Salt Lake City nears hosting 2034 Winter Olympics
Salt Lake City, Utah, One Step Closer to Hosting 2034 Winter Olympics
Salt Lake City, Utah, is on the verge of securing its second Winter Olympic Games as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced its intention to engage in a “targeted dialogue” with the city for the 2034 Winter Games.
The IOC revealed that it has chosen the French Alps and Salt Lake City to enter targeted dialogues for hosting the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics, respectively.
Key Points:
- The IOC aims to award the hosting duties for both Olympics before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
- France and the United States are highly likely to secure the hosting duties for the 26th and 27th Winter Olympics.
- Salt Lake City opted for the 2034 Winter Olympics to allow a gap between Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics.
- The IOC is considering awarding hosting duties for both the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games simultaneously, a move last seen in 2017 when Paris and Los Angeles were awarded the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics.
Karl Stoss, chairman of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games, praised the proposals from the French and American Olympic committees, highlighting their strong support from the public and governments, as well as their vision for the athlete experience.
“What really stood out about the French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah projects was their vision for the athlete experience, their alignment with regional and national socio-economic development plans, and their very strong support from the public and from all levels of government,” Stoss said in a statement. “The Commission felt strongly that the other Interested Parties would benefit from more time to optimize the athlete experience of their future Games, and to continue to build on their burgeoning foundations of public and political support.”
The IOC cited Salt Lake City’s prior hosting experience, strong support from the public and government, and minimal capital investment required as reasons for entering into dialogue with the city. Salt Lake City previously hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) expressed his excitement for the Olympics returning to Utah, aiming to make the 2034 games the “greatest Olympics ever.”
“We did it! The world is coming back to Utah in 2034. So proud of our team and can’t wait to make this the greatest Olympics ever,” Cox said.
Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), who played a key role in organizing the 2002 Olympics, also congratulated the team behind Salt Lake City’s bid for the 2034 Winter Games.
“Congratulations to all those who worked to bring the Olympics back to the Beehive State in 2034! Utah is well prepared to host the world once again for the Winter Games, and I look forward to what will surely be an inspiring demonstration of the best qualities of the human spirit,” Romney posted on X.
The next Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in February 2026.
The United States has previously hosted four Winter Olympic Games, the most recent being in Salt Lake City in 2002, and four Summer Olympic Games, with the most recent being in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996. Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
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What economic benefits and long-term development opportunities would hosting the Winter Olympics bring to Salt Lake City and the surrounding region
Velopment plans, and their strong support from the public and governments,” said Stoss. “Both proposals have the potential to create a lasting legacy for their respective regions and bring the magic of the Winter Olympic Games to new heights.”
Salt Lake City previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, and its successful bid for the 2034 Games builds upon the city’s strong sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting major international events. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, established after the 2002 Games, has continued to invest in sports facilities and programs to ensure a sustainable and impactful legacy for future Olympic Games.
The targeted dialogue with Salt Lake City will focus on the city’s plans for venue operations, infrastructure upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and legacy programs. The IOC will work closely with the city to ensure that all requirements are met and that the Games are delivered to the highest standards.
Salt Lake City’s bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics aligns with its long-term goals of promoting winter sports and outdoor recreation in the region. The city boasts world-class ski resorts, a vibrant sports culture, and a strong community support for winter sports.
Hosting the Winter Olympics would not only bring economic benefits to Salt Lake City and the surrounding region but also serve as a catalyst for further development and growth. The Games would attract international visitors, boost tourism, and create new job opportunities. Moreover, the infrastructure investments made for hosting the Games would benefit the community long after the event concludes.
The IOC’s decision to engage in targeted dialogue with Salt Lake City reflects the confidence and trust in the city’s capabilities to deliver a successful Winter Olympic Games. The IOC values the city’s commitment to sustainability, legacy planning, and ensuring a memorable experience for athletes, spectators, and the global Olympic community.
If Salt Lake City is ultimately chosen as the host for the 2034 Winter Olympics, it will become the first city since Lake Placid to host the games for the second time. The city’s winter sports heritage, culture of inclusivity, and commitment to excellence make it a strong candidate for hosting the Games once again.
As Salt Lake City moves closer to securing the hosting rights for the 2034 Winter Olympics, excitement and anticipation continue to build within the region. The Games would not only showcase the best winter athletes from around the world but also provide a platform to celebrate the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and international cooperation that the Olympics represent.
Salt Lake City, Utah, has already proven itself as a capable and passionate host for the Winter Olympics. With its strong bid for the 2034 Games, the city is taking yet another step towards solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for winter sports and international sporting events.
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