Olympics
For those not in the know, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is going to announce the winner of the 2016 Olympic bid in a few weeks. Chicago is one of four finalists, along with Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. As you can imagine, many people from the public and private sector in my home city have been working vigorously towards this cause. Me? I have really mixed feelings about the Olympics bid.
On one hand, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity for my city to be in a worldwide spotlight (and in a positive way, not because Kanye opened his big mouth, hahaha). Chicago is a big city. Huge city, to some. And yet, it always seems to be crowded out by its the left coast (New York City) and right (Los Angeles). Chicago has this Midwestern veil that holds it hostage, leaving the city in shadows.
I remember when I first moved here from North Carolina. Trying to get my college friends to visit here was impossible. They didn’t think the city was all that big. Didn’t think Lake Michigan could be all that impressive. Just didn’t think there was much reason to visit (and yes, I’ve considered the fact they just didn’t like me – a very real possibility!).
And yet, those friends who finally agreed to come visit? Those same friends came back year in and year out. They fell in love with Chicago. If Chicago has that reputation nationally (in my very small, but very scientific study), you can only imagine what its reputation is internationally. In fact, I have heard that internationally, people think this city is full of gangsters, because of Al Capone’s roots here. I have a life-long friend from the UK who has never visited me here. I doubt she ever will.
Now, imagine what the Olympics will bring Chicago? Not just an influx of international prowess for a few summer weeks. But, the Olympics will provide an opportunity to highlight this city and all it has to offer visitors. TVs around the world will be a glow with all things Chicago. Millions of people will learn about a city they probably never considered before. I think it will forever put Chicago on the map much like like Olympics really put Barcelona on the map in 1992 (having visited Barcelona on a number of occasions, I can attest to the overlaps of the two cities).
In theory, the Olympics will also give reason (and money) to develop an otherwise underdeveloped part of our city. Geographically, Chicago is a large city. And there are many parts that deserve more attention from city planners (if only there was money and time!). The Olympics will not only put new buildings in otherwise empty lots, but it will expand our public transportation system to an area residents have complained has been lacking such access. The footprint the Olympics will leave on our city for years to come is impressive.
And that’s where I struggle. That footprint? Costs money. And sure, there are going to be corporate sponsors who want in. And yeah, from what I hear, there will be federal funds should we win the 2016 bid. And supposedly, there is a multi-billion dollar insurance policy as back-up. But, just last week, the Chicago City Council unanimously backed the Olympic bid, which means should there be any cost overruns, the residents of Chicago will be held fiscally responsible. There’s a part of me that wonders why the City Council needs to make the commitment if there’s no chance the city will need to chip in.
Under most circumstances, I’m all for chipping in to something like the Olympics. I get that there’s a price to this kind of exposure and if we’re going to reap the benefits, we should contribute to the cause. But, these are not normal times. Our country is not out of a recession. There are too many individuals who are struggling financially right now. And so, it’s hard for me to personally commit to something as big as the Olympics (a luxury) when I feel our local (and federal) dollars might be better spent on programs to support our economy. And health care. And education. Items all in the political spotlight in 2009. And surely for years to come.
And so, that’s where I sit with this Olympics bid. Only time will tell whether we win this bid. And should Chicago host the 2016 Olympics, I will support it (no need to be a hater). But now, when the decision is still unclear, I ruminate about what’s best for Chicago. And the people who live here.
On a side note, I was reading an interesting article in The New Yorker about Chicago. And they provided an interesting (and humorous) note about the 2016 Olympics bid. The original 2016 Olympics slogan was going to be Stir the Soul, however it was discarded because it translates in too many languages as Stir Your Insides. I got a laugh out of that. Instead, the official slogan is Let Friendship Shine.
What are your thoughts about Chicago hosting the 2016 Olympics? I’m particularly interested in reactions from those of you affected by the Olympics coming to your home cities (yes, you, Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta … even L.A. if you were even born back then!). Should Chicago (or any U.S. city, for that matter) be pursuing these sorts of bids when our economy is down; our Middle East relations are still shaky; when there are other things we should focus on?
September 15th, 2009 at 6:20 am
I am totally with you on this topic. I grew up in the burbs and then spent my 20s in the city, so Chicago is my home city too even though I’m now in the big bad state of Texas.
