Dallas Olympic Prospects

[US75Guy]

any possibility?

Who in Dallas was involved in the 2012 effort? Are those same people making a try for the 2016 event? After twenty years absence the olympic committee will be looking very seriously at a North American host for the summer games. Is this worth going after as a city initiative, or are we an also-ran behind sure-fire candidates like Chicago, San Francisco and New York?

In other words, do we WANT it enough?

[AndyIvey]

This is the most troubling aspect of losing Reunion. We'll need stadiums, empty or not, to make a run for the games.

[abernathie13]

I assisted Tom Luce with the Olympics bid of 2012 but haven't heard of a push for 2016. The major problem expressed by the IOC in regards to Dallas was that they felt we didn't have the full backing of the area. Many of the games were to take place in other parts of the metroplex (For Worth Will Rogers, TCU, Lake Lewisville, Arlington, etc.) and they didn't understand why we didn't form as the Dallas-Fort Worth Olympics 2012. We were originally Arlington 2012 and they felt that Dallas stepped in and wasn't really on top of things. They weren't impressed with the City Council or the mayor's office in assuring that certain things would be built or that they could trust the city council (at the time there were some major scandals leaking in the media). Therefore, they sought a strong region wide backing (Dallas was trying to stronghold everything) and they wanted to have trust in the leadership.

[gc]

^ Thanks for that info abernathie13. If that is the case, which I am sure it is, then DFW may never see an Olympic bid........ever...especially give the state of our current government.

[tamtagon]

I assisted Tom Luce with the Olympics bid of 2012 but haven't heard of a push for 2016. The major problem expressed by the IOC in regards to Dallas was that they felt we didn't have the full backing of the area. Many of the games were to take place in other parts of the metroplex (For Worth Will Rogers, TCU, Lake Lewisville, Arlington, etc.) and they didn't understand why we didn't form as the Dallas-Fort Worth Olympics 2012. We were originally Arlington 2012 and they felt that Dallas stepped in and wasn't really on top of things. They weren't impressed with the City Council or the mayor's office in assuring that certain things would be built or that they could trust the city council (at the time there were some major scandals leaking in the media). Therefore, they sought a strong region wide backing (Dallas was trying to stronghold everything) and they wanted to have trust in the leadership.

This is really nice information to know, thanks.

The IOC is right to pass over a proposal from a disjointed entity. Dallas city council does not do well when trying to make big decisions in a hurry - I think that's a good thing - and it's pretty easy to recognize when a that kind of government is still questioning itself. Political scandals are a dime a dozen, and thankfully the sources of local political scandals are quickly remedied with thoughtful public exposure.

For the Metroplex to host the Olympics, the primary organization must be led by Dallas. Ignoring the fact of pre-existing international name recognition, Dallas is the one entity capabale of pulling it off alone. That should not be a consideration, but is exactly why the only successful proposal would be led by Dallas -- and I think the Dallas city council does exceptionally well with big decisions when it has the time to hash out every stinking detail.

Futhermore, I could not agree more that events should not be scattered all over. To that end, Fair Park stands alone in Texas as the best location to host an Olympics. The several exhibition halls, Music Hall, Cotton Bowl, Band Shell and Colliseum could easily accommodate the bulk of the summer sports. Include the downtown arenas, Trinity River Park and White Rock Lake to put 95% of the games in the same general area. To spread events between Dallas and equally suitable Fort Worth/Arlington/Irving venues would detract from the overall experience. Baseball and sailing are about the only sports I can think of which could not really be hosted in Dallas.

There's a universe of civic pride in the Metroplex which would challenge such a plan from the get-go, but objectively, that's the way it would have to happen. Perhaps the winning aspect of a Metroplex proposal is found in trademark Texas hospitality. Although the competitions would mostly happen in Dallas, most visitors would not be able to stay within the general area of the games. Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Plano, Grapevine, Addison, Richardson etc hotels are where people will stay, and the cities become equal destinations for planned leisure events and visitors are invited to a different city each night. After competition concludes each night, each city hosts [whatever] special event. Concerts, street fairs, Six-Flags - there are more potential parties, occasions and social events than there are potential locations, and most will be accessible without a car (Frankly, I wouldnt want to force visitors into cars, it just seems ungracious).

