Olympics fervor is now official in the Windy City, as Chicago has submitted its applicant file to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2016 Summer Games. Among the details in the bid submitted by Chicago 2016 are proposals for five new event venues across the city, as well as an Olympic Village in the city's South Side.
"We certainly think that there's a long-term legacy in store if Chicago hosts the Games," said Patrick Sandusky, a spokesperson for Chicago
2016. "This will really have a positive impact on the city. For example, the Village would be going into an area that really needs a stimulus and revitalizationand the result would be a new neighborhood for people to enjoy."
Though it's early for meeting planners to know the exact details of city improvements that would be made if Chicago were selected, they have plenty of reasons to root for the city's selection: New meeting and special event spaces, improved citywide transportation, and revamped hotels, to name a few.
According to Sandusky, the Windy City's hosting of the Games would undoubtedly translate into increased enthusiasm for future Chicago events. "Obviously, Chicago is an amazing city. It's a sports town, it's got diversity, and it's got a beautiful natural setting on a lake and parks," said Sandusky. "And, if Chicago is selected for 2016, the spotlight on the city as a destination would get brighter."
The next major step in the host city selection process will happen in June, when the IOC narrows down the number of applicants to a short list. Chicago's competitors include Madrid, Tokyo, and Prague.
Originally published February 25, 2008