U.S. Winter Bid for 2022 or 2026

[nykfan845]

Once again,you say substandard, without actually knowing the bid itself. You yourself talk about Sochi's "tackiness" and guess who's hosting 2014? It's pompous to think the IOC wouldn't choose Reno then.

We'll leave it up to the IOC to think if Reno is legit or not? I really don't think IOC members look at the bids like that, anyways (In terms of overall look of the city anyways). Here's to hoping that Reno-Tahoe puts up a good bid, and is successful in bringing a Games to the US.

[OneTimeOnly]

Once again I want to know who here in this discussion has actually been to Reno. I have, more than once. Especially of those who say Reno is a good choice.

[nykfan845]

I'm not saying it's a good choice, per se, but it's all relative anyway.

[OneTimeOnly]

I'm not saying it's a good choice, per se, but it's all relative anyway.

So you have never actually been to Reno, Nevada.

[nykfan845]

No. I haven't.

Have you ever been to Sochi?

[baron-pierreIV]

Have you ever been to Sochi?

I'll arrange to have Clement visit Reno the week before the 2022 vote!! Take that, Munich and whomever else!!

[baron-pierreIV]

Baron, I DID NOT SUGGEST L.A. FOR WINTER GAMES. I think L.A. for a Winter Games is RIDICULOUS!!! It was user "bythebay" the suggest L.A. for a winter games!

Sorry 'bout that. It's that your "OneTimeOnly" but with a pic of SF; bythebay has no such graphic so far. Annecy's biggest booster is some kid named "Tulsa," and I forget who the real Tulsa's biggest booster is? AnnencyGal? What is GB coming to?

Please get straight with the names, favorites and the graphics!!

[bythebay]

Uhmmm, last I looked there was this big beautiful thing called THE LAKE...oh wait, I thought those were those big black guys playing basketball in downtown LA. Duh. What a stupid question.

Uhmmm, Big Bear has a LAKE...what a stupid answer. Sheesh, someone needs anger management!

Reno tacky? What about having to commute--roughly a 2.5 hour trip w/ no traffic -- between downtown LA thru East LA, Pomona, Fontana, San Bernardino, Riverside, etc vs. a 40-min drive w/ lots of mountain scenery between Reno and Tahoe? Well, I guess if that's some people's idea of LESS TACKY scenery than one small mountain town called Reno, then I need my eyes checked. That's half-a-dozen FAR TACKIER cities than Reno your Winter Games visitors would have to be subjected to if you did an LA-BIg Bear combo which even the USOC would just toss down the garbage can.

Where do posters like One-Time-Only come from?

I've traveled through the LA Metro a lot of times and whenever I hear stories about traffic on the freeways it's always exaggerated. Yeah it's really bad but I've driven from Santa Clarita all the way down to Irvine within 1.5 hours during rush hour on I-5. Besides, the state of California is investing in high speed rail, with the first phases to open in a decade, a stop from downtown LA to San Bernardino would take minutes, from there you could have shuttles going up the mountain.

I know a Los Angeles winter games sounds crazy, ridiculous, pie in the sky, whatever. I know that's something no one would even think about, but I think the trend lately for the Winter Olympics has been drifting towards larger cities than small town ski resorts with Sochi an exception, but if Munich wins 2018, you'll have 3 out of the last 4 WOG that have progressively gone on to larger cities. Watching a few of the clips in Vancouver it almost seemed like they were showcasing a city for the Summer Olympics. WOG will never reach SOG status but it's grown a lot in popularity. LA always seems to step in the right time and the right situation and I don't think LA stands a good chance of hosting another summer games during this half century so this might be a crazy little hat trick if ever presented. LA has tropical weather and one could argue that snow touches down only once every generation but it's not Miami, there's mountains all around the metro area covered in snow. Most of the winter sports that take place in the actual city only involves ice, such as hockey, speed skating, curling and figure skating (in fact, Evan Lysacek trains in El Segundo, as did Michelle Kwan). Big Bear LAKE is part of the greater Los Angeles Metro area and so are a few other ski resorts...

