Seems Like No One Wants To Host the Olympics Anymore (1 Viewer)

[RUSF18]

Another big thumbs up to Cliff's idea.

 

[NutterButter]

I wouldn't miss anything about either of the Olympics if they just ended.

same here

 

[TheIronSheik]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

 

[Premier]

Also, I think cities still want the Summer Games. I think it's really just the Winter Games that are so expensive to have to build all new crap.

which is why ultimately Salt Lake will be the permanent home of the winter games. Or at least every 8 years.

I've seen you mention this twice now. Where are you hearing this at? I don't buy it....would be a major, major departure for the IOC.

 

[NCCommish]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

 

[Premier]

NBC just paid a gazillion dollars to broadcast through 2032. Olympics aren't going anywhere.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

I don't think the athletes feel that way. And it's one of the few things the world does as a group. Yes. It would be sad to see this die on our watch.

 

[RUSF18]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

No, it would have ended because the house of cards known as financing private facilities with public money is finally crashing down, and people are finally no longer parroting the bull#### spewed by politicians that publicly financed stadiums and arenas provide an economic benefit to the area above their cost. All while property taxes keep rising, education budgets keep getting slashed, workers' salaries freeze, etc.

 

[Jobber]

So why on earth isn't Salt Lake City bidding for 2022? It's down to Beijing and Borat's home country or some ****.

 

[Politician Spock]

Why would they? It's a money loser.

Not for the billionaires

"It's a zero sum game, somebody wins, somebody loses. Money itself isn't lost or made, it's simply transferred from one perception to another." - Gordon Gekko/Wall Street.

 

[OC Zed]

to Cliff's outside the box thinking here. It would work because of tv. TV doesn't care if an event is 300 yards or 3,000 miles away from the other events.

I'm sure they would. The networks' production costs would be significantly higher if their teams were spread out all over the globe as opposed to just one city. And because TV is the element that ultimately brings in the real $$$...

 

[NCCommish]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

I don't think the athletes feel that way. And it's one of the few things the world does as a group. Yes. It would be sad to see this die on our watch.

Couldn't care any less than I do about how they feel about it. I, like many others, am completely tired of my government paying for these facilities to the tune of 100's of million to billions to satisfy the IOC. Then telling me there is no money for mental health care, to feed poor kids, etc. Same goes for football stadiums, baseball stadiums, all that crap. Study after study shows that they are not economic engines. Sorry time for a reboot.

 

[Gr00vus]

I wouldn't miss anything about either of the Olympics if they just ended.

same here

I'd miss the theme song.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

to Cliff's outside the box thinking here. It would work because of tv. TV doesn't care if an event is 300 yards or 3,000 miles away from the other events.

I'm sure they would. The networks' production costs would be significantly higher if their teams were spread out all over the globe as opposed to just one city. And because TV is the element that ultimately brings in the real $$$...

All the figure-skating would be in the same place so it wouldn't make a difference for NBC.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

I don't think the athletes feel that way. And it's one of the few things the world does as a group. Yes. It would be sad to see this die on our watch.

Couldn't care any less than I do about how they feel about it. I, like many others, am completely tired of my government paying for these facilities to the tune of 100's of million to billions to satisfy the IOC. Then telling me there is no money for mental health care, to feed poor kids, etc. Same goes for football stadiums, baseball stadiums, all that crap. Study after study shows that they are not economic engines. Sorry time for a reboot.

As long as you're happy. I guess that's all that matters.

 

[roadkill1292]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

No, it would have ended because the house of cards known as financing private facilities with public money is finally crashing down, and people are finally no longer parroting the bull#### spewed by politicians that publicly financed stadiums and arenas provide an economic benefit to the area above their cost. All while property taxes keep rising, education budgets keep getting slashed, workers' salaries freeze, etc.

When did we start talking about the NFL in this thread?

 

[NCCommish]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

I don't think the athletes feel that way. And it's one of the few things the world does as a group. Yes. It would be sad to see this die on our watch.

Couldn't care any less than I do about how they feel about it. I, like many others, am completely tired of my government paying for these facilities to the tune of 100's of million to billions to satisfy the IOC. Then telling me there is no money for mental health care, to feed poor kids, etc. Same goes for football stadiums, baseball stadiums, all that crap. Study after study shows that they are not economic engines. Sorry time for a reboot.

