Denver Considers 2018 Winter Olympic Bid

The committee delayed its report for up to two months, reports the Associated Press (AP), giving members time to study the ramifications of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent selection of Vancouver as the site for the 2010 Winter Games.

Commission chairman Rob Cohen said, “the earliest another North American city could be eligible would probably be the 2018 Games”.

Former Governor Dick Lamm, who was opposed to Denver hosting the 1976 Winter Games, said the economics of the Olympics has improved significantly since 1972.

“It might be good for Colorado now. It’s an awful lot of money for one 10-day event. But the TV revenues have made a real difference”.

Cohen said it could be helpful for Denver that a North American city won the 2010 Winter Games, because more time will pass before a potential Denver bid could have a chance.

“A lot of people we have talked to said they think if Denver is interested, we would do well to have Vancouver win the Games because by moving it out farther, you move it farther from the memory (of the rejection)”, he said.

Cohen said he believed New York would get the chance to bid on the 2016 Summer Games if its 2012 bid fails.

If New York is successful on either bid Cohen believes it would delay a potential Colorado bid until 2024 at the latest. Write or read comments about this article