Some one asked me about this at work the other day and I’m still so torn. On one hand, I think Chicago is the perfect host city. We know how beautiful it is and I keep thinking you put the magic behind the NBC shots at night or during the day and… wow, what a great representative of our country. Plus there is so much rich history and culture in Chicago, that I think it would excite the Olympic tradition. Plus I think there are so many great resources in the area to take advantage of, it would be a planners dream.
On the flip side though, I just cannot possibly imagine how they would pull it off. I get the sense that the committee wants to be named and then they will worry about it later. Which is fine but where will all the money come from? Corporate donations was the big selling point but that was before the economy went so far south. (although something tells me companies would magically come up with the cash). But then, this is also the city that just outsourced parking meters! I worry that in order to compensate the city will continue to jack up things they can like property taxes and sales tax, and I think of my little sister who lives in Wicker Park and the ever increasing costs of city life threaten. If the after effects are things like that, then I worry what makes the city so great, the neighborhoods, the community, the fresh start, the promise of a young person’s future won’t be the same.
The last thing I’ll say about the 2016 bid is that I feel like the IOC hasn’t spread the cities out enough across the world. I feel like they used to be all over the place and now the US has had 2 host cities in the last 15 years, Vancouver is this spring and London in 3 years. Part of the reason I love watching the Olympics is to be exposed to different world cities and culture and it doesn’t necessarily feel as culturally rich as it used to. I’m interested to see what happens with Rio, because part of me could see the bid going there -- I couldn’t tell you when the last Olympic games were in South America -- but since they are in the Southern Hemisphere, I think winter would be ending there? During that time?
Wow, total novel here. But it will be interesting! I can’t wait to find out on Oct 2nd!
September 15th, 2009 at 8:06 am
I can understand your mixed emotions here. At first when I started reading this post, I thought “I don’t see why this could be anything but a good thing”, but the more I read about the City Council backing the bid, I understand your concern. We’re going to have enough tax increases as it is without tacking on luxuries as you say.
On the other hand, we are in a terrible recession. I’m not sure how the job market is in Chicago but I would imagine it is fairly grim as it is in many areas of the country. The capitalist in me sees this as a major opportunity to provide jobs over the next 5 years as the city prepares to host the Olympics. I tend to consider this an investment -- as new facilities, etc will bring future events to your city.
I live in Atlanta but I was only 10 or 11 when we got the Olympic bid for the 1996 Games. I don’t think I can attest much to what it did for our local economy since I was so young but I will say that it really did a lot to clean up the city. Downtown Atlanta is no longer a place where we are fearful to go out for dinner or a concert or a sporting event. I didn’t research this in depth, but I would also imagine it brought in significant revenues to our city.
Overall, I think your reticence is totally valid but I also think it would end up being a good thing for Chicago.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I know the Olympics & All Star Game aren’t the same on the grand scale since we didn’t build a lot of new buildings (that I’m aware of, anyway) as a direct resulting of hosting the game in July, but overall the All Star Game was amazing for the StL economy and community. We were in the spotlight for a change which is unusual for a Midwest town as you so well know! People came here and actually enjoyed what there is to offer besides the Arch, the Mississippi and Anheuser-Busch. It sure did put a strain on our tiny public transportation system, parking and downtown area for a few days but our town was more alive than usual which was a great thing. However, if StL citizens had been asked to foot any of the bill, I’m sure that would have changed our willingness to have the game here. That’s asking a lot of anyone, in any community, no matter how much they love sports, athletes and economic growth especially in these times. I also have to wonder what having the Olympics in Chicago would do to the Midwest as a whole? I wonder if there would be an impact felt in StL or surrounding cities that are close to Chi-Town and what impact that might be? I’m curious to see how it plays out but I will say I do like the motto they picked for 2016. (Also, I must admit typing 2016 is so bizarre!)
September 15th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I think I would have mixed feelings as well. Sure there is all the excitement, all the people, all the money that would be spent in your city but what happens afterward? Who would cover the operating costs and expenses of the new facilities? The thought of raising taxes to support the bid gives me a huge pause too. I am guessing living in the city is expensive enough without additional taxes. I’ll be watching to see who does get the bid. If it is Chicago, I’ll be looking for a couch to crash on!
September 15th, 2009 at 8:51 am
When NY was bidding for the Olympics, I was totally against it. I swore that I’d have move to my parent’s house in Vermont for a month. I get that it an alleged economic boost -- though tell that to Beijing which spent way more more than it realized. Plus, traffic is bad enough here. I don’t need another million people clogging up my life!!
