Chicago 2016 Olympic bid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2016 Summer Olympics bids

Overview
Chicago 2016 Olympic bid logo
2016 Summer Olympics
Details
City Chicago, Illinois, United States
NOC United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
Previous games hosted
None
(It was elected to host the 1904 Summer Olympics, but they were transferred to St. Louis in a 14-2 vote of the IOC).[1]

The Chicago 2016 Olympic bid is the attempt by the city of Chicago and the United States — with the support of other cities, townships and villages in the state of Illinois — to be chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the event of Chicago being selected by the IOC, the 2016 Games will be the first Summer Olympics held in the Americas since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

On June 4, 2008, Chicago was named one of four finalists for the 2016 Olympic games.[2] The final selection will be made on October 2, 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.[3][4] Currently, Chicago's rival cities for the hosting of the Games are Madrid (Spain), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Tokyo (Japan).[5]

If Chicago is chosen, the games will be held from July 22 to August 7, 2016.

Contents

[edit] United States Olympic Committee and internal bid selection

Main article: 2016 Summer Olympics#Chicago, United States

Initially, five US cities expressed interest in bidding for the 2016 Olympics: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The USOC's chairman, Peter Ueberroth, visited potential host cities during April and May 2006. Chicago was visited on May 10. On July 26, 2006, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) narrowed its list of applicant cities to three: Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.[6] The latter dropped out from the running on November 13, 2006.[7]

The final stage of the USOC internal selection occurred on April 14, 2007, at Washington, D.C.'s Embassy Row Hotel, where each bid team made a last 40-minute presentation to the USOC board members.[8] At about 9:00 pm UTC, Chicago was announced as the United States bid for the 2016 Olympic Games by USOC President Peter Ueberroth.[9]

[edit] Bid details

Chicago Skyline from Lake Michigan
Chicago Skyline from Lake Michigan

Chicago is no newcomer to Olympic bids. In 1901, the city was unanimously chosen by the IOC to stage the 1904 Summer Olympics,[10] but the Games were moved to St. Louis to coincide with the 1904 World's Fair.[11] Chicago also bid for the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics, but without success.[12] The bidding process for the 2016 Olympic Games was officially launched on May 16, 2007.

On January 15, 2008 the details of the Olympic bid application were announced.[13] 22 of the 27 Olympic venues will be in four clusters within 15 km of the Olympic Village. Five new venues and eleven temporary venues will be built for the games. The bid costs ($49.3 million) are being born by the private sector as are the costs of the games. The cost of the infrastructure will be financed by the government.[14]

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley visited Beijing – host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics – in May 15, 2006, where he collected information on hosting.

Chicago's chances for hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics are bolstered by preliminary commitments made by major corporations and wealthy Chicago philanthropists; promised participation in the planning process by community and government leaders (including the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, a political party usually opposed to Daley, a Democrat); and the enthusiasm of the citizenry. Local support for the bid on the South Side, particularly in the Washington Park and Woodlawn areas, is divided. Some opposition has grown as the city continues to ignore simple issues like returning garbage cans to the parks in the area after they were replaced with recycle bins when the USOC visited.[15] Opinion polls indicate that public support is 79 percent. Most important, the city's existing infrastructure and venue options are substantial and equal other top contenders like Madrid and Tokyo. Peter Ueberroth stated, "Chicago is going in the right direction, and we are impressed by that."[16]

In June 2007, Olympic bid committee Chairman and CEO, Patrick G. Ryan announced that David P. Bolger was appointed chief operating officer and Rick Ludwig as chief financial officer.[17]

Michael Jordan has become an unofficial spokesman for Chicago's bid.[18]

[edit] Financing

Ueberroth and members of the national committee met with Daley on May 10, 2006, for the initial assessment. Daley appointed business executive Patrick G. Ryan of Aon Corporation, part-owner of the Chicago Bears, to lead the city's bid process, especially in areas of corporate participation in fundraising. In previous years, Daley opposed possible bids for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games owing to former international committee financial-guarantee requirements. Those requirements have been relaxed in favor of a new philosophy in which the Olympic Games would become smaller in terms of construction and related costs.[citation needed] Early cost estimates hover at $5 billion, with $1.1 billion needed for the lakeside Olympic Village and an additional estimated $366 million for a temporary 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium to be built in Washington Park.[19] On April 11, 2007, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proposed $150 million in state funding to help secure the bid to the USOC for Chicago. As of the announcement on April 14, over $35 million in cash and $13 million in goods have been pledged, including donations in excess of $100,000 from at least 225 individuals and corporations.[20] Chicago has strong allies to pursue federal funds for security and transportation due to its high profile U.S. Senators.[21] Dick Durbin is the 2nd in command among Democratic Senators as the Whip, and Barack Obama is the presumptive Democratic nominee in the 2008 Presidential Election. The city has announced a $500 million insurance policy against cost overruns and revenue shortfalls.[22]

Historic venues like Wrigley Field are considered for field events.
Historic venues like Wrigley Field are considered for field events.

