Which of these cities — including Chicago — will take the 2016 Olympic gold?
CHICAGO
rio de janeiro
MADRID
TOKYO
Upsides
* Major events would take place close to city center.
* TV revenues would be higher for U.S. Olympics.
* Would be the first South American city to host the Olympics.
* 77 percent of venues are completed or started.
* Financial stability.
* Venues located in compact area.
* Tokyo touts its Games as eco-friendly.
Downsides
* Relatively little experience hosting international events.
* Only bid city whose governments are not providing complete financial guarantees.
* Hosting of recent Pan Am Games was criticized by some.
* Transportation is considered a weakness.
* Crime is an issue.
* 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.
* 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
$3.3 billion
$2.8 billion
$2.7 billion
$2.9 billion
Projected
Revenue
$3.8 billion
Not available
$2.7 billion
$2.9 billion
sources: RedEye, 2016 Bid Books (Note: Operating budget and projected revenue figures in 2016 dollars)
An artist’s rendering of Chicago’s proposed Olympic Village, which would feature a private beach area. CHICAGO 2016 IMAGE
