Chicago to host the 2016 Olympics: Yay or Nay?
by freeandflawed - November 24, 2008
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There are only 312 days until the decision of which city will host the 2016 Olympic games is made. As a Chicagoan, I am torn on whether or not I want them to be in my city. A part of me feels proud and obligated to support my city, while the other part is worried about the negative effects it will have. If you're in Chicago, what do you think? Do you support the city in its efforts? Why or why not? What about those of you who don't live in Chicago - what are your thoughts on the games?
The City's Final 2016 Bid
Chicagoist breaks down Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics…and it doesn’t look good.
Hosting the 2016 Olympics would finally give Chicago some of the recognition it deserves. It seems that all the big events happen in Miami, LA, or New York. It’s about time that something of importance be held in Chicago.
The tourists that would inevitably flock to the city before, during and after would be a significant boost to the city’s economy. The hotels would see increases as well as local businesses, tourist attractions and restaurants.
With Obama backing Chicago’s Olympic bid, the level of excitement is bound to rise. I love this city. I would feel proud if Chicago were able to host the 2016 Olympics. I love how excited Chicagoans get when something big is happening. Remember when the Bears made it to the Superbowl? Yeah…I know we’d all like to forget! But Chicago was decked out in orange and blue! “Go Bears” signs hung in business windows, even the Art Institute lions sported Bears helmets. Let’s face it, this city gets pumped up!
It’s difficult finding a job in the current economy. I’d hope that by 2016 things would be different. Hosting the Olympics in Chicago would create jobs for many people. A job splurge could occur because there would need to be more tour guides for all of the visiting people, more vendors and probably more employees at the businesses near the Olympic Stadium.
Oprah and Obama, Chicago’s two most important power houses, both support the games being held in their city.
Done.
Why Chicago Contest
Submit a video describing why you think the Olympics should be held in Chicago and you’ll be entered to win a trip to Vancouver for a behind-the-scenes tour of the 2010 Olympics.
Corruption
Three Chicago governors have been arrested. George Ryan is currently serving his sentence and just this morning, Rob Blagojevich was taken into custody. Allegedly he was trying to sell the senate seat left open by now President-Elect Barack Obama.
The Olympic Stadium. Where is it being built? Who’s paying for it? What will become of it after the Olympics? This is going to be a very expensive event and Chicago’s budget is already in shambles. Why spend millions on something that’s just going to be torn down?
As Chicagoans, we’re used to construction. But in order to build the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Village, there will be years of construction. It’s going to make Chicago look like a mess. Not only will it be inconvenient for commuters, but those who live in the area will be burdened with all of the noise.
Where will all of the tourists stay? Yes Chicago is equipped with a number of hotels, but are they all affordable? After the Holiday Inns and Best Westerns are full, people will flock to the bigger, more expensive chains. When those are booked up, then what? This is good and bad because, as I mentioned before, it brings money back into the economy. But it’s also bad because it only adds to the already crowded areas, creating more traffic and congestion.
Congestion. Both on the streets, El and sidewalks. Our trains are already packed. The CTA has enough issues trying to run on time and efficiently. I don’t see how we’d be able to successfully transport an Olympic village full of people back and forth when we can’t even get our own people to and from work without major delays or accidents.
Have you tried driving on I-90 at 8:30 a.m.? I have. It’s not fun. I imagine that’s what it would be like while the Olympics are here – except, worse. There would be people everywhere. If they’re not staying downtown, they’re in cabs getting there.
And even the sidewalks would be packed. Let’s recall the Taste of Chicago. You should win a prize if you can successfully navigate your way in and out of that crowd. It’s going to be really frustrating.
As Olympic glow fades, Athens questions $15 billion cost
Four years after the games were held in Athens, the stadium still stands, but it is unused. “The Games cost too much money, and they destroy the environment.” Would Chicago have the same reaction?
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Yay!
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Oh no no! We can’t have it here! The CTA wouldn’t know what to do! I mean they’re already back up with the people who live in this city. I take pride in this city, but it will be a little hellish I’m afraid if the Olympics do occur here!
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I have such a middle child complex when it comes to Chicago. I want us to have our moment in the sun, screw the consequences.
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