Needless to say, this could take a decade to plan just because everybody outside Dallas would come to the planning (negotiating) table feeling like they're being cheated out of something.

[Columbus Civil]

They weren't impressed with the City Council or the mayor's office in assuring that certain things would be built or that they could trust the city council (at the time there were some major scandals leaking in the media).

That damn Laura Miller.

[monogodo]

That damn Laura Miller.
If I remember correctly, it happened pre-Laura Miller.

[Geaux Tigers]

I agree that the city of Dallas needs to have it's name all over any Olympic proposal and will have to be in the driver's seat on any decisions. However, given the current state of city council bickering, back-stabbing, and name calling, I doubt the city council could even agree that hosting the 2016 Olympics would be a good idea.

I know when Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, events were scattered all over the southeast. Rowing and sailing were in Savannah, white water sports were in North Carolina, soccer was in Birmingham and Athens, etc. The only problem with a Fair Park Olympic Village is it seems the IOC likes the idea of a brand-spanking new village and stadium. I seriouly doubt slapping a fresh coat of paint on the Cotton Bowl and Fair Park will impress them. Fair Park would need to be nearly completely razed and the Cotton Bowl would need so many renovations, it would probably be cheaper to tear it down and start from scratch. The other problem with a Fair Park Olympic Village is let's face it, the neighborhood surrounding Fair Park isn't the safest. Is that the part of town we want the world to see when they watch their country compete in the Dallas Olympics?

[tamtagon]

The other problem with a Fair Park Olympic Village is let's face it, the neighborhood surrounding Fair Park isn't the safest.

In Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park was built replacing blocks of decrepit warehouses adjacent to what was then one of Atlanta's most unsafe areas.

"A 200 acre National Historic Landmark" as a line item on its resume, Fair Park does not need to be concerned that the venues are would be less than five years old. The Cotton Bowl would essentially be brand new with a retractible roof and all....

Virtually every infrastructure and facility improvement needed to impress the IOC represents an existing need in the community - many are painfully slow to be realized. Cooperation between Dallas and the IOC toward 2015/6 as the completion date for the infrastructure improvement and facilities upgrade projects is a very financially responsible approach, one that both side can be proud of and show off.

[rantanamo]

If anyone thinks, Madame No had nothing to do with the Olympics, they're forgetting history. I was in Austin and knows that she was a vocal member of the opposition. One of the committee visitors called it the most vocally opposition he's ever seen. This was on camera and I saw it in Austin. They then cut to Miller spewing off against the Trinity and AAC/Victory.

Everyone here knows my feelings about it. Dallas could be a great host, and such a project could be a great catalyst for many smaller(and big) projects that need to be done. I would only hope we don't try to show off, and just try to host a good games. I still think Dallas' setup right now would more easily translate to building nice facilities compared to other cities. We actually need the Cotton Bowl renovated. Other cities like Houston and Chicago would have to justify a new stadium. We actually have some venues being built into the TRP. We have a Fair Park that needs renovation. We have a public transit system that would be ready at the time. Many of our entertainment venues and freeway renovations would be ready by 2016. Imagine a built-out Victory, Main St and West Village/Cityplace areas. Completed phase of Light rail(plus some newbies we'd get from Olympic money).

Dallas(and FW if they want) should go this alone with minimal participation from the suburbs. I would only talk to burbs with venues that I want like Robertson Park, Soccer venues(likely Texas Stadium, Reunion(cross fingers) Pizza Hut Park, Amon Carter, Cowboys Park, Ford and a couple of nicer high school venuesAmeriquest and Dr. Pepper 7-up. Dallas proper(a FW if they want) should have plenty of other adequate facilities.

