Chicago is one of four finalists in the running to host the 2016 Games. A quick look at the cities’ bids:
Upsides
CHICAGO
– Major events would take place close to city center
– TV revenues would be higher for U.S. Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO
– Would be the first South American city to host the Olympics
MADRID
– 77 percent of venues are completed or started
TOKYO
– Financial stability
– Venues located in compact area
– Tokyo touts its Games as eco-friendly
Downsides
CHICAGO
– Relatively little experience hosting international events
– Only bid city whose governments are not providing complete financial guarantees
RIO DE JANEIRO
– Hosting of recent Pan Am Games was criticized by some
– Transportation is considered a weakness
– Crime is an issue
MADRID
– 2012 Games will be held in London, meaning two straight summer Olympics in Europe if Madrid is chosen
– The threat of terrorism is an issue
TOKYO
– Public support has been shaky at times, with only 60 percent backing in one poll; it’s now 70 percent, according to the bid book
Operating Budget
CHICAGO
$3.3 billion
RIO DE JANEIRO
$2.8 billion
MADRID
$2.7 billion
TOKYO
$2.9 billion
Projected Revenue
CHICAGO
$3.8 billion
RIO DE JANEIRO
Not available
MADRID
$2.7 billion
TOKYO
$2.9 billion
SOURCES: 2016 Bid Books. Note: operating budget and projected revenue figures in 2016 dollars.
