Chicago Fails to Win 2016 Olympics - What Went Wrong?

A noticeable pall fell over the city of Chicago Friday morning as word came that the Windy City had been knocked out of contention to host the 2016 Olympics. Shock and disbelief registered on the faces of the bid backers who gathered at Chicago's Daley Plaza for what they hoped would be a celebration.

There were high hopes in Chicago heading into this morning's vote. The city spent three years and $70 billion in its quest for the Games. There was intense speculation that Chicago was the best choice to host the 2016 Olympics because the other contenders had obstacles that were too big to overcome. Chicago has always touted itself as an international city; it is home to President Obama, Michael Jordan and Oprah. What better city to bring the Olympics home to the U.S.?

The jungle drums had predicted it would come down to a tight race between Rio and Chicago, with Chicago prevailing. Chicago sent its A-Team to Copenhagen to make the final pitch; Queen of Daytime Oprah Winfrey,

First Lady Michelle Obama and President Obama made an 11^th hour appearance, though critics declared his speech to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) fell flat, particularly in comparison Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fervent media interviews about why Rio de Janiero needed the Olympics. The star of the show was First Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke passionately about what the Olympics would mean to her hometown.

Not even Michelle could bring the Olympics home. Chicago was knocked out in the first round of voting, stunning Chicagoans at home and abroad.

Factors that may have worked against Chicago included budget, public transportation and traffic concerns. IOC members visited all the contenders in the spring and in its wrap up report, the IOC reported that though Chicago's plan to host the Games was "thorough," it felt the city's proposed budget placed a "heavy financial reliance" on the organizing committee with regards to the construction of venues (Chicago proposed erecting nine temporary venues in addition to utilizing existing venues). Additionally, the IOC expressed concern over the "significant increase" in the use of Chicago's public transportation system, including the Metra commuter trains, which primarily ferry suburbanites into the city.

While many in Chicago "backed the bid," numerous residents decried the potential tax burden on private citizens, traffic and construction snarls (in a city already living with two seasons: winter and construction) and the lack of sustainable economic impact.

In those spring evaluation reports, Rio de Janiero was praised for being a sprawling city with a $1.1 billion budget for capital investments, strong public support and guarantees from the government that cost overruns would be covered. Throw in sparkling white beaches and Rio de Janiero was able to walk away with the vote to host the 2016 Olympics.

While this is certainly a blow to Chicago, the city will go on. After all, there's always 2020.

Sources:

Associated Press, Rio Looks Like Frontrunner as 2016 Games IOC Report Releases, USA Today

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