[Columbus Civil]

If anyone thinks, Madame No had nothing to do with the Olympics, they're forgetting history. I was in Austin and knows that she was a vocal member of the opposition. One of the committee visitors called it the most vocally opposition he's ever seen. This was on camera and I saw it in Austin. They then cut to Miller spewing off against the Trinity and AAC/Victory.

I remember that all too well. I agreed with her.

[rantanamo]

I can understand people opposing. The undertaking would be like 3 or 4 complete TRPs. I think the benefit would be sweeping though, as there would really be no White Elephants left behind. The Cotton Bowl maybe, but it would be up to Dallas to make the result great.

[abernathie13]

Out of all honesty and though I love Dallas, the IOC could have cared less about the "Dallas" name. They seek to visit new places and spread the name of Olympics to not only the large cities (look at Turin/Torino now). For this reason many of us were pushing for Dallas-Fort Worth, DFW, or North Texas.

They were very impressed in the 12 FW locations and Ballpark in Arlington but not very in the 38 to have taken place in Dallas. They loved the Fair Park but were worried that promises to renovate the cotton bowl and park would not come to fruition due to the lack of support they witnessed from the City Council.

They expressed they would have liked to have seen a joint committee of all the north Texas cities involved and a community and leadership that was strongly in favor of hosting the Olympics (25,000 volunteers would have been required).

I do think we have a much better shot now that we are seeing the Trinity River Vision start production, huge improvements in transportation from the time they visited the city (growth in Dart, freeways), more centrally located hotels (was another worry of the IOC). I guess we'll see about Fair Park and if the leaders of Dallas can ever get their act together to work together and not as the disjointed unit they currently are.

[AndyIvey]

With the failure of Dallas City Limits and the survival of Reunion Arena, I think Dallas is in a good position to lobby for the Olympics. Unlike other cities that build new stadiums, we have the ability to renovate existing ones. We will have the same result at a lower cost. Fair Park/Cotton Bowl, Reunion Arena, AAC, Texas Stadium, Jerry World, and Ameriquest are a good stock of stadiums close to DTD. My fear is that we would build a new village, use imminent domain to replace unpopular neighborhoods/structures, and scrap our existing stock of sites in favor of new construction. A unified Dallas is poised to bid for the games. We should take the lead. The only hurdles, in my opinion, are the surrounding cities (ex: Arlington) that may demand equal footing. A “coalition of cities” sounds good, but it will never happen.

[rantanamo]

do we have to have the city council doing this stuff for us?

[sterling]

I wish Dallas didn't "have to have an excuse" to become a more impressive city. Basing future city progress on the spectre of bagging the Olympics is just another losing proposition. If Dallas can't or won't improve the city for the quality of life of the actual people who live there, the Olympics is certainly not going to camoflauge that fact. And who can blame the Olympic representatives for being unimpressed? Being the "savior of Dallas" is probably the last thing on their "things to do" list.

[tamtagon]

I wish Dallas didn't "have to have an excuse" to become a more impressive city. Basing future city progress on the spectre of bagging the Olympics is just another losing proposition. If Dallas can't or won't improve the city for the quality of life of the actual people who live there, the Olympics is certainly not going to camoflauge that fact. And who can blame the Olympic representatives for being unimpressed? Being the "savior of Dallas" is probably the last thing on their "things to do" list.

Wow, didnt see that coming. Thanks for keeping it real, sterling.

[rantanamo]

I wish Dallas didn't "have to have an excuse" to become a more impressive city. Basing future city progress on the spectre of bagging the Olympics is just another losing proposition. If Dallas can't or won't improve the city for the quality of life of the actual people who live there, the Olympics is certainly not going to camoflauge that fact. And who can blame the Olympic representatives for being unimpressed? Being the "savior of Dallas" is probably the last thing on their "things to do" list.