Reno and Tahoe aren't even in the same state! I thought Reno was ridiculous when I first heard it...but if that's the best the USOC can offer as far as Winter Olympics then we should just skip it. Reno WOG = Atlanta SOG. It's like a slap in the face to the IOC for not picking Chicago. Yeah, I know, there's Tahoe but that won't even be in the billing just like Whistler. The CITY will be the centerpoint of the Olympics, that's where the Media Center, the Olympic Village, the hotels and tourists will all converge, not the picturesque mountains and pristine lakes. Salt Lake may not be Shangri-La but atleast it had character, moreso than Vancouver imo. Reno and Tahoe are like day and night, I've been to Reno before and it was so depressing. Atleast Vegas makes you feel like you stepped into an isolated fantasyland, Reno doesn't even do a good job of doing that.

I think the USOC should continue focusing on the summer games. There are a lot better candidates for summer than winter, but I think NY would fare the best despite it's 4th place showing for the 2012 race. The city's biggest blunder was focusing heavily on a stadium in Manhattan when they should've focused on an Olympic Park centerpiece, which it already has in Flushing Meadows. It'll continue to sit there and not go anywhere so I hope someday the City/USOC will realize they have a diamond in the rough.

[baron-pierreIV]

/\ Never heard that Big Bear was a LAKE. So, is it even one now? And am really NOT that interested in doing some rsearch into a place I have NO intention whatsoever of going to or visiting. The point is Tahoe is world-famous; and this Big Bear is some backwater place. Does it even have an 800m drop run?

THe odd thing is I think we probably both live in the Bay Area. The only other thing I will agree with you on is Flushing Meadows is indeed an Olympic park waiting to happen. Well, they did have some venues slated there for 2012 but the IOC is NOT interested in again giving the SOGs to the US until there is NO OTHER bidder.

So until then, I encourage the USOC to shoot for a Winter Games and Reno/Tahoe has my full support. As a matter of fact, I need to touch base with Nancy Cribbs, the BASOC prexy, about something else, one of these days. I am sure Reno/Tahoe will be mentioned in our conversation.

And if people don't like Reno, well...they don't have to go. No one's forcing any of you to.

[OneTimeOnly]

No. I haven't.

Have you ever been to Sochi?

I have never criticized Sochi's hosting.

I have also never vigorously defended or praised Sochi's hosting either.

[baron-pierreIV]

/\ But what nykfan and other people here who are NOT offended by the idea of a Reno-shared WOGs is that how bad can that city be when for THE NEXT WINTER HOST, SOCHI, NO ONE has even seen any photos of the downtown, let alone the City Hall of the place!?!?

Obviously, it MUST be so unglamourous that even the Russians don't publicize it. So, it looks like Putin and co. are going to pull another Potemkin-village stunt!!

In comparison, how bad can Reno be...and Reno has no opportunity remake or even whietwash itself? That is WHAT IS TROUBLING with the Reno-haters here.

[baron-pierreIV]

Reno and Tahoe aren't even in the same state!

That might've presented a problem...but, to mention a few distant venues from the main host cities:

- Tokyo 64 - equestrian in Kanizawa

- Munich72; yachting in Kiel

- Moscow 80 - yachting in Tallinn, Estonia

- LA84 had soccer sites in Harvard and D.C.

- Atlanta96 had soccer sites in Alabama, DC and Florida; whitewater-rafting venue was on the Tennessee border

- Beijing08 - equestrian in HongkOng

So?

[OneTimeOnly]

/In comparison, how bad can Reno be...and Reno has no opportunity remake or even whietwash itself? That is WHAT IS TROUBLING with the Reno-haters here.

Well, are they going to totally tear down all this stuff?

[baron-pierreIV]

That's part of the character of the place. If u don't like it, don't go.

[OneTimeOnly]

That's part of the character of the place. If u don't like it, don't go.

Well it's not the proper character for an Olympic Games. Would you have the games in Las Vegas? Maybe you might. I would not.

I really think that only reason you are so gung ho on Reno is because you've stated elsewhere that you don't believe there will be very many more chances for U.S. hosted games in your lifetime, and I think you just want at this point another summer or winter games in the U.S., doesn't matter where, but if it's close to you, even better, and Reno would be very very close to you since you live in the Bay Area.

[baron-pierreIV]

I really think that only reason you are so gung ho on Reno is because you've stated elsewhere that you don't believe there will be very many more chances for U.S. hosted games in your lifetime, and I think you just want at this point another summer or winter games in the U.S., doesn't matter where, but if it's close to you, even better, and Reno would be very very close to you since you live in the Bay Area.

Is that so bad?

