Salt Lake City’s bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics is gaining momentum as the International Olympic Committee prepares for their final site visits. Utah’s enduring enthusiasm for the Games sets it apart from other past hosts who have decided against bringing the Games back due to the time, money, and hassle involved. The city’s strong Olympic legacy, evidenced by various reminders of the 2002 Winter Olympics scattered throughout the area, positions it as a prime candidate to host the event again.
Over the years, the pool of potential host cities for the Winter Olympics has significantly decreased due to the high costs and limited number of suitable sites for the competition. Utah has invested millions in maintaining its Olympic facilities and preserving the sentimental feelings associated with the Games. Despite facing a bribery scandal in the lead-up to the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has regained the trust of the Olympic committee, making it a strong contender for hosting future Games.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox sees securing the Olympic bid as a way to establish the state as North America’s winter sports capital. By attracting professional sports leagues and international events, such as the NBA All-Star Game, the state aims to enhance its reputation as a sports and tourism destination. Hosting the Olympics also provides an opportunity for residents, particularly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to showcase their values and dispel misconceptions about the state and its religious demographics.
The success of the 2002 Winter Olympics resulted in rapid growth for Salt Lake City, with the city benefiting from state and federal funds to improve infrastructure and athletic facilities. Utah’s bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics is centered around utilizing existing venues from the 2002 Games to keep costs low. With Salt Lake City being one of the few cities willing and able to host the Winter Games, it has leverage to negotiate terms with the Olympic committee, including operational funds, deadlines, and sports included in the Games.
The upcoming decision to name Salt Lake City as the host for the 2034 Winter Olympics is crucial not just for the city, but also for the Olympic committee. Selecting a U.S. city like Salt Lake City for the Games aligns with the committee’s interest in securing broadcasting contracts with American networks. Salt Lake City’s bid has garnered significant public support, with polling showing over 80% approval statewide. The city’s long-term strategy to maintain local enthusiasm for the Olympics has been successful thus far, with no significant opposition emerging.
While the excitement surrounding the prospect of hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City is palpable, Olympic historians caution against overlooking the potential downsides that other host cities have experienced, such as gentrification, corruption, and rising taxes. However, the lack of opposition in Utah indicates a collective willingness to support the bid if it aligns with the values and interests of the community. As preparations for the final site visits continue and the decision looms closer, Salt Lake City remains optimistic about its chances of hosting the Winter Games once again.