- I never read that the committee wasn't impressed with Dallas. I interpret the statements the same way I interpreted them when the representatives themselves were very honest about the lack of unity and incredibly strong opposition

- "Savior" is very strong language. I don't think anyone sees the Olympics as a savior. My point is that many of the projects that would be fast tracked with federal money if the Olympic Bid was won would have happened anyway. The goal is to get them done in my case. Now or Later, does not make them saviors.

- Why, when some big project is wanted, the "Dallas is not trying to improve quality of life for those who are in Dallas" crowd appears? I disagree with that statement in the first place.

- What is so camoflague about the Olympics? I don't want camoflague. I want fast tracked projects.


I guess I'm trying to say, where in this thread has the notion that the Olympics would somehow "Save Dallas" come up? I want Dallas to get the Olympics for the following:

- Fast tracked projects
- Selling the city for further business expansion
- Just think DFW is set up well to be a host, Especially 2016 Dallas

Can I emphasize this enough

2016 Dallas

not 2006 Dallas

not 2000 Dallas, as I used to tell people.

2016 Dallas

Dallas that should have a renovated Fair Park already
Dallas that should have a finished TRP with a lot of the venues and practice facilities built into the plan
Dallas with lakes downtown for certain water events
Dallas with a much larger rail system
Dallas with many major freeway messes reconstructed
Dallas with thousands more centrally located hotel rooms
a much larger metroplex

If anyone wants the Olympics to "save" Dallas, then they probably are a little pie in the sky. I just happen to think Dallas began saving itself long ago. Don't miss the train.

[AndyIvey]

I do not think anyone sees the Olympics as a bandaid or rescue drug. It would be an excellent opportunity to improve Dallas. However, Dallas should be improving regardless of the IOC's future plans.

[tamtagon]

02-14-2006
The major problem expressed by the IOC in regards to Dallas was that they felt we didn't have the full backing of the area. Many of the games were to take place in other parts of the metroplex (For Worth Will Rogers, TCU, Lake Lewisville, Arlington, etc.) and they didn't understand why we didn't form as the Dallas-Fort Worth Olympics 2012. We were originally Arlington 2012 and they felt that Dallas stepped in and wasn't really on top of things. They weren't impressed with the City Council or the mayor's office in assuring that certain things would be built or that they could trust the city council (at the time there were some major scandals leaking in the media). Therefore, they sought a strong region wide backing (Dallas was trying to stronghold everything) and they wanted to have trust in the leadership.

Even though I'm still a little angry and disappointed that my Dallas Cowboys built the new stadium in Arlington instead of the Fair Park 'home place,' I'm really getting over it all because an unanticipated side effect of the stadium's location has made Metroplex municipalities unify in the efforts and due diligence necessary to pull off successfully a big deal.

The NBA All-Star game, then the Superbowl, NCAA Final Four, probably some world-rooted Futbol event -- all this stuff will require continued unity at least among Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth.

A way will be found for run a regular TRE commuter train 'circular" between Dallas and Fort Worth that pass right next to the stadiums in Arlington thanks to the advantage such mass transit give to the region when competing for big events.

This stadium has effectively matured (now kitchy) Metroplex branding into North Texas.

2020 will be the right time for North Texas to host the Summer Olympics.

[mjblazin]

The next US Olympics will go to Chicago, whenever it happens, maybe 2020. Given the rise of India and potentially Africa, it could be much later. Then figure at least another 20 years before we could get another one. Except for the youngest people on the forum, we'll likely be dead or in retirement before Dallas had a shot. By then, maybe the system will wake up to the huge inefficiencies of building new sports palaces every 4 years and may go with a permanent home. Let the Greeks have it. Or we could be watching in High Def 3-D in our living rooms or maybe wired into our cortexes. It's not something to worry about now.

[NThomas]

I always thought it would be cool to host it in 2036.

Triva question: why would that year be significant?

[eirin]

Texas bicentennial? Or the 140th anniversary of the modern olympics?