And again as I said, if you're a Figure Skating or Curling fan, all you're really interested in are your events which will take place INDOORS anyway. Plus there are going to be thousands of other lodge and chalet rentals ALL OUTSIDE the periphery of greater Reno, along the other towns/cities surrouding the Lake, etc., etc, so some people don't even have to set foot in it if they don't want to. It actually gives OTHER people the opportunity to enjoy the town as it is...not what it isn't in other people's eyes.

Also, I think for Salt Lake, they were able to lift the No Alcohol laws of Utah/Slat Lake; so I don't see why the inverse--banning gambling and the naked lady shows-- for the duration of a Reno Games, can't happen? I mean even pole dancers have to take a vacation you know. Maybe they'll even volunteer to be IOC escorts.

[bythebay]

/\ Never heard that Big Bear was a LAKE. So, is it even one now? And am really NOT that interested in doing some rsearch into a place I have NO intention whatsoever of going to or visiting. The point is Tahoe is world-famous; and this Big Bear is some backwater place. Does it even have an 800m drop run?

THe odd thing is I think we probably both live in the Bay Area. The only other thing I will agree with you on is Flushing Meadows is indeed an Olympic park waiting to happen. Well, they did have some venues slated there for 2012 but the IOC is NOT interested in again giving the SOGs to the US until there is NO OTHER bidder.

So until then, I encourage the USOC to shoot for a Winter Games and Reno/Tahoe has my full support. As a matter of fact, I need to touch base with Nancy Cribbs, the BASOC prexy, about something else, one of these days. I am sure Reno/Tahoe will be mentioned in our conversation.

And if people don't like Reno, well...they don't have to go. No one's forcing any of you to.

Why else would it be named Big Bear Lake? I've heard of it and I've never even been there, I'm sure Shawn White has been there since he's from Southern California. You're right that I do live in Northern California, formerly the bay area, hence the screen name, but now I actually live even closer to Lake Tahoe in the Central Valley, and as much as I would love to have an Olympics in my backyard, I wouldn't want a misrepresentation of the beautiful natural setting we have by a kitschy (sp?) trappings of a small casino town. Oh, and I don't intend to go there so no problem there but I think this would be more Reno games than it would be Tahoe one, atleast as far as media and tourists/visitors are concerned. Reno has about as much character for a small city, as Detroit does for a big city, no offense to both cities but it is what it is...yet I don't hear from them seeking an Olympics, a superbowl yeah that's local, but Olympics, that's international. I love neon too, Tokyo/Vegas/Times Square/Hollywood...yeah, but Reno?

[nykfan845]

/\ But what nykfan and other people here who are NOT offended by the idea of a Reno-shared WOGs is that how bad can that city be when for THE NEXT WINTER HOST, SOCHI, NO ONE has even seen any photos of the downtown, let alone the City Hall of the place!?!?

Obviously, it MUST be so unglamourous that even the Russians don't publicize it. So, it looks like Putin and co. are going to pull another Potemkin-village stunt!!

In comparison, how bad can Reno be...and Reno has no opportunity remake or even whietwash itself? That is WHAT IS TROUBLING with the Reno-haters here.

Thank you, baron. Hit the nail right on the head. It's mainly that people are so immediately dismissive and adamant against Reno. I mean, I can immediately understand certain doubts and concerns with it, but if it's got ambitions, why not let it bid? Reno can use the opportunity to revitalize and improve the area, which is exactly what an Olympic bid should aim for.

[bythebay]

It's nothing personal to Reno but after Atlanta, it would be nice to see a premier city/destination for the US to showcase. If Reno gets the games, the government won't throw millions for brand new infrastructure like what Russia is doing and I'm afraid it will come down to another Atlanta, winter edition.

[baron-pierreIV]

Why else would it be named Big Bear Lake? I've heard of it and I've never even been there, I'm sure Shawn White has been there since he's from Southern California. You're right that I do live in Northern California, formerly the bay area, hence the screen name, but now I actually live even closer to Lake Tahoe in the Central Valley, and as much as I would love to have an Olympics in my backyard, I wouldn't want a misrepresentation of the beautiful natural setting we have by a kitschy (sp?) trappings of a small casino town. Oh, and I don't intend to go there so no problem there but I think this would be more Reno games than it would be Tahoe one, atleast as far as media and tourists/visitors are concerned. Reno has about as much character for a small city, as Detroit does for a big city, no offense to both cities but it is what it is...yet I don't hear from them seeking an Olympics, a superbowl yeah that's local, but Olympics, that's international. I love neon too, Tokyo/Vegas/Times Square/Hollywood...yeah, but Reno?

