41 replies to this topic

[baron-pierreIV]

I find it interesting that 2 of the 3 finalists in this round are Chicago and SF. It seems like the spirit of old Avery Brundage is hovering about. He called Chicago home but left his impressive Asian Art Collection to the city of San Francisco. Hmmm, I wonder if that would be the roots for a possible 2016 Opening Ceremony?

Edited by baron-pierreIV, 10 August 2006 - 01:04 PM.

[SOlympiadsW]

this may have been answered already, but can someone tell me...is there anyway that Chicago could build a brand new Olympic stadium (that will remain after the Games-even if reduced in size like Atlanta, London, etc.)....I just don't know if it is me, but some of the US bids seem a bit "shaky" at this point, especially Chicago....but that may be because it is early, but still if they need a bid in by March 2007 it still worries me a bit....I think SF and even LA are in the lead as of now

Edited by SOlympiadsW, 10 August 2006 - 01:06 PM.

[dave199]

baron-pierreIV, on Aug 10 2006, 01:55 PM, said:

Yes; I've also expressed that before. Spending even $250 mil for a temporary stadium is kinda stupid. Build a proper brand-new stadium; then tear down the old one. But that's just one of the 'irresponsible ways' the IOC views things and how you conduct business with them if you want to host the Games.

I highly doubt that they'll tear down Soldier's Field when they invested a vast amount of money in upgrades into it more recently.

[dave199]

SOlympiadsW, on Aug 10 2006, 02:06 PM, said:

this may have been answered already, but can someone tell me...is there anyway that Chicago could build a brand new Olympic stadium (that will remain after the Games-even if reduced in size like Atlanta, London, etc.)....I just don't know if it is me, but some of the US bids seem a bit "shaky" at this point, especially Chicago....but that may be because it is early, but still if they need a bid in by March 2007 it still worries me a bit....I think SF and even LA are in the lead as of now

Well from what I've read in the past. Lots of money was invested into Soldier's Field's upgrades and renovations. It would be such a waste to abandon the stadium for a new one so early after. At the moment, there is no need for another large stadium in Chicago, especially an Olympic sized stadium. There would be no permanent tenants and would ultimately turn into a BIG WHITE ELEPHANT. I don't think I've heard any viable plan for a post-use for an Olympic Stadium in Chicago.

[LA84]

Until we see what the plans are for the Chicago stadium we can't make a judgement as to whether the IOC will buy it or not. The committee has already promised that there will be a legacy thingy attached with it as well as an Olympic Park.

Granted, the IOC was steamed about how Atlanta essentially stripped away any legacy with their Olympic Stadium after the games but they are obviously open to stadium conversions for usage after the games as London's stadium plan shows.

There still needs to be some tweaking in the plans but at this point, with the venues being planned in close proximity as opposed to the 50-60 mile distance that other cities are proposing for some of the major events to take place, not to mention the gorgeous lakefront locale of the village and major venues, Chicago is certainly in a very good position at this point.

[SOlympiadsW]

I actually think Chicago's "cluster" or venues is another problem that needs to be fixed....I still would say all three cities need work and I think Chicago still has a stadium problem on their hand as well

[dave199]

SOlympiadsW, on Aug 10 2006, 02:43 PM, said:

I actually think Chicago's "cluster" or venues is another problem that needs to be fixed....I still would say all three cities need work and I think Chicago still has a stadium problem on their hand as well

I agree. I'm not really aware but what are SF's major problems with their bid?

[mgescuro]

dave199, on Aug 10 2006, 11:50 AM, said:

I agree. I'm not really aware but what are SF's major problems with their bid?

I guess we'll find out sometime this evening, what the USOC thinks. Most likely the stadium/proposed stadium and transportation to and from the stadium and other venues.

[dave199]

mgescuro, on Aug 10 2006, 03:06 PM, said:

I guess we'll find out sometime this evening, what the USOC thinks. Most likely the stadium/proposed stadium and transportation to and from the stadium and other venues.

What's wrong with their stadium proposal?

[mgescuro]

dave199, on Aug 10 2006, 12:09 PM, said:

What's wrong with their stadium proposal?

Umm... getting it built.... We have that lameass, do-nothing, feet dragging Owner of the Niners. Tagliabue should have forced him to sell the team to Larry Ellison. ANyways...

And getting a support stadium built in the area.

Probably distance of the major venues as well. If an Arena can't be built at Candlestick, then it's got to be built somewhere along the waterfront or something in SF. Having the high profile Gymnastics event in San Jose just doesn't feel right.