The USOC BOD could "delay a decision" on a '24 Games bid city "until it gets further direction from IOC leadership on which city it prefers" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/16). DC bid group Chair & CEO Russ Ramsey: "We're preparing for (a decision) to come as early as Tuesday. We're also preparing for it to be pushed back to mid-January" (WASHINGTON POST, 12/16). IOC member Dick Pound said, "The larger issue for the USOC may be, is this the right time to get back in? It might be a smart thing ... to sit on the sidelines" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/16).
Of the U.S. four cities in the running, none "has presented a slam-dunk proposal," though in recent days L.A. "has picked up measured support among USOC higher-ups" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/16). The L.A. group will "emphasize all that has changed since the Olympics last visited" in '84, including the "adition of Staples Center and a light-rail system." With "major venues already in place, the city could limit most of its spending to operating costs" (L.A. TIMES, 12/16).
The S.F.-area group "will be pitching a 'pop-up' stadium in Brisbane" for the Opening and Closing ceremonies and track & field events. A source said that there have been talks with the Raiders and the NFL "about building a stadium that would host the Olympics as well" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/16).