As long as you're happy. I guess that's all that matters.

My apologies for expressing an opinion on the matter.

 

[Parrothead]

it was fun watching Bob Costas turn into a fly

 

[butcher boy]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

 

[dgreen]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

Or you could just hang out around the local Junior High School in whatever city your event is in.

 

[butcher boy]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

Or you could just hang out around the local Junior High School in whatever city your event is in.

Don't be creepy, dude.

 

[TheIronSheik]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

Or you could just hang out around the local Junior High School in whatever city your event is in.

Don't be creepy, dude.

Yes. Save that for the www.CreepyOldDudes.com forum.

 

[GreekFreak]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

 

[TheIronSheik]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

That's crazy. I'm sure their terrible economy didn't help the situation.

The strangest thing in the photos is the guy mowing the baseball field. Everything is falling down around it and left in disrepair. But we better make sure the grass doesn't get too high.

 

[Eephus]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

That's crazy. I'm sure their terrible economy didn't help the situation.

The strangest thing in the photos is the guy mowing the baseball field. Everything is falling down around it and left in disrepair. But we better make sure the grass doesn't get too high.

The Athens baseball stadium was converted to a soccer facility and is now the home ground for Ethnikos, a lower division Greek club.

 

[DiStefano]

Why don't they do it all in in a Hollywood Studio? If it was good enough to do the moon landings, the Olympics would be a piece of cake.

 

[flapgreen]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

Or you could just hang out around the local Junior High School in whatever city your event is in.

Don't be creepy, dude.

Yes. Save that for the www.CreepyOldDudes.com forum.

 

[grateful zed]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

frogs gotta swim.

 

[grateful zed]

Why don't they do it all in in a Hollywood Studio? If it was good enough to do the moon landings, the Olympics would be a piece of cake.

well played, sir.

 

[Chaka]

I wouldn't miss anything about either of the Olympics if they just ended.

same here

I'd miss the theme song.

When I tried to think of the theme song the only one I came up with was Indiana Jones. I'm sure I could google the actual music but I prefer thinking about the bobsledders racing to Indy.

 

[Chaka]

It would be sad to think that the Olympics ended on this generation's watch.

These aren't anything but a huge commercial event. Let it end for a while and maybe we'll get back to the Olympic ideal a bit. Money has ruined it really.

I don't think the athletes feel that way. And it's one of the few things the world does as a group. Yes. It would be sad to see this die on our watch.

Couldn't care any less than I do about how they feel about it. I, like many others, am completely tired of my government paying for these facilities to the tune of 100's of million to billions to satisfy the IOC. Then telling me there is no money for mental health care, to feed poor kids, etc. Same goes for football stadiums, baseball stadiums, all that crap. Study after study shows that they are not economic engines. Sorry time for a reboot.

As long as you're happy. I guess that's all that matters.

Seriously? As in #### the society and the people whose taxes fund this money losing spectacle?

 

[Chaka]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

That's crazy. I'm sure their terrible economy didn't help the situation.

The strangest thing in the photos is the guy mowing the baseball field. Everything is falling down around it and left in disrepair. But we better make sure the grass doesn't get too high.

I am sure spending millions upon millions of taxpayers dollars funding a money losing event had nothing to do with their economic collapse.

Nope, how could that ever cause a problem?

 

[Billy Bats]

2004 olympics killed Athens.

http://www.businessinsider.com/athens-olympic-venues-2014-2?op=1

That's crazy. I'm sure their terrible economy didn't help the situation.The strangest thing in the photos is the guy mowing the baseball field. Everything is falling down around it and left in disrepair. But we better make sure the grass doesn't get too high.

I am sure spending millions upon millions of taxpayers dollars funding a money losing event had nothing to do with their economic collapse.Nope, how could that ever cause a problem?

Gumbel had a report on Athens on his HBO sports show this past week. The problem with this construction is there was zero forward thinking, and was admitted on air by the man in charge of building these venues. What the hell did Athens plan to do with a softball and baseball stadium when they don't even play the sport? They need to plan to reuse these places after the games. Make them easily converted to something the city can use instead of a stadium for two weeks of events. This story was piggy backed off of the upcoming World Cup. They're building 4 brand new soccer stadiums, one in a city that's in the middle of a jungle. They're pretty much building a 200 million dollar stadium for four World Cup games, then it will collect dust for all eternity. Just a waste of time and money.