Sorry for flying off the handle. But if you've hung around here long enough, u know not to take that seriously.

Here's how I assess realistically the 3 strongest candidates for the next US WOG entry:

1. Anchorage -- so far no interest. A lot could happen by 2013 when the USOC would start finalizing its 2015 pick. Had its chances already in 1992 and 1994. How close, well-developed are the slopes and say, camera-wise, how do they rate vs. Tahoe's? Also, it would be the same general region as Vancouver. What sort of night life does Anchorage have (again vs. Reno's)?

2. Denver -- as discussed; had its turn. If I were a USOC member, I would certainly keep the return of 1976 Games in mind plus would I then be (ir)responsible in helping the good people of Denver throw $40 million down the drain for another ill-fated bid? Would I risk $40 million of other people's money just to prove wrong the fact that "Denver becomes the first city in history to slam the door in the IOC's face and that they come running back with open arms"? You got to know the temper of the IOC members to think otherwise. I couldn't in all conscience do that.

3. Reno -- granted Reno isn't Beverly Hills or Palm Beach, or God forbid, even Indianapolis; but the unparalleled graphic positives of Tahoe (which I think would account for 65% of the broadcast hours) far outweigh the negatives of the host city. I mean I don't think Reno will present itself as anything other than what it is. And an indoor ice arena is an indoor ice arena is an indoor ice arena...not unless it's designed by Calatrava in which case the cameras would focus on the beams rather than on the action on the ice. It's also in a region which by 2022, would've hosted some 62 years ago; thus it has the overlay of a previous Olympic imprimatur. If 2018 goes to Munich, then that Bavarian area would've hosted 3x already (Garmisch, 1972 and then 2018); so there is this nostalgic kick that the IOC'ers like to treat themselves to every once in awhile.

So just based on these primary considerations, I think a Reno-Tahoe bid is the most viable at the present time.

[OneTimeOnly]

Thank you, baron. Hit the nail right on the head. It's mainly that people are so immediately dismissive and adamant against Reno. I mean, I can immediately understand certain doubts and concerns with it, but if it's got ambitions, why not let it bid? Reno can use the opportunity to revitalize and improve the area, which is exactly what an Olympic bid should aim for.

Oh yeah, so by that logic, let's let Tulsa bid.

[nykfan845]

Oh yeah, so by that logic, let's let Tulsa bid.

What part of Winter Olympics do you not understand?

[FYI]

^Exactly.

The problem with Tulsa is that it would literally need an entire century to be up to Summer Olympic host standards. Tulsa virtually has no infrastructure for a Summer Games. Something those silly officials over there can't grasp because they're too high on whatever it is that their smoking.

Reno, on the other hand, wants the Winter Olympics which are only a 1/4 the size of the Summer version. Plus, they got the ski-slopes in nearby Tahoe. So relatively speaking, Reno is miles & miles way ahead in the ball game in terms of infrastructure for the Winter Olympics than Tulsa would ever be for the Summer Games.

Reno and Tahoe aren't even in the same state!

And yet they're only a fraction of the distance from one another than L.A. to Big Bear would ever be.

[baron-pierreIV]

And yet they're only a fraction of the distance from one another than L.A. to Big Bear would ever be.

WHich in a Winter Games derby is even MORE CRUCIAL in the choice to be made than in a Summer Games because the IOC hierarchy must consider that daily trek from the HQ hotel to the slopes and report BACK to HQ by late PM, considering the elements (i.e., te road conditions), the Sponsor Family's welfare AND as you've seen on the recent telecasts, the age of the IOC poobahs.

[Citizen-Seth]

So, I'm going to be a bad poster and not read the preceding 15 pages, but are there actual plans on paper for this bid? I'm asking because I spent a week last Christmas in Tahoe and I just can't see this thing happening. The drive from Reno is about the same as from Vancouver to Whistler, so this distance is overcomable, but I just don't see how Tahoe could pull off its end of the bid. What mountains are being considered? I'm guessing they're wanting to use the same venues at the Squaw Valley games? If so, that would make make the drive like 3.5 - 4 hours from Reno, not to mention the conditions of the ring-lake road. Maybe they're suggesting using Heavenly or one of the closer resorts? I don't know, but I'm very sceptical about the whole project. Too bad Anchorage doesn't seem interested. I was reading their bid book the other day, and they had a really cool bid. They'd get my vote any day of the week.