Boston, L.A., S.F. and DC "have all submitted spending plans under" $5B for their bids to host the '24 Summer Olympics, according to Eddie Pells of the AP. Keeping the price tag down "is a key goal of any future Olympic bid." The USOC "is less than two months away from deciding which city, if any, it will back as a candidate" for the '24 Games. None of the cities "is offering specifics about budgets, though all are coming in" between $4-5B. Those numbers "almost always grow after the Olympics are awarded" after factoring in such expenses as airport expansions and other infrastructure improvements. USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said, "We’ve strongly encouraged each of the cities to make sure that whatever new infrastructure is needed in connection with the Games is part of the long-term plan for the city even if they don’t host the Olympics." Russia’s total bill "has been widely reported" as $51B for the '14 Sochi Games, while China "spent around" $40B for the '08 Beijing Games. The USOC "wants to avoid a similar scenario" (AP, 11/26).
MORE THAN A HILL OF BEANS? The AP's Jimmy Golen reported the "crux of [Boston's] proposal is a walkable, sustainable, technology-based event that would harness the resources of the Boston area's 100 colleges and universities to keep the games affordable and compact." Organizers said that as many as 70% of the venues "would be temporary, and others would be built with the cooperation of schools that would pay for and take over the building when the games leave town." They would also "find a use for iconic locations like Fenway Park, the Boston Common and Harvard Stadium" (AP, 11/29). A BOSTON HERALD editorial states the city's Olympics bidding effort "is an impressive one." But plans have been "outlined and discussed in board rooms throughout the city for several months," and "if there is a flaw in the process it is that it lacks the transparency that is essential to enlisting the support of the broader community." The editorial: "Perhaps at this stage of the game the USOC cares little about transparency or public input" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/1).
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': The AP's Beth Harris wrote L.A. "looks like an ideal fit to host" the '24 Olympics because of the city's "glamour, celebrities," and "perfect weather." It also has a "revitalized and growing downtown," as well as "iconic venues and political support." The mayor's office "is overseeing a possible bid while maintaining a low profile," quietly working with Wasserman Media Group Chair & CEO Casey Wasserman on the bid. IOC members Anita DeFrantz, "the senior American in the IOC ranks," and Jim Easton live in L.A., and more former Olympians "live in the region than anywhere else." Harris lists and expands on "some things to look for with L.A.'s bid," including glitz and diversity, venues and logistics. She also discusses "potential road blocks." The idea of having "another three-time host looms over everything," and the city's "sprawling nature could create a security challenge" as well (
AP, 11/26).