 

[DiStefano]

Well, Manaus may be in the middle of a jungle, but it has a population of almost 2 million. That's not to say building the stadium is the smartest idea, but "middle of the jungle" looks like it might be home to anacondas and panthers.

 

[Billy Bats]

Well, Manaus may be in the middle of a jungle, but it has a population of almost 2 million. That's not to say building the stadium is the smartest idea, but "middle of the jungle" looks like it might be home to anacondas and panthers.

Fair enough. Gumble may have exaggerated that a little bit. The city itself is surrounded by jungle so I guess his point was that there won't be anyone else coming from outside/nearby the city to use the facility

 

[NewlyRetired]

Boston is out as the US candidate for the 2024 games. Thank god!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/usoc-talk-mass-gov-decide-next-step-boston-062153372--spt.html;_ylt=A0LEVvFRhbZVmHEAnLQnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTE0N21zY3NvBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDUFJEQ1RMMV8xBHNlYwNzYw--

 

[Chaka]

John Oliver recently railed on the notion of public funded stadiums. Once again I absolutely agree with him.

 

[NCCommish]

Well, Manaus may be in the middle of a jungle, but it has a population of almost 2 million. That's not to say building the stadium is the smartest idea, but "middle of the jungle" looks like it might be home to anacondas and panthers.

And now billions in stadiums sit rotting in a country with huge domestic needs that were put off to build stadiums to park buses in.

 

[Chaka]

Well, Manaus may be in the middle of a jungle, but it has a population of almost 2 million. That's not to say building the stadium is the smartest idea, but "middle of the jungle" looks like it might be home to anacondas and panthers.

And now billions in stadiums sit rotting in a country with huge domestic needs that were put off to build stadiums to park buses in.

To be fair they'll get use out of them for the Olympics in 2016 then they will sit rotting in a country with huge domestic needs that were put off to build stadiums to park buses in.

 

[The Ref]

Everyone I'm talking to back home in boston is thrilled with the decision.

 

[NCCommish]

Well, Manaus may be in the middle of a jungle, but it has a population of almost 2 million. That's not to say building the stadium is the smartest idea, but "middle of the jungle" looks like it might be home to anacondas and panthers.

And now billions in stadiums sit rotting in a country with huge domestic needs that were put off to build stadiums to park buses in.

To be fair they'll get use out of them for the Olympics in 2016 then they will sit rotting in a country with huge domestic needs that were put off to build stadiums to park buses in.

No it's already happening and the stadiums are rapidly falling into disrepair.

 

[culdeus]

Just put it salt lake every time forever and be done with it. Split the residual cost with the entrants per capita.

Nobody really gives a #### outside of the US and a few random sports in random countries.

 

[NCCommish]

Yeah if you had one location that you kept up for Olympic qualifiers and games that would make some sense.

 

[TheAristocrat]

Have the Olympics decentralized. Hockey/Curling in Canada, Skiing in Austria, Snowboarding in the US, etc. Only host events where the facilities exist. Have the "host" city of the do the ceremony crap and little else.

That is a fantastic idea.

ETA: Minnesota and Europe gets to host hockey every so often too but your main point is spot on.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Everything is decentralized every week - the idea of the Olympics is to bring all the sports together.

I assume everyone is pulling for Kazakhstan in Friday's vote, right?

Not surprised at all about Boston - more surprised that USOC put them forward in the first place.

I know that after the Syndney games had gone so well there were at least a few folks who speculated that Sydney would make a great permanent Olympic home.

Ah, here's an op-ed from 2010 that proposes having a permanent Olympics host:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/opinion/01altekruse.html?_r=0

-QG

 

[Homer J Simpson]

If I were an athlete I'd loathe the idea of events in different cities. The whole point of going is to have a shot at one of the cute gymnasts or figure skaters.

Or you could just hang out around the local Junior High School in whatever city your event is in.

Stay out of my f###ing territory.

 

[cstu]

Everyone I'm talking to back home in boston is thrilled with the decision.

Great, now LA is going to have to put up with it.

 

[Chemical X]

the Olympics is an idea way past its prime.......time to put it to sleep.