Beijing To Host 2022 Winter Olympics

[darkswordsman17]

LA did pretty good in 1984; I hope they repeat what worked previously.

They did, and LA is probably one of, if not the the most suitable city in the world for hosting a summer Olympics, but the entirety of the Olympics and similar events (World Cup for instance) have become so much of a farce that it is difficult not to be jaded.

Also, what made the 1984 Olympics such a success is that they sold everything they could to corporate partnerships. That is now inherent to major events, while places are still having to pony up a lot of money to support them, so I don't know that they'd be able to recreate the success of the 1984 games.

The LA area has sports and event venues coming out the ass, none of which would require substantial renovations to host (nor would the city approve of such an expenditure). At most more and faster built mass transit that the city needs anyway would be constructed.

That's part of the point. Obviously it wouldn't be the tens of billions of dollars that China and Russia blew, and it's not anywhere near the situations where countries/cities that are not in financial shape to be doing things like this, but big events have a way of bringing out corruption.

LA is absolutely a great fit, but that doesn't mean there won't likely be some egregious attempts at getting benefits. I will say the way they've handled the NFL is a positive indication that it wouldn't get out of hand.

And like you said they have public transport issues, but would they be able to resolve those? I've seen a fair amount of arguing over multi-billion dollar high speed rail developments and things like that (and I don't know that the prospect of hosting and Olympics and just the possibility of profit from doing so being enough to sway people one way or the other with regards to getting things done). Granted its not like if they didn't even do anything to address them that it'd ruin the games, but using events like this to sway people on issues like that is kinda the problem.

 

[Ns1]

Also, what made the 1984 Olympics such a success is that they sold everything they could to corporate partnerships. That is now inherent to major events, while places are still having to pony up a lot of money to support them, so I don't know that they'd be able to recreate the success of the 1984 games.

Evidently we only need to build a place for people to kayak and we'll be all set!

And like you said they have public transport issues, but would they be able to resolve those?

I don't think there would be much to solve for the olympics because the public transit is already there to support the venues which would be used for the olympics.

we have public transport issues for people who actually want to live/work here ^_^

 

[Fern]

I think the real story here is that only two countries even wanted the Summer Olympics; neither ideal choices.

China has the money etc; I understand the choice.

I also suspect this was quite important:

that also offered vast commercial opportunities in a new winter sports market of more than 300 million people in northern China.

Problem is, the current (non-Chinese) companies that dominate the Winter sporting goods market might think they'll profit from the expected new Chinese market. However, history suggests that instead Chinese companies will be created to handle the new (Chinese) business. Then the new Chinese Winter sporting goods companies will move into the European and US markets etc.

Fern

 

[K1052]

And like you said they have public transport issues, but would they be able to resolve those? I've seen a fair amount of arguing over multi-billion dollar high speed rail developments and things like that (and I don't know that the prospect of hosting and Olympics and just the possibility of profit from doing so being enough to sway people one way or the other with regards to getting things done). Granted its not like if they didn't even do anything to address them that it'd ruin the games, but using events like this to sway people on issues like that is kinda the problem.

The city already has numerous projects under construction and in the pipeline, I would expect getting the games would merely accelerate them. The last time LA had the games, long before any meaningful public trans, everyone thought it would be the end of the world but it turned out fine actually. I think this problem is generally somewhat overstated.

HSR is an entirely separate issue and it really wouldn't be of any use to the games even if it was operational.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

how sad is it to be Kazakhstan? They lost to a place without natural snow...

Kazakhstan's bribes were obviously not up to snuff, they have only themselves to blame.

 

[spacejamz]

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/07/unl...-be-the-only-city-that-wants-to-host-olympics

From USA Today, here are just some of the 'demands' that a host city must comply with:

1. “They demand to meet the king prior to the opening ceremony. Afterwards, there shall be a cocktail reception. Drinks shall be paid for by the Royal Palace or the local organizing committee.”

2. “Separate lanes should be created on all roads where IOC members will travel, which are not to be used by regular people or public transportation.”

3. “The IOC members should have separate entrances and exits to and from the airport.”

4. “A welcome greeting from the local Olympic boss and the hotel manager should be presented in IOC members’ rooms, along with fruit and cakes of the season.”

why any country would put up this is absolute BS....and this is just 4 items from the list....

 

[KMFJD]

At Least it's not Qatar

 

[darkswordsman17]

Evidently we only need to build a place for people to kayak and we'll be all set!



I don't think there would be much to solve for the olympics because the public transit is already there to support the venues which would be used for the olympics.

we have public transport issues for people who actually want to live/work here ^_^

Those aren't the only costs involved though. Even ignoring the costs of building infrastructure (which often are the major contributing issue as far as how much costs have gotten out of hand), is it possible to simply host a games and make money now? 1984 was already 31 years ago.

Plus, keep in mind, that isn't current LA, this would be LA in what, 10+ years? Are you sure things wouldn't need renovated before then?

The city already has numerous projects under construction and in the pipeline, I would expect getting the games would merely accelerate them. The last time LA had the games, long before any meaningful public trans, everyone thought it would be the end of the world but it turned out fine actually. I think this problem is generally somewhat overstated.