I love to watch the Olympics, but not in “my house”.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Here comes the unpopular opinion. :) I love my city, but I think we are absolutely unprepared from an infrastructure perspective to host the Olympics. And after living here for 10 years, I don’t see all of that getting fixed in a mere 5. The CTA is already suffering, they consistently have problems and it’s a clusterf*ck just on the days that there’s a Cubs game. We are already strapped for parking space and I can’t imagine we have the security resources (take some cops off the beat? I would say only the ones patrolling free-roaming doggies in our neighborhood…there’s already too much petty and gang related crime right now).
Yes, I have seen many small businesses fold recently and it makes me sad. I would hope the Olympics could be a boon on that front. But, the complete disorganization and corruption of our fair city leaves me convinced getting the bid would be a huge disaster.
Unless the government wants to send a whole lot of money our way to improve CTA and Metra. I would be okay with that. ;)
September 15th, 2009 at 9:16 am
You are so much more broad-minded than I am. I figured this post would be about how annoying all the crowds would be and whatnot. Good for you for thinking of the bigger picture.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
i think i would feel the same way if Denver was the case. i would be very happy for them to be getting the revenue from it…however, i can tell you that i would stay far, far, away from there for a long time, before the Olympics came. it is chaos anyway, just being a big city…but ugh…that would be a mess.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:18 am
i do however, intend to possibly come to chicago next year. there is an inline marathon these….hmmmmm!!!! ;)
September 15th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I have mixed feelings as well. I think that it will bring Chicago to the forefront of the world and highlight its best assets and its unique character.
On the other hand, preping for the Olympics is going to be a monumental task and we (those who live in chicago) are going to be caught inthe cross hairs. The construction is a big boom for the city but the traffic jams, loss of public parks and open space are going to create resentment. Since Chicago is known for its back room deals, I suspect that many contracts are going to be huge “fans” of the Olympics. I can feel the corruption now.
It would be cool to see a few olympic sports but, I can’t say that I will be in the city in 2016, I could be back east or in the burbs or anywhere.
Part of me hopes we do get it but most of me hopes we don’t.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I think my biggest reason for not having it is the construction and traffic delays, etc. As far as the economy, it could be a good thing because of jobs created to build up parts of the city, and those businesses which would grow that have to support those news developing areas. And you’re right, Chicago is a great city. (albeit a weeeeeee bit cold) :)
September 15th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’m a Salt Lake 2002 Olympics Survivor. I lived downtown, worked downtown, and volunteered for 3 weeks at the Olympics. My life was disrupted, my college classes were closed for a month to house athletes, I worked for the press and things were CRAZY, and to top it all off, the whole thing was just a few months after 9/11 and everyone was paranoid about security.
For years prior to the Olympics the freeways were torn up, the city streets were torn up to put in public transportation, and any kind of commute was generally miserable. The Salt Lake Games had massive financial scandal from the get-go and we were all worried about how that would a) reflect on SLC and b) affect us long-term.
That being said, it was Awesome. I think most people here feel that way. The long term benefits of hosting the Olympics are still boosting our economy and due to some economic brilliance from Mitt Romney (who took over after the scandals broke), we actually ended up with a several million dollar surplus.
I’m all for the Olympics.
xox
September 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Also--the construction was a pain, yes. But the end result that we will be enjoying for years and years (wider freeways and a public transportation system) are soooo worth the 5 years of crazy.
xox
September 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I have mixed feelings but in the end I don’t think it will matter. Olympics have never been in South America. I think Rio is going to get it.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I would definitely be worried about having to incur the costs that go into this, as in the local tax payer will have to end up paying.
Politically, doesn’t matter all that much. There’s always something that’s going to be happening in the world. Let’s face it, wars and broken relations are not going to be mended anytime soon. If it’s not here and somewhere else, I bet you they have their own political/international problems to worry about as well.