[edit] Venues

Despite the lack of an Olympic stadium, Chicago has dozens of existing sport venues: Soldier Field, United Center, U.S. Cellular Field, Wrigley Field, Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, and Toyota Park in Bridgeview. Venues at Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago State University, and Northern Illinois University, among others, are also available and have been mentioned in early news reports as possibilities. Navy Pier and the lakefront along Lake Michigan would host all beach and water events. The McCormick Place convention center, the second largest in the world, is the planned venue for indoor events like judo and gymnastics, as well as hosting all press offices, while Archery and the medals podium are slated for Millennium Park. [23] Other regional mayors have offered venues in Indiana and Wisconsin, including use of the University of Notre Dame's facilities. TCF Bank Stadium, a planned stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, may also be used for preliminary soccer matches.[24] Although Portage Park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool that was used during the 1959 Pan American Games and the 1972 Olympic swimming trials, swimming events will be held in the West Side's Douglas Park to provide economic benefit for the region represented by several clout-heavy African American politicians.[22]

[edit] Rowing

The Monroe Harbor will be enlarged with a $60-million breakwater to accommodate an approximately 2-mile course for rowing events.[25][26][23] This will enable rowing competitions to take place on a course running from Northerly Island to about Randolph Street.[25] This course would feature a picturesque Chicago Loop skyline backdrop for television viewing, which by 2016 would include the Chicago Spire.[27][23] In order to accommodate the Olympics, all non-Olympic watercraft will be required to vacate Monroe Harbor for a year.[23] Canoeing events will be held in the former site of Meigs Field on Northerly Island by the Adler Planetarium. Historically, this site staged some venues for the 1933 World's Fair.

Soldier Field will not serve as the main Olympic Stadium in Chicago. However, the sports venue will host a significant number of events and most gold medal matches.
Soldier Field will not serve as the main Olympic Stadium in Chicago. However, the sports venue will host a significant number of events and most gold medal matches.

[edit] Stadium

The Olympic Stadium will be in Washington Park, a site on the National Register of Historic Places in the Chicago community area of the same name on the city's south side. Chicago initially proposed building a temporary 80,000-seat track stadium adjacent to Soldier Field and having the two stadiums host dual Opening and Closing Ceremonies.[28][29] However, the final proposal called for a $366 million temporary stadium to be built in Washington Park. The stadium will be replaced by a 10,000 seat multi-use venue after the games.[23] The smaller post-Olympic stadium will be more in line with public interest in restoring the historic park after the games.[23] The new stadium will feature a high-tech reflective sheathing material to accommodate huge TV pictures projections on its outside walls.[23] The temporary stadium would not have concessions inside the stadium unlike permanent local venues, although concessions are planned outside the stadium.[30][31] The stadium will feature basic oval shape, but it will also adhere to Olympic design rules which dictate that the overhanging lip at one end to cover dignitaries and the media.[31] IOC president Jacques Rogge praised Chicago's design in November 2007 as a possible "blueprint for the future". This reflects the desire of the IOC to make the games both more affordable and to have a smaller ecological footprint on the host city.[32]

[edit] Olympic Village

The Olympic Village used to house athletes during the games will be a $1.1-billion series of newly constructed lakefront buildings that will be then converted to rental and condominium units after the games.[22] The village will be located immediately south of McCormick Place, which is expected to host 11 event venues,[4] on a current truck parking lot between South Lake Shore Drive and the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in the Near South Side and Douglas community areas.[22] Currently, the parking lot is used to stage events at McCormick Place.[23] The village will have pedways over Lake Shore Drive.[25][33][34] This location will enable 88% of the Olympic athletes to be within 15 minutes of their competition venue.[4]

[edit] Sports culture

Chicago benefits from a strong sports culture. On August 1, 2006, it was named "Best Sports City" by Sporting News.[35] Chicagoans are famous for their rabid support of their home teams: the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and more recently, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Machine which is the pro lacrosse team. Other events such as the Chicago Marathon, one of the largest marathon events worldwide, will also play a part in Chicago's Olympic-planning process.

Chicago hosted the 1959 Pan American Games.
Chicago hosted the 1959 Pan American Games.

[edit] Experience

Chicago has hosted major and historic world gatherings in the past, including the famous 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition and the 1959 Pan American Games, as well as matches for the 1994 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. Chicago has also hosted the most United States presidential nominating conventions.[36] Chicago was scheduled to host the 1904 Summer Olympics, but the games were instead relocated to St. Louis to coincide with its Louisiana Purchase Exposition, more commonly known as the Saint Louis World's Fair. Chicago has never been content with its distinction as one of the few cities to have an Olympic Games taken away, and this historical issue could play to Chicago's favor.[citation needed]

Chicago was also the first host of the Special Olympics in 1968.

