Earlier today, the Chicago Tribune reported that the USOC claims the odds are good for an American 2024 Olympic bid. This news comes just after the International Olympic Committee made the decision that the Games could be hosted in multiple cities or countries in order to save costs. The four cities that are still in consideration to host the 2024 Olympic Games are Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Larry Probst, the US Olympic Committee Chairman, told the Chicago Tribune that even though they were now able to multiple city bid, it is unlikely that they would present a combined bid from Los Angeles and San Francisco or from another region.
“I think the IOC membership would expect a (single) city from the United States would be able to handle all the requirements,” said Probst, who is also an IOC member. “I would expect we would put one city forward rather than a regional bid.”
All four of the remaining cities have the opportunity give a one hour presentation to the USOC on December 16th. The selected city will not be released until a month or two later, however. The IOC will select the host city for the 2024 Olympic Games in Lima, Peru in September 2017.
The article goes into detail about some of the strengths and weaknesses of each city. Boston could potentially be a good pick for the swimming community, as the Boston host committee plans on utilizing the local colleges to provide the venues for the game. The plans for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo include multiple pools to accommodate all of the aquatic events. If they truly plan on utilizing the local universities, several schools could be receiving pools or improvements to existing facilities.
Los Angeles has hosted two summer games in the past, which is drawing some criticism, but they are trying to promote the idea that this is a new and different Los Angeles. It also is most suited towards the IOC’s recommendation to make use of existing facilities rather than build new.
Washington DC is the nation’s capital, but it has the disadvantage of being home to the federal government with a high risk for a terrorist attack. Supporters of a Washington DC 2024 bid say that despite the risk of terrorist attacks and political statements, the city is more prepared than any other city to prevent such an attack. On top of the great security, they also have a great transportation network in and around the city, which will be seen as favorable by the IOC.
San Francisco has been described as a magical location, according to Probst. “It has an appeal that people find compelling.” The problem with San Francisco, however, is that there is concern about the venue and public opposition to the bid.
To read the original article written by Philip Hersh in the Chicago Tribune, click here.
If it was able to be held in Athens and Beijing, with epic pollution and summer heat, then DC SHOULD be the choice. Of course, I am biased, since I grew up there.
DC has the infrastructure and, most of all, THE OPTICS:
OWS: a circuit that includes a start by the Kennedy Center, and a swim down the Potomac into the Tidal Basin.
Marathon Course: Starts at Arlington National Cemetery, with a route along the National Mall, with a finish in Olympic Stadium (wherever that will be).
Triathlon: similar routes as above.
Cycling Road Race: Starts in Georgetown, route past the National Cathedral, into Rock Creek Park, past the Kennedy Center, across Memorial Bridge to… Read more »
Imagine if the US hosting the Olympics again. I can see Miley Cyrus singing the National Anthem and Kanye West performing in the opening ceremony with the Kardashians watching at the stadium. It will be epic.
God help us if Miley, Kanye and the Kardashians are still a “thing” in 2024.
Washington DC in August is like being in hell. The entire city is built on a swamp. I guess that one is out. Boston or San Fran bay area would be fine. They have the infrastructure , hotels, transportation and character to support it. I would guess Boston Is going to get it. The city just has too much history especially with the Boston bombings it would be the politically correct choice
Agreed. I love DC, but visiting there in July and August is the absolute worst. I can’t imagine running a marathon unless it started around 2am. And even then…Ugh.
I attended the 1984 Los Angeles olympics as a 12year old. It feels like yesterday. LAX hasn’t been renovated since and the city has the worst traffic in the country. I live in San Diego now and try to avoid ever going near there Get over it LA!
I doubt the US will have a chance. There’s an anti-US sentiment among the IOC voters against the US.
San Francisco has too many issues with income inequality and housing to worry about hosting an Olympiad. I’d vote for Boston. It is the cradle of American history.
All four of those cities have similar income inequality issues. You’ve been to DC? Also, Rio’s favelas are iconic of both the city itself and the very idea of income inequality. Not sure how that alone would de-prioritise a bid city.
From a swimming standpoint, Boston would require substantial infrastructure over what exists/is being planned. Harvard & MIT have 50ms but seating about 1/10th sufficient. Some chatter about a new 50M on/near Harvard on the Allston side but I would be surprised if the plans are for Oly-scale spectators–maybe that would change with a bid. A Myrtha in the Garden would be siiiiiick.
Current plans call for using TD Garden for basketball. The swimming venue will likely be a partnership with a local university that is planning to add/replace a 50 meter pool. The pool would have expanded seating (15,000+) that can be removed ala London. Or think Atlanta and Georgia Tech. Tufts is one local college mentioned. Another candidate would be Harvard (there is talk that a new 50 m pool is once again on the agenda).
Boston has some big advantages (compact locations, historical locations, etc) but is very difficult to get things done without going through convoluted political process under the banner of “transparency”
San FranCisco