But yeah, agreed on the financial aspect of this. Still, it could be pretty cool having it there.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I was very disappointed when Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Olympics. There is actually quite a large anti-Olympic following in Vancouver. So much so that the City of Vancouver held a vote about 6 months before Vancouver was named host city. I’m not sure what the point of the vote was. If the majority had voted against the Olympics, would the City have abandoned its bid? Unlikely. Anyway, approximately 60% voted in support of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
There are so many reasons I didn’t want Vancouver to host the Olympics. Mainly, I find it offensive that the City will allocate an exorbitant amount of money for Olympic developments but fails to find funds for social programs. Vancouver’s homeless population has increased by over 300% between Vancouver becoming the 2010 host city and now. I think it’s insulting to deny that this isn’t directly related to the money that is being directed away from social programs and into the Olympics.
I don’t claim to know it all or be any sort of expert. All I know is that when Montreal was awarded the 1976 Olympics, it was claimed that there would be no deficit. The mayor actually made the statement that “the Montreal Olympics can no more have a deficit than a man can have a baby.” Montreal paid off its Olympic debt in 2006, thirty years after the games. That scares me. The fact that the City of Vancouver financed a $100-million loan to the developer of Vancouver’s Olympic Village because of the financial crisis scares me. The security budget more than doubling in size (to over $1-billion) scares me. So much of what is happening in Vancouver right now scares me.
Vancouver and Whistler were already tourist destinations. They didn’t need the exposure that the Olympics brings. I feel like the Vancouver 2010 Olympic games are a big ego stroke for a city that doesn’t need it.
On a personal level, I am insulted by the City of Vancouver’s priorities. Last year there was an individual who was targeting women on the Skytrain (Vancouver’s version of a subway system.) Multiple women were attacked just outside of one particular station at night, when traveling alone. I ride the Skytrain. For me, and a lot of other people in Vancouver, the Skytrain is the only method of getting to and from work. At the same time, vandals targeted an Olympic countdown clock. The City of Vancouver hired a 24-hour security guard to protect the clock. Meanwhile, pink whistles were handed out to women at Skytrain stations. The attacks were happening at one station. Posting a security guard at that one station would have stopped the attacks. Yet protecting a clock from some spray paint was more important.
All that being said (sorry for hijacking so much space!) I decided about a year ago that having a negative attitude about the Olympics isn’t going to accomplish anything. Vancouver is hosting the Olympics in 5 months whether I like it or not so I might as well enjoy the parties and the energy and spirit that it is bringing to the city (and try not to grumble too much as I try to navigate my way through multiple security checks to get to my office that is conveniently located in a red zone.)
September 15th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hahah! Large events freak me out -- period. So I would rather they be as far away from me as possible. So I guess I should just stay put here in desolate SD.
But I guess the thing I think about the most? Don’t they build a ton of buildings and infrastructure and all that and THEN what do they do with it when everyone leaves? Does it truly get used? I remember seeing the cemetary that is the World’s Fair grounds in St. Louis one year and it made me sad.
September 15th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I visited Beijing not long before they hosted their Olympics and although it was quite the experience, I did not enjoy my time there at all. The crowds were far too much for me, even though I was coming from a much bigger city. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like while the Olympics were in session.
I also visited Chicago for the first time a month or two ago and I fell in love with the city. I’m definitely going to have to go back (so feel free to count me in as a statistics for your study). But since I’ve seen what the Olympics did for Beijing, I wouldn’t wish that on any city. The Olympics is great, but it really is nightmare when you talk about the crowds and the people and the traffic, and how the price for everything goes up. Gives me nightmares just thinking about it lol.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
man, i’m not sure how i’d feel. seeing as i’m already in DC, which doesn’t exactly need any more publicity, i’d probably be on the annoyed side if they were supposed to be held here -- traffic is already miserable, there are already too many people, etc. but chicago..? hmm. i happen to be one of those people who came to chicago and immediately fell in love with the city, so i’d like for it to be a little more universally recognized as the awesome place it is… but that’s easy for me to say, from a thousand miles away… :-)
September 15th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
arugh! i wrote a super long and super great response and the website ATE IT! any chance you can find it, nilsa?
September 15th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Wait, there are overlaps between Barcelona and Chicago? That’s it, I’m moving.