HSR is an entirely separate issue and it really wouldn't be of any use to the games even if it was operational.

Like I said, I don't think that's even really an issue, but using the games as means to push certain things through (or "accelerate" them, which generally means they'll cost more and be rushed, which isn't always a good thing) is a major public issue.

Again, I think LA is probably in the best situation of just about any city in the world for hosting a summer Olympics, but that still doesn't mean it would make sense just because I think it highlights just how f'ed up the whole Olympics situation has gotten, that it might not even work well in optimal situation, let alone with all the corruption that has been happening in sub-optimal places.

 

[Ns1]

Those aren't the only costs involved though. Even ignoring the costs of building infrastructure (which often are the major contributing issue as far as how much costs have gotten out of hand), is it possible to simply host a games and make money now? 1984 was already 31 years ago.

Plus, keep in mind, that isn't current LA, this would be LA in what, 10+ years? Are you sure things wouldn't need renovated before then?

- Staples is new enough and has 3 pro teams that will keep it in top shape
- New football stadium maybe
- Area around the Coliseum is being renovated as we speak, LA sports arena is being razed, for a new stadium
- USC has a ton of stuff available for use, and they just went through a major remodel
- Rose Bowl is currently undergoing a $140 million "modernization"


So...sounds like we'll need to renovate the velodromes and buildout a place for kayakers.

 

[Wreckem]

Those aren't the only costs involved though. Even ignoring the costs of building infrastructure (which often are the major contributing issue as far as how much costs have gotten out of hand), is it possible to simply host a games and make money now? 1984 was already 31 years ago.

Plus, keep in mind, that isn't current LA, this would be LA in what, 10+ years? Are you sure things wouldn't need renovated before then?



Like I said, I don't think that's even really an issue, but using the games as means to push certain things through (or "accelerate" them, which generally means they'll cost more and be rushed, which isn't always a good thing) is a major public issue.

Again, I think LA is probably in the best situation of just about any city in the world for hosting a summer Olympics, but that still doesn't mean it would make sense just because I think it highlights just how f'ed up the whole Olympics situation has gotten, that it might not even work well in optimal situation, let alone with all the corruption that has been happening in sub-optimal places.

Dallas has repeatedly tried to make a bid for the Summer Games. The USIOC never takes Dallas' bid seriously even though it's in a position to not have to build any venues, just renovation of Fair Park, plus housing and transportation. Transportation is the issue. Transportation is the same issue for LA.

 

[Printer Bandit]

Detroit is in the running.

 

[Imp]

If they reuse some of their stuff from the summer Olympics, might save some money. I get the feeling that reusing is only for losers though.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

We have
wtf else would LA need to build?

20 lane highways?

 

[Slew Foot]

They could probably do it in Silicon Valley/SF, theres plenty of sports crap around here. Plus the libs would love to get their hands on as much money as they could to give out to their friends.

In reality they should just have them in China every two years. Thats the only country in the world thats not dying in debt.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

BTW why is everyone just talking about LA? Atlanta was far more recent and was a model for how corporate sponsorships (Coca Cola) as well as proper planning resulted in facilities that are still in use today. The dorms were turned over for GA Tech and Turner Field is still being used today. Granted, had they planned Turner Field to be a better stadium the Braves probably wouldn't need to move today.

With that said LA has the facilities--it just needs transportation. The metro is already getting massive funding for expansion, and this would probably be the trigger for additional expansion and heavy rail buildup. After all CA can use a transportation fix.

LAX is also getting modernized, but I could see this infusing more money in to really get it going. BUR is also getting redone as well and real jetways would be a big plus for domestic attendees.

Edit: Anyhow, my point is that it can be done and Atlanta showed us how its not an economic drain. I can expect LA to do a good job too.

 

[Ns1]

BTW why is everyone just talking about LA?
----
Because we're the only ones interested?

 

[michal1980]

how sad is it to be Kazakhstan? They lost to a place without natural snow...

shows how corrupt the Olympic committee is. They not only considered a city without snow, they gave them the winter Olympics.

On my Flow chart for winter Olympics

1) Snow
-No?
-Reject bid.

 

[K1052]

They could probably do it in Silicon Valley/SF, theres plenty of sports crap around here. Plus the libs would love to get their hands on as much money as they could to give out to their friends.

In reality they should just have them in China every two years. Thats the only country in the world thats not dying in debt.

Peninsula NIMBYs would kill that idea deader than dead. There was enough local opposition in SF itself to handily derail the possibility of a 2024 bid, opposition groups even sent a letter to USOC that if selected they'd get a ballot initiative passed to make the city reject the games (an entirely possible outcome).

 

[K1052]

LAX is also getting modernized, but I could see this infusing more money in to really get it going. BUR is also getting redone as well and real jetways would be a big plus for domestic attendees.

I think the work at LAX is already proceeding at the most expeditious pace possible without crippling the airport. I do deeply look forward to the day when their project to build a CONRAC (and Metrorail connection) served via automated people mover is completed though, incidentally scheduled for 2024.

 

[Sonikku]

I will never understand the insistence on throwing tax payer money on this crap when there's never enough for essential maintenance or infrastructure. Then again, you could say the same thing about war. 😛