[dfwcre8tive]

I always thought it would be cool to host it in 2036.

Triva question: why would that year be significant?

I also think 2036 would be a much more significant year... a Dallas Olympics taking place during the year of Texas' Bicentennial, in Fair Park using restored/renewed structures from Texas' Centennial Exposition. Just, please, no Corny Dog stands...

[lakewoodhobo]

If Dallas hosts the 2024 Olympics, imagine what Fair Park would look like as the Olympic Village.

http://www.wfaa.com/home/Dallas-gears-up-for-2024-Olympic-bid-166479916.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[dfwcre8tive]

If Dallas hosts the 2024 Olympics, imagine what Fair Park would look like as the Olympic Village.

http://www.wfaa.com/home/Dallas-gears-up-for-2024-Olympic-bid-166479916.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

A mess? The Olympics here would probably result in expanded highways connecting venues spread out all across the region. Not sure area leaders have the capacity to think sustainably (yet) when it comes to large projects/events like this.

[rantanamo]

I signed up for this org after hearing Wood speak during the Olympics. He seems to actually have a good grasp on what Dallas could do to win, and I like what he had to say. His vision is very similar to what I would imagine. I know we are a city of doubters and negative nellies, but it would be interesting to see some support for his vision.

Fair Park is the obvious choice for an Olympic Park. I think you gut the Cotton Bowl and create the modern stadium that can get you the Cotton Bowl back, TX-OU long term and possible Super Bowl and World Cup Bids. This could be done with a similar lower bowl setup to the Super Dome or Stade de France, and perhaps a fabric retractable roof like BC Place in Vancouver. Fair Park's various parking lots to the south and south east, provide huge opportunity to add temporary and a few future permanent venues. Perhaps even a world class Tennis Center which is something Dallas lacks right now. Great opportunity for a much needed DISD sports complex similar to the newish Jessie Owens complex in Oak Cliff. If the arena were similar to Ellis Davis, you'd have an excellent early round women's basketball, volleyball or handball venue. You could also see a refurbished Fair Park Arena serve as a water polo venue.

London hosted 12 events indoors at its Excel Center, which is half the size of the Dallas Convention Center. Attached to this, you have the Memorial Coliseum, which is currently seeking renovation. Here's an opportunity. Perfect host arena for Handball and/or Volleyball. Of course you have the AAC right up the tracks. Between these three venues, you have most of the Olympic events hosted in areas connected by rail and very close in distance.

The Trinity River Park is next. We've all seen the proposed and abandoned White Water Park and the now proposed Rowing Park. Again, two important venues that at other Olympic games including London have taken place far from the main Park, could be hosted in inner-city Dallas instead of worry about the logistics of White Rock Lake. This could be a great venue for shooting events, modern Pentathlon, Triathlon and even a equestrian events. A softball, baseball and soccer complex has been talked about for the park. This would provide great practice facilities for teams. In the softball complex you could provide a great softball main stadium.

The obvious sports not adressed are soccer, baseball and yachting. A quick look at the history of these, and these are easily the most spread out events of the Olympics. The soccer tourney is basically a national event for the host Olympic country. London used venues all over the UK. This tournament has really gained momentum in attendance and might need to be a Texas wide tournament. I would go Cowboys Stadium, Baylor's new stadium, Reliant, Amon Carter and Ford Field. Baseball is usually played at one place. Obviously you have the ballpark, but by then you may also have a new downtown stadium. Unlikely but possible. You could also go with the Air Hogs ballpark in GP to add another venue. You could do the regatta off the Texas coast. This sounds funny, but its not that unusual to be hosted so far from the host city.

As far as infrastructure, I think this would be a great opportunity to get a downtown subway line or second line built. Also a great way to draw attention to a full refurbish of the Cotton Bowl, Fair Park and perhaps getting off our butts with the Trinity River Park. It all sounds so doable, yet politically so far away. I could see Fort Worth and Arlington complaining they should get more. I could see the business community wanting to show off every nook and cranny of the metroplex. But I think if Dallas wants to win, the bid needs to look something like the above. I think Matt Wood understands that too. Don't know if he is ready for the politics of Dallas not letting the bid be anything like that.

