the last round after Madrid and Tokyo are out and Rio may be able to sway more delegate votes from their supporters their way.

Just my opinion.

[danefan]

xbowx xbowx You'll be a partner by then; raking up the big bucks with an explosively hot secretary (a little bit dumb.."prerequisite") and several homes properly placed around the world, with a collection of exotic cars to match, and no time to enjoy any of that!!! xbowx xbowx xbowx



Fixed it for you. xnonono2x

[Dane96]

I didn't realize it, but my firm is actually providing all the of the legal work for the 2016 bid pro bono. We're Chicago based. Hopefully that will turn into some good "ins" if Chicago gets the bid.

Assuming I'll still be here in 8 years.xwhistlex

My friend...just call me...I will MAKE SURE YOU GET TIX; I wouldn't want you to suffer the associate life (unless of course you fast-track it to Partner) If Chicago gets the bid, it guarantees 2 of 3 of my closest friends in the world will be running many things at the USOC. They both intend on leaving after Vancouver...but will stay on for Chicago if they get the bid.

Anything for the purple and gold!

[Dane96]

I spent some time last night reading the Olympic proposals for Rio and Chicago (I linked thru Wiki); both are impresive and they equally have some if's??? along the way, Crime and trasnportation..... I concluded that either city is better positioned that Atlanta or Beijing were before they were awarded the games.

I still believe these two will make it to the last round after Madrid and Tokyo are out and Rio may be able to sway more delegate votes from their supporters their way.

Just my opinion.

You pretty much hit it on the head as for the final two. The big thing is this: Political climate and businesses in Chicago are more apt to getting the "IF's" done.

In fact, FIFA is nervous Brazil wont be ready for the 2014 WC...and that is 6 years away.

However, the really interesting issue is the Latin American advertising $$$. If that market picks up...Brazil has a strong...real strong bid.

[jessesd]

You pretty much hit it on the head as for the final two. The big thing is this: Political climate and businesses in Chicago are more apt to getting the "IF's" done.

In fact, FIFA is nervous Brazil wont be ready for the 2014 WC...and that is 6 years away.

However, the really interesting issue is the Latin American advertising $$$. If that market picks up...Brazil has a strong...real strong bid.

Lets not forget the preferential agreemements that Mercosur trading block has with the EU (they are a customs union and are getting stronger by the day and all of them trade as a whole, unlike Nafta) I think it may put some political presure on the european delegates at the last round, assuming no major crisis within the next year or so "Hint "Venezuela".

Over preparations.... The South African World cup has me worried more than the Brazil.... and even if they drop the ball in the WC, the infrastructure already be in place for the Olympics in Rio....