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≡ “GAMES PLAN I” ≡
Amid all the chatter of a possible “Winter Games rotation” concept from the International Olympic Committee, the folks at the Utah 2034 organizing committee are looking to ensure that the state will be permanently ready to host the Olympic Winter Games.
The release of the first version of the 2034 Games Plan, published Tuesday, does not hide the ambition. The “Impact and Legacy” section states:
● “Utah 2034 will use the Games as a catalyst to shape a stronger, more unified future, one where the tangible and intangible outcomes of hosting extend well beyond 2034 and are felt across Utah, the nation, the world, and future generations.”
● “Deliver Games with a budget surplus to permanently endow winter sport in Utah.”
The “Experience” section adds an emphasis on those who will not be on-site:
● “Collaborate with media rights holders and other partners to design digital experiences to share the Games in a positive way. Remote fan experiences should be built to inspire real-world participation in sport, explore ideas for social viewing and engagement, and promote positive interactions with athletes.”
The “Deliver” program description underlined what makes the Utah plan so special, with venues in place for all of the sports on the Olympic and Paralympic program:
“Utah 2034 will deliver the Games by reusing existing venues, infrastructure, systems, and operating models wherever possible. Where upgrades or new investments are required, they will be led by venue owners, public agencies, and delivery partners, and will reflect long term community priorities rather than Games specific construction.
“Utah 2034 will support and inform those decisions by providing Games requirements, coordinating across partners, and encouraging early choices in areas with long lead times. Prioritizing decisions related to transport, technology, energy, accommodation, and venue readiness early creates clarity, reduces late stage risk, and allows readiness to progress in a controlled and disciplined way.”
While the Olympic venue plan is not shown as final, all of the sites are identified and – depending on the weather – within an hour’s drive, reflecting the 2002 Olympic Winter Games plan that worked so well and new options developed since:
● Block 85: Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard
● Deer Valley: Freestyle Skiing
● Delta Center: Ice Hockey
● Maverik Center: Figure Skating, Short Track
● Park City Mountain: Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard
● Peaks Ice Arena: Ice Hockey
● Rice-Eccles Stadium: Ceremonies
● Salt Palace Convention Center: Curling
● Snowbasin: Alpine Skiing
● Soldier Hollow: Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Nordic Combined
● Utah Olympic Oval: Speed Skating
● Utah Olympic Park: Bobsled-Luge-Skeleton, Freestyle Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, Snowboard
Funding for the Games wad confirmed as essentially from four sources: the astonishing, Utah-driven “Podium34″ fund-raising effort which has already surpassed $250 million, plus domestic sponsorships sales starting in 2039, tickets and hospitality sales and, of course, a share of International Olympic Committee television rights and sponsorships.
The plan acknowledges risks, notably its vision for the future, due to a “[l]ack of alignment on a shared vision across the organization and delivery partners leads to misaligned objectives, added cost, and delivery risk” with the future objective of the Games clearly stated again:
“A catalyst for reinforcing Utah as a winter sports hub, aligning sport requirements, targeted upgrades, and long-term use of Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation–operated venues and confirming Utah’s viability as a regular Games host.”
See you in 2050?
Observed: The plan, ambition and presentation are all outstanding, built from the excellent bid. But as the slowly-growing 2034 team already knows – as several of those working now were key players during the 2002 Winter Games – the doing is as hard or harder than the planning. And the real threats to the 2034 Games are, as of now, unknown.
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