To address other things:

The heat. I don't buy it as an excuse. Look at the history of the Summer Olympics. Not only has it been hot, but it has also been hosted at a variety of dates, from May, all the way to October. You could abut the games to the State Fair or even somehow integrate the two.

The Village: This is the opportunity to put up or shut up about the area around Fair Park. You've had Olympic Villages that hosted 20-30,000 athletes the last two Olympics. Dallas is woefully behind the demand for such properties. Here's a chance to build from scratch neighborhoods by private developers and even have some control over the percentage of affordable housing. Easier said than done, but there is lots of land to the north and North East of Fair Park, or if you really want to transform it, there are areas south and south east. This would likely be the biggest part of the project for a Dallas Olympics. But just think of the instant revitalization you give yourself as a city.

Yes, this is all expensive, but expensive things are done here every year, and many not done to the most benefit of the area. Here's an opportunity for permanent venues and some fast tracked projects like the Trinity River Park that should be built anyway as we approved that years ago. This is a big metro and is looking at around 8.5 million people at that point in time. Will we always hide behind not big enough forever?

[muncien]

^ Spot on...
I love keeping the main focus on Dallas proper. I think that reduces the traffic impact. I'd love to see this coordinated with a revitalized 'World Fair' that we could host at the same core venues and would be a true international event (maybe a year or two prior/after Olympics) and showcase innovation like it once did.

[mjblazin]

2024 Olympics are going to sub Saharan Africa. Maybe not Nairobi, but somewhere there. It will be the final "ring" after South America in 2016 that has not hosted. I also expect we would get little if any Federal money and have to pay for the whole thing ourselves, including a chargeback on security.

We need to find another dream.

[rantanamo]

That's fine. You should tell that to the USOC so they don't waste their time bidding.

[mjblazin]

They already know. I am sure they will go through the motions. They are getting paid. We are not and should focus on more intelligent goals.

[rantanamo]

They already know. I am sure they will go through the motions. They are getting paid. We are not and should focus on more intelligent goals.

Goals like? Bid money will be private. You should speak to those individuals about how they spend their money.

[mjblazin]

IOC wants nothing to do with private financing. Sure private money can pay for a few trips, plaster stadium models, etc., and let us not forget about the bribes that best not be in government records. The only acceptable bids are from entities that have the full, unlimited backing of governments that can tax, not just accept contributions. Additionally the members learned from LA and Atlanta and no longer accept anything that is not brand new or exceptional. London should be grateful it did not need to rebuild Wimbledon.

I do not care if people with surnames like Perot, Hunt, etc., want to play around with the IOC. It is when people with surnames like Rawlings or Jenkins, do not have jack to to their name, feel that taxpayers need to get involved with this foolishness because they want to use other people's money. That would cause concern.

[grantboston]

That's fine. You should tell that to the USOC so they don't waste their time bidding.

I think a winter games bid is far more likely to be successful. Not to mention cheaper.

[I45Tex]

I think a winter games bid is far more likely to be successful. Not to mention cheaper.

In general, I think you're right on the money. But I think Texas and Olympics don't mix. Like that old Onion item, "Harvard-bred Texan doesn't know which to mention first".

[lakewoodhobo]

I guess it's time to revive this thread:

Dallas Planning Bid For 2024 Summer Olympics
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/02/20/dallas-planning-bid-for-2024-summer-olympics/

And dallas2020.org is now dallas2024 (http://www.dallas2020.org/)

[tamtagon]

^There's no question Cowboys Stadium would be used during a Dallas Olympics, but Fair Park would be the epicenter of the Games.

