Congrats to Chicago for winning the USOC host bid! (Rio: shopping mall, stadium)

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by ChiMack

and from what i read atlanta still hasnt recovered finacially...

What do you mean they haven't recovered financially? Just curious...I'm sure that could be true, but in what way?

The '96 games turned a 10 million dollar profit (and I believe is the last one to do so...Sydney, Athens and Beijing all were in the red...and in China's case...billions of dollars in the red). And for this reason, Atlanta was criticized for being over-commercialized...a blueprint which it appears Chicago's bid plans to follow. And, like all other US games, this one will be entirely privately funded. But of course there are other costs besides what is on the surface...so can you explain how Atlanta hasn't recovered?

Originally Posted by ChiMack

so what is it...did the olympics have a positive impact or negative on the atl?

I'd say it was probably a positive impact, but I don't know all the particulars. It just seems that after the olympics, Atlanta really established itself on a global level. But with Chicago, as someone said earlier, that wouldn't be necessary.

[TheLordYourGod]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

But, then again, we all know how sometimes the CTA gets "forgotten" and deadlines lapse. Bus rapid transit, anyone?

it's going to be interesting to see how things pan out, that's for sure!

Another article that mentions this, albeit briefly.

Chicago promising greenest Olympics - Environment- msnbc.com

[Opkl]

I hope Chicago wins

[MyssaTx]

I hope Chicago wins too! 2016 seems like forever away though.

[meatpuff]

Originally Posted by Attrill

The idea is to get the Olympics and use them as leverage to get more Federal funding for improvements. The bid does include loads of new green buses that I assume will go into regular CTA usage at the end of the Olympics.

Yeah, I think you're right. The Feds almost always go in big for major transit project. The trick is to get the project funded, then you only need a 20% local match or something. It would be dumb, including politically, for the state or city to say "We want it nowwww!" and plunk down $800 million for the Circle Line instead of lobbying the Feds so they can pay 20% of that.

Of course, Illinois hasn't even been able to come up with the 20% local match for all those highway funds. I am optimistic things will improve now that it seems there are adults in the room at governor and state senate head.

I think the next six year transportation bill gets written in 2009 because SAFETEA-LU is expiring. Will be interesting to see what comes out with the new leadership.

[TheLordYourGod]

Originally Posted by MyssaTx

I hope Chicago wins too! 2016 seems like forever away though.

Hmm...I'm torn. Ideally? Sure. A high-profile event (provided it's handled efficiently) that improves local infrastructure, injects new capital into our economy, affords the opportunity to enhance local businesses and industries, and augments Chicago's already considerable presence on the global stage? Hell, why not?

Unfortunately, that's what all host cities hope for. Barcelona's generally considered the best modern example of a city using the Olympics as a springboard to future prosperity. When I was there, many years after the Olympics, one could still see the positive impact of the games' presence in the city, in the popularity of the Olympic Village, in the revamped subway system, etc. I suspect that is still the case today.

But Chicago hasn't been known for the wisest appropriation of funds in recent years (see CTA), and I'm concerned that, should we win in our quest to host the Olympics, the usual logistical problems (housing, transportation, crime, funding, etc.) may prove more than we can bear.

I guess I've never been much of an optimist.

[TheLordYourGod]

Originally Posted by projectmaximus

What do you mean they haven't recovered financially? Just curious...I'm sure that could be true, but in what way?

The '96 games turned a 10 million dollar profit (and I believe is the last one to do so...Sydney, Athens and Beijing all were in the red...and in China's case...billions of dollars in the red). And for this reason, Atlanta was criticized for being over-commercialized...a blueprint which it appears Chicago's bid plans to follow. And, like all other US games, this one will be entirely privately funded. But of course there are other costs besides what is on the surface...so can you explain how Atlanta hasn't recovered?



I'd say it was probably a positive impact, but I don't know all the particulars. It just seems that after the olympics, Atlanta really established itself on a global level. But with Chicago, as someone said earlier, that wouldn't be necessary.

Which Olympics host cities win big, stumble? - Beijing Games- msnbc.com


I don't think so. Financially successful, maybe. But the Atlanta games apparently left much to be desired.

[Damage Control Freak]

Originally Posted by TheLordYourGod

Which Olympics host cities win big, stumble? - Beijing Games- msnbc.com
I don't think so. Financially successful, maybe. But the Atlanta games apparently left much to be desired.

It all depends how you set your priorities. I.e. the games in Beijing were perfectly organised and had fantastic venues etc. However it seems doubtful that it had a positive effect on the people of Beijing who had to work their asses off to pull of the propaganda show for their regime, but the infrastructure for the residents has not really improved that much. Not too mention how incredibly costly it all has been.
The US traditionally have a more aggressive, egoistic approach to what is to be gained by the Olympics and they fared quited well so far. Atlanta managed to turn a profit and gained some nice venues. People can mock the Cocla-Cola sponsorship as much as they want but the Olympics are a multi-billion event, so it's just stupid to think it should/could be run in a non-profit oriented way.
If Chicago manages to provide better transportation and the like I think it's not mutually exclusive to hold smooth AND financially succesful Olympics.

[TheLordYourGod]

I certainly hope that's the case. All the discussion could end up being irrelevant, though...I have my doubts we'll win the bid anyway.

[RonnieJonez]

This is still 7 years away and you guys are obsessed with it. I would expect this kind of reaction if Indianapolis was making a bid.