Chicago named a finalist to host the Olympics, but don't get too excited
WHAT'S NEXT? | Questions on construction costs, projected revenues and public transit
Local Olympic hopefuls graduated to the next round Wednesday as Chicago was named one of four finalist cities eligible to host the 2016 games.
But an accompanying report card indicates there's some room for improvement in Chicago's pitch.
(AP)
1. Tokyo: Aims to spend $2.1 billion for venues, half of that for an Olympic Stadium. Like Chicago, bid rests on presenting compact games. IOC evaluators liked its "extremely efficient rail system." Lowest public support (59 percent in metro area compared to Chicago's 74 percent). Expert Rob Livingstone of games bids.com puts Tokyo in a tie with Chicago. But will IOC, after Beijing Games this summer, go for another Asian host so soon?
2. Madrid: Made short list for 2012 games, so cosmopolitan city brings knowledge of the Olympic process. Evaluators gave Madrid points for "environmentally friendly transport and traffic strategies and measures" but cited "internal terrorist threat and risk environment in Spain.'' With London and Sochi, Russia, hosting in 2012 and 2014, "Madrid may have a tougher geography sell,'' said expert Ed Hula of aroundtherings.com.
3. Chicago. The IOC liked the city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, appreciated Chicago's hotels and cited a plan to leave an athletic legacy for youths. High grades for air service to Chicago. IOC raised questions about financial guarantees, construction estimates, revenue projections and public transportation. Hula thinks Chicago's compact plan, plus the city's stores and restaurants, will earn points with IOC voters.
4. Rio de Janeiro. IOC evaluators say this city faces "major challenge for transport systems'' and its airport is "not able to cope" with the Olympics. "Assurances and safety of persons traveling through certain parts of the city would be required,'' the IOC panel said. Experience with hosting Pan Am games last summer a plus. IOC president Jacques Rogge has pushed for Olympics in South America.
Andrew Herrmann
The sometimes blunt grading said Chicago's construction costs "appear low" and characterized as "optimistic" the Chicago 2016 committee's projected operating revenues that are being counted on to cover expenses.
While praising Chicago's hotel accommodations, security and environmental efforts, the International Olympic Committee also questioned the Chicago bid's guarantees and wondered about the state of public transportation.
The IOC evaluation report, released in Athens, Greece, assessed the technical merits of each bid. It gave Tokyo the top marks, followed closely by Madrid. Tied for third were Chicago and Doha, Qatar, which didn't make the final cut because of triple-digit summer temperatures. Rio de Janeiro was fourth. The final decision will be announced in October 2009.
"The real competition begins [now]. This is like, we left the primary. We're going into the general election,'' Mayor Daley said from Athens.
"It's a good day for Chicago,'' said Chicago 2016 chairman Pat Ryan.
Chicago didn't win in any of the 11 categories including general infrastructure, environmental conditions and experience with large-scale sporting events. But Chicago officials said the rankings did not necessarily indicate that the local team is in third place; all of the finalists are eligible. Now, it's up to the entire IOC voting group, made up of a little over 100 members.
For the next 16 months, Chicago 2016 officials will press their case to IOC voters representing various sports organizations, trying to convince them that the city would provide the attention and support the groups crave. Noting that the cities ranked No. 1 in the technical contest have not always won the final-round right to host the games, Chicago bid officials and outside experts said the "real race" places more emphasis on politicking.
"The ultimate vote comes down to emotion, to trust, to personalities, to the ability to sell your city,'' said Bob Ctvrtlik, vice president of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The report card will raise questions for IOC members. Revenue estimates of $3 billion were characterized as "optimistic" -- twice that of Tokyo and Madrid and four times the Rio estimate. Chicago 2016 officials stood by their figures, which they'll clarify in a plan to be filed in February.