Athensfan

Shrek201, on 22 May 2012 - 04:00 PM, said:

Coming from the man who proposed putting the cauldron on Queen Elizabeth's head and having trumpeters standing on golf tees....

Nothing remotely "pot and kettle" happening here.....

 Olympic Fan Darcy, on 24 May 2012 - 03:37 AM, said:

There is no foundation for the above post. First, it's not "America", it's NBC. Second, NBC has entered into a business arrangement with the IOC and agreed to pay BILLIONS of dollars, therefore they have the right to require the IOC to honor the terms of their agreement. Third, nothing has corroborated this story and we don't even know if it is true.

In fact, an anonymous IOC member has said that the calendar was not the overriding issue. According to the working group report they were also concerned about the feasibility of delivering so many new projects in a short time, the proximity of the World Cup, the reliability of proposed climate control, probable lack of spectators and a massive carbon footprint.

If the IOC wanted to move the Games to October, they certainly could. NBC would almost certainly still want to televise them too. However, October Games are only worth a fraction of what true Summer Games are worth. The IOC can change the dates, but they would have to change the price to match because the same market share is simply not available in October.

NBC has every right to object.

Incidentally, we are talking about the "SUMMER Olympic Games"........

Both Doha and Baku would be foolish to bid again until they are in stronger positions.

Qatar needs to demonstrate their cutting-edge climate control with the World Cup. They need to prove they can pack stadiums and that the venues will have a legacy. They need to engage in some pillow talk with NBC and find out if there is a workable time frame. They need to dramatically increase their sporting reputation.

Until they address all those points, future bidding will be pointless.

Baku needs to radically improve their infrastructure. They also need to build a resume hosting international multi-sport events. In my opinion they really should go for a YOG. Until they make dramatic progress in these areas, there is no Point in mounting another bid.

I really don't think either city should contemplate 2024 or 2028. By the 30's perhaps they will be better prepared....

 daveypodmore, on 24 May 2012 - 03:08 AM, said:

The Olympic ticket looks organic to me. Like some sort of flower or plant rather than a trumpet. The Paralympic ticket reminds me of rustic paving stones.

2012 pounds........ Sheesh!

Nice design on all the tickets. The pictograms definitely help add interest.

madrileño89, on 23 May 2012 - 10:46 PM, said:

Madrid was underestimated for both of the last two races. Their ties to the IOC run deep. 28 years is not a totally unworkable span of time, but it does seem soon for Spain considering the number of other aspiring European hosts.

Still, I would not count Madrid out. Their technical plan is strong. The Achilles heel here is the economy. Also, a non-Latin culture would pose a stronger contrast to Rio. That could factor into voters' subjective leanings.

Oddly enough, I feel the race is more competitive now. Limiting the race to the three best candidates will make them all work harder. If the also-rans were still in the picture, I think Tokyo would float to the top faster. With only three bids, they will all get serious consideration.