More recently, Chicago hosted the Gay Games VII in July 2006, and the 2007 AIBA Boxing Championships in October 2007. The championships are a qualifying event for the 2008 Summer Olympics and a chance for Chicago to showcase its staging skills to IOC members.[37] AIBA head Dr. Ching-kuo Wu enthused the tournament was the "best ever", especially considering the 6 month lead time Chicago had to organize the games.[38]

[edit] Logo

On May 16, 2007, Chicago was informed that its logo, a representation of a torch with the flames reminiscent of Chicago's skyline, violated IOC rules against using Olympic torch imagery.[3] Bidding rules prohibit logos containing the Olympic symbol, motto, flag or other imagery including a flame, torch or medal.[3] Chicago agreed to revise the logo.[39] The current redesigned logo was released on September 19, 2007. Using the same color palette, a unique six-pointed "Chicago star" represents a compass pointing in all directions reaching out to the world. Each point represents an Olympic value: Hope, Respect, Harmony, Friendship, Excellence and Celebration. [40] The warm colors initially represented in the flame (or top) or the image refer to the sun, the cool colors represent the green parklands and blue waters of Lake Michigan.

It has been proposed by Chicago City Council alderman Edward Burke that a fifth star be added to the Flag of Chicago if the city wins its bid for the Olympic games in 2009.[41]

[edit] Bid factors

It is expected that Chicago's world-class architecture, renowned skyline, multi-cultural, historical, and pop-cultural contributions will be positive factors as the Olympics bid is weighed.[citation needed]

The city also boasts significant transportation infrastructure. The Chicago Transit Authority operates a vast network of buses and elevated 'L' trains, and the region also boasts an extensive commuter rail service (Metra) that connects more than 230 suburban destinations to Chicago. These transportation options allow public transit access to the Games for city residents and people throughout northeastern Illinois into northern Indiana and southern Wisconsin. Additionally, the city is served by two major airports, O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare is a major international hub for both American and United Airlines, and Midway is a hub of sorts for domestic carrier Southwest Airlines. There is also a considerable network of rail lines and interstate highways in the region.

Chicago is strong in accommodations; the city of Chicago has over 30,000 hotel rooms in the immediate downtown area[42] and has the largest skilled-labor workforce in the U.S. catering to conventions and other large-scale media events.

Chicago's geographic location also counts in its favor. Its central position within the United States means that its time zone is well-suited to North American television coverage. The NBC television network and its sister cable broadcasters is by far the largest media vendor and contract purchaser of the Olympic Games.[43]

[edit] Outlook

Chicago was expected to become and did successfully make the Candidate city shortlist in June 2008. Its ranking by the IOC was 7.0; generally beyond the 6.0 minimum threshold, but trailing behind Tokyo and Madrid's bids. (It should be noted that technical qualities are only part of the final selection process).

USOC head Peter Ueberroth has contended that Chicago is in "third or fourth place," with a need to focus more on the international relations rather than just having a strong technical bid.[44] Nevertheless, with Chicago's strong hosting of the AIBA Boxing Championships[38] which exposed the city to many IOC members, the city was cited as a current favorite, and one member claims the Games are "theirs to lose."[45] Chicago also successfully hosted the 2006 Gay Games, a multinational sporting event involving thousands of athletes, coaches, and athletic officials. Although there is no official IOC rotation policy, the Americas have an edge to host since previous games will have been held in Europe, Asia, Europe, and Australia. But candidate city Rio also fills the category and has the advantage of being in South America, a region which has never hosted. Although not as strong in infrastructure, Rio is identified as a "dark horse" that can ride away with the competition.[45]

