Regardless of how you feel about Chicago and/or Illinois politics, bringing the Olypmics to Chicago would be great for Champaign County and the University of Illinois. So this is good news:
The IOC has picked four finalists in the bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Making the cut are Chicago; Tokyo; Madrid, Spain, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Three cities were eliminated from the race -- Doha, Qatar; Prague, Czech Republic, and Baku, Azerbaijan.
Why would this be great for CU? I remember when the Bears played here, everybody said it would be great for CU. In the end economic analyses determined it wasn't. It did bring plenty of drunk drivers to town, though.
Yeah, but we got to watch a lot of Bears games. If the Olympics come, we will get a chance to watch them in our own town - that would be really cool, regardless of the economic benefit.
That said, I don't see it ever coming to fruition.
"Why would this be great for CU?"
Because at least some of the events will almost certainly be conducted here, at UIUC facilities.
RSW - there are no plans for holding any events outside of the Chicagoland area.
"RSW - there are no plans for holding any events outside of the Chicagoland area."
So it appears, although I thought I remembered that UIUC facilities were being considered for some of the obscure events.
Either way, the Olympics in Illinois are good for Illinoisans, even us poor downstate folks, and even in spite of the melding of two legendarily corrupt organizations - Chicago city government and the International Olympic Committee. If nothing else, the graft will be spectacular.
While getting to see some olympic events in town would be great, I'd be afraid that the financial costs would far outweigh the benefits for the state. Infrastructure and capital improvements for the olympics are unbelievable costs. Perhaps if only Chicago bared the costs it would be contained (and balanced). But if it's up to the state of IL to foot the bill, you can bet it will further erode other services.
I for one hope Chicago fails in its bid.
What about the costs associated with having to give the attendees personal body armor?
RSW - there are no plans for holding any events outside of the Chicagoland area.
Bummer.
curious - You are exactly right. One of the main problems Chicago faces with the IOC is the inadequate public transportation in the city. The current rail system was originally built nearly 100 years ago and although there have been additions and renovations since, it is barley able to handle the daily ridership, is in disrepair, is underfunded, and even Mayor Daily concedes that it will take a huge amount of money for the necessary improvements. The CTA is already spending hundreds of millions (400 - 500) to upgrade a small number of the total stations/stops and a few of the slow zones. Realistically, it will take well over a billion more (possibly 2) to make it a world-class transportation system that the IOC will expect (and saw in Rio). Most of that money won't come from Chicago/Cook County, which already passed big tax increases this year to pay for existing projects & programs.
I cannot understand this enthusiasm for a Chicago Olympics,,,,all jokes aside, it is street crime ridden,,,,,corrupt at the city and county level,,,,,do you want us to further disgrace ourselves? the muggings and the murders will climb to the highest level if this goe's off. Hell they shoot little kids and old ladies down in the street up there,,,,,they are not going to hesitate to shoot some asian, african,,,,europeans, etc that come to watch!! At least in China,,,they will have one million soldiers out on duty,,,,,and anyone crossing the line will be stopped but quick,,,,in Chicago? Up there it might be the cops shaking them down for a favored parking area. I dont really think they have a chance to land the Olympics,,,,,I pray not.
Besides all of the reasons already stated as to why having the Olympics in Chicago is not the best of ideas, there is one more that has a long term significance. The proposed plan is to put the olympic size swimming pool and facilities in Washington Park. This is an historic park, part of Jackson Park and the Midway--designed by Olmsted and part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition, the White City. If the swimming venues are built there, the park will never be returned to the historic design, which adds so much to Chicago, along with the western parks designed by Jens Jenson, and the history of architecture up to World War II. It is accurate that no olympic activity is scheduled to occur outside of Chicago.
Pattsi Petrie
You all are making me decidedly less enthusiastic about a Chicago Olympics.
Can't I root for them if for no other reason than the breathtaking corruption that will ensue?
they are not going to hesitate to shoot some asian, african, europeans, etc that come to watch!!
??!?!?!?
Maybe former Governor and now, convicted felon George Ryan could show up at the opening ceremonies, if He's still around, to accept the first "official kickback", this is if any money is left after the circus of corruption that will be the preparation for the Chicago Olympics. The symbol of the Olympics in Chi-Town should be 4 pairs of handcuffs linked together like the Olympic rings to represent the 3 Governors that Illinois has sent to the slam, Kerner, Walker, Ryan, and by then hopefully Blagovich!!!
I must admit I'm with curious on this one. I'm hoping Tokyo doesn't get 'em for the same reason.
(At least it'd be the first time for Chicago.)
In the wake of the olympic site announcements, China is planning to pass a resolution criticizing the state of Illinois for its persecution of the American Indian, specifically mentioning the lack of reparations to the Miami Tribe, the Starved Rock incident, the Trail of Tears, etc. Fang Bian-mian, the Chinese Minister of Amerindian Relations and Instant Noodles expressed deep concerns over the recent expulsion of the Dalai Illini, Chief Illiniwek. Illiniwek could not be reached for comment, as his office did not answer our calls, and emails were returned to us unopened.
IP I agree with you, I have never been close enough to see one up close and I also thought we might end up with some of the events or practice stuff down here.