The people who would be organizing a Dallas Olympics long term economic impact statement and community improvement effect would be smart to see what's happened in/around Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The before picture of this downtown Atlanta area is pretty similar to Dallas between the Cedars and Fair Park. The likelihood that mixed use Residential/Commercial/Retail urban Downtown Dallas neighborhood gentrification would swell all along Grand Avenue, MKL Jr Blvd and Pennsylvania from Lamar St to Fair Park, well, it's almost inevitable.

[Bhops]

Horse Park and the new golf course would play into it nicely. How cool would it be to see rowing events on the Trinity? So, if you finish these projects (and Trinity Park), all you would really need is the Olympic Stadium, a velodrome, and an aquatic center. All those would fit nicely into Fair Park. The rest of the events could be farmed out easily to existing structures.

They'd have to figure out additional transit options for Fair Park. They've figured out how to do Tex OU but this would be slightly bigger.

A two stepping animatron Big Tex could be the mascot of the games.

[mjblazin]

I assume you missed the statement by IOC that city will pony up $3 Billion MINIMUM, excluding any support from Feds and State on security and other things those levels of government provide. The IOC wants everything brand new and gold plated. No thank you sir.

[tamtagon]

The IOC wants everything brand new and gold plated. No thank you sir.

I know that's right!

The gold plated renovation or finishing touches to existing facilities should be preferred. New facilities only if those facilities do not exist. The IOC is on top of the list of international sporting organization that need a thorough cleaning. Sustainable infrastructure must be a mandate to any new construction in the host city of the Olympics.

[drycreek]

What a horrible idea. An epic waste of money. When I think of all the things we could get in this town for the money an Olympics would cost us it makes me cringe. Put that money into making Dallas the kind of city we want it to be.

Why are we still trying to prove ourselves to the world?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[rantanamo]

What a horrible idea. An epic waste of money. When I think of all the things we could get in this town for the money an Olympics would cost us it makes me cringe. Put that money into making Dallas the kind of city we want it to be.

Why are we still trying to prove ourselves to the world?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Could be a great way to get funding for some of this stuff that you think we could get(won't get for 30-40 years)

[OrangeMike]

What a horrible idea. An epic waste of money.

Agreed.

Do the Olympics Boost the Economy? Studies Show the Impact Is Likely Negative (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/07/30/do-the-olympics-boost-the-economy-studies-show-the-impact-is-likely-negative.html)

[Bhops]

Where would we host the wrestling events? Oh wait.

I'm on rantanamo's side... yes, it's probably a money loser, but this would be a way to fund all of our projects. And Fair Park could be transformed, which is something that is unlikely ever to happen otherwise.

[mjblazin]

Get funding from whom or where? Some kind of gigantic bond issue? The Feds and state will help with security, but do not pay for infrastructure. The suburbs are not going to raise their taxes to support a bond. They would just as soon watch on TV or whatever passes for TV in 2024. Staging the Olympics is now a game for rich potentates or dictators that have absolute control over a country's wealth.

[jrd1964]

Some of the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ would come from those corporate sponsors that want visibility (Coke, McDonald's, Visa, etc.--the usuals) but that wouldn't be close to what the host city/ies and the local/national Olympic committee would have to find to shell out. Who knows that it wouldn't result in a mess a-la Montreal or Salt Lake City? Plus situations like Munich or Atlanta that we'd have to be ready for (and are we??)

It would take LOTS more regional cooperation than what the NBA All-Star Game or the Super Bowl ended up being (and those were sagas in themselves). No room for "that town has no connecting transit" or "there's no hotels over there" type of issues.

Another thing, while a Fair Park-centered Olympics would be transformative to the greater South Dallas neighborhood, what would the post-Games socio-economic atmosphere really be like there?

[Bhops]

^didn't the olympic campus in London transform a run down area? Would be wise to study the impact there.

[lakewoodhobo]

www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20130223-dallas-optimistic-about-2024-summer-olympics-bid.ece

This one's a fun read.