Chicago may also have hurdles in overcoming animosity to US policies in Iraq and President George W. Bush (although he will no longer be in office at the time). Some IOC members also resent the large share of revenue taken by the United States Olympic Committee in a long standing dispute with the IOC;[46] the USOC has recently made headway in negotiating progress for a viable solution.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kamper, Erich; Mallon, Bill (1992). Who's who at the Olympics. 
  2. ^ Chicago one of four finalists for 2016 Olympics. Chicago Tribune (2008-06-04). Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
  3. ^ a b c
  4. ^ a b c Chicago 2016 Committee (2007). Bid Information. City of Chicago. Retrieved on 2007-04-18.
  5. ^ Seven Applicant NOCs/ Cities for the 2016 Games. International Olympic Committee (2007-09-14). Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
  6. ^ "Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco On USOC 2016 Olympic Bid Short List", GamesBids, 2006-07-26. Retrieved on 2007-04-17. 
  7. ^ "San Francisco Reluctantly Withdraws 2016 Olympic Bid", GamesBids, 2006-11-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-17. 
  8. ^ "U.S. 2016 Candidate – Chicago Or Los Angeles?", GamesBids, 2007-04-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-17. 
  9. ^ Peters, Ken. "Chicago picked by USOC to bid for 2016 Olympics", Olympics, Yahoo! Sports, 2007-04-14. Retrieved on 2007-04-14. 
  10. ^ Comité International Olympique (July 1901). "Les Jeux Olympiques de 1904" (in French) (PDF). Revue Olympique (3): 30–4. 
  11. ^ The 1904 Olympics: St. Louis, Missouri. Hickok Sports. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
  12. ^ Olympic Bid Election History. GamesBids. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
  13. ^ Newsletters. Chicago 2016, City of Chicago, Applicant City, 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
  14. ^ Chicago's 2016 Olympic Bid Details Are Released. Menscerto Inc. (2008-01-15). Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
  15. ^ Chikat (March 15, 2007). Talking Trash (English). YoChicago. Retrieved on June 23, 2007.
  16. ^ And the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in (read the story to find out) (English). Sports Business News (January 26, 2007). Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
  17. ^ (2007-06-28). "Chicago 2016 Announces New Chief Operating Officer, Other Senior Staff Appointments". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-07-04.
  18. ^ Gomez, Brian (April 10, 2007). USOC to decide on 2016 Olympic bid city (English). The Gazette. Retrieved on April 16, 2007.
  19. ^ With or Without the Games: Daley Plans New Land, Housing Even if We Don't Get the Games (English). Chicago Sun-Times (January 24, 2007). Retrieved on April 17, 2007.
  20. ^ Abrahamson, Alan (April 14, 2007). Chicago to Bid for 2016 Olympics (English). NBCSports.com. Retrieved on April 17, 2007.
  21. ^ Merrion, Paul. "COO, CFO being recruited for Olympic bid", ChicagoBusiness, Crain Communications, Inc., 2007-04-19. Retrieved on 2007-04-21. 
  22. ^ a b c d Hinz, Greg. "USOC picks Chicago for 2016 Olympic bid", ChicagoBusiness, Crain Communications, Inc., 2007-04-14. Retrieved on 2007-04-20. 
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h Hinz, Greg (2007-01-23). Glitz, guarantees added to Olympic bid. ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  24. ^ Fuller, Marcus (January 12, 2007). New football stadium might help U host 2016 Olympic soccer (English). St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved on January 13, 2007.
  25. ^ a b c Chicago's Olympic Bid 2016. ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc. (2007-01-23). Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  26. ^ Lakefront Rowing Course. ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  27. ^ Lakefront Rowing Course. ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  28. ^ Chicago 2016 Plan Includes Two Stadiums (English). GamesBids.com (July 13, 2006). Retrieved on April 14, 2007.
  29. ^ A new plan for 2016 Games; 2-stadium plan out; city considering temporary facility (English). Chicago2016.org (August 17, 2006). Retrieved on April 14, 2007.
  30. ^ Chicago's Olympic Bid 2016 (gallery). ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc. (2007-01-23). Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  31. ^ a b Olympic Stadium (gallery). ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc. (2007-01-23). Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  32. ^ Chicago 2016 Stadium Plan Praised By IOC President
  33. ^ Olympic Village. ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  34. ^ Chicago's Olympic Bid 2016 (gallery). ChicagoBusiness. Crain Communications, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
  35. ^ Best Sports Cities 2006: Welcome back, Chicago (English). SportingNews.com (August 1, 2006). Retrieved on April 14, 2007.
  36. ^ Sautter, R. Craig (2005). Political Conventions. The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
  37. ^ Successful Boxing Championships Could Promote Chicago 2016 Bid
  38. ^ a b Chicago wins style points
  39. ^ Hersh, Philip. "Chicago ordered to dump Olympics logo", Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2007-05-16. Retrieved on 2007-05-16. 
  40. ^ Chicago 2016 Unveils Logo – Six-Point Star
  41. ^ Chicago Flag May Get New Star If Olympics Come. CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (2007-06-22). Retrieved on 2007-09-06.
  42. ^ Choose Chicago - the official visitors site for Chicago | Industry Statistics
  43. ^ Tokyo takes Chicago tack
  44. ^ USOC Head Says Chicago 2016 Needs To Change Emphasis
  45. ^ a b IOC Member Assesses Olympic Bids
  46. ^ Phillip Hersh, Chicago Tribune, "Chicago in 8-City Race for Olympics", Sept 13, 2007
v • d • e
Bids for the 2016 Summer Olympics
Recognised bids
Candidate cities
Chicago • Madrid • Rio de Janeiro • Tokyo
Applicant cities
Baku • Doha • Prague
Potential bids
:See also: Bids for Olympic Games and Bids for Olympic Games (ballots)
v • d • e
City of Chicago
Flag of Chicago
:See also: Chicago metropolitan area