I don’t remember much about when the Olympics came to LA…I was only 8. I have a feeling they make more improvements to the host cities today than they did back then though.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I don’t really have any thoughts re: Chicago hosting the Olympics….but I have visited Chicago once and we LOVED it. Funny, we just got a package from Lou Malnati’s yesterday…pizza and hot dog kits!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Ok, basically what I said before the bloggin’ host of a thing ate up my comment is that I am with you, Nilsa. In short, I am still in shock with how Beijing (and China as a whole) is cleaning up after itself post summer 08 Olympics, toward which they invested a TON of money and effort in hopes that it would bring a new boom of residency and economic growth in the northern part of the city, but instead the opposite happened and the people are left void. I even hear they are thinking of tearing down the Birds Nest all together. Although we would hopefully not feel the need to impress the world as much, at least in terms of financial obligations, it is indeed a huge, and often unforeseen, economic obligation to both the city, state, and country involved.
And I also agree with your apprehension considering our current economic situation. I am not sure investing tax payer money in a non-necessity is the best way to “recover.” Apparently, though, according to Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, “The US recession is probably over but the economy will remain weak for some time due to unemployment.” Though this might be good news for now, who knows where we will stand in 2016 (this is till 7 years away!) and what still stands between us. (source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8257552.stm).
If the Olympics do indeed go to Chicago, then hooray :) But in the meantime, the conservative side of me wishes we could really, and finally, come to grips with not, as a country, continuing to spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
It would be nice to have Chicago known for something other than Capone, Jordan, and Blagojevich, wouldn’t it? I love this damn city.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Firstly, I have to say that I am very impressed with your knowledge and understanding of exactly what hosting the Olympics entails before spouting your opinion all over the internet. Being from Vancouver (2010 yeah!!!) and now in Melbourne (arguably the sport-events capital of Oz) I have heard two very different sides of the Olympic debate, and regardless of which side I am on it drove me absolutely insane to hear Vancouverites spew their uneducated opinions to everyone and anyone about how terrible the Olympics were going to be.
While yes, my sport science and events background makes me very pro-Olympics, I understand there are negatives to being a host-city, and I was fine with people having a negative opinion if it was educated. But the number of “anti-Olympic” opinions I heard from people who had absolutely ZERO idea of what being a host-city entailed made me want to tear my hair out. So, THANK YOU for having an educated opinion and not just jumping on one bandwagon or another.
Ok, and so as I’ve mentioned, I am obviously pro-Olympics and have been looking forward to the ones in Vancouver for years. Overall, I actually feel that 2016 Chicago could boost the economy, and possibly do wonderful things for the international opinion of America. The 1984 LA games were the first Olympics to make a profit, and every games since has. The 1976 Montreal Games (I think they finally paid off their debt in 2006?) were a bit of an anomoly and haven’t happened since. Also, while not permanent, the Olympics creates thousands and thousands of jobs for the 7 year lead-up and during the games. Perhaps it’s a chance to bolster the US economy and help pull you out of the slump? (I’m using ‘perhaps’ because I’m really not up on all the ins-and-outs of what’s going on in your economy)
September 15th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I am definitely a supporter of the Olympics in the city, but honestly, now that taxpayers are on the hook if we run over in costs (inevitable) and local transportation is already an issue without this. The carbon footprint is also a concern too. Yet, it will be exciting and a huge boost for the city so I’m torn.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
applicant city? i don’t get it.
i think this would be a great opportunity for the city, and all of the midwest! see, i can still show my love.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:52 am
i am totally torn by the whole possibility. on one hand i am excited to be living in a city where such a huge event could happen, i am excited for the world to love this place as much as me. but i am dreading the little things, traffic, overpriced crap. taxes!
do the positives out weigh the negatives? in this scenario, i think they do. we wouldn’t have to travel to experience something so monumental, but watch it happen literally, in our backyards!
September 16th, 2009 at 2:27 am
[...] it would be fair to say that as of late, our image has not been looking so great. Nilsa also has been thinking about it lately. even noting the translation of the proposed slogan to something literally stomach turning. this [...]
September 16th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I would LOVE to have Chicago host as my parents live there and I would have a guaranteed place to stay during the games!
September 20th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I am surprised to hear that some of your friends did not want to visit Chicago! Everywhere I go, people go on and on about how much they’ve heard about the city, and that they would love to visit it. I suppose it is different now, with they lakefront work that’s been done.
I am worried about how Chicago’s transportation infrastructure would hold up if they win the bid. Of course, they would have 8 years to prepare!
September 21st, 2009 at 11:10 am
Living in a city that had the Olympics (Salt Lake in 2002), I can attest that it made a positive impact here. Some people were naysayers about it, but overall, it was a good thing. Brought a lot of people together to make it a great event.
Chicago would benefit, for sure.