The city's new Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the World Cup, can be easily converted into an 85 000 seater athletics venue

http://nimg.sulekha.com/sports/original700/moses-mabhida-2011-1-9-10-10-10.jpg

Its about time the IOC starts looking elsewhere instead of the typical europe....durban or any city morocco chooses should be the first cities in africa to host it....look at 2010 world cup it was splendid....although i wished cape town had a bid :bash:

85 000 places ? Are sure ? How much places on each tiers ?

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6046/1mosesmabhidastadium.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/1mosesmabhidastadium.jpg/)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5210/1mosesmabhidastadiumcop.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/1mosesmabhidastadiumcop.jpg/)

The stadium is ready to host a track

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/23/2mosesmabhidatrackinsid.jpg (http://img138.imageshack.us/i/2mosesmabhidatrackinsid.jpg/)

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8949/28298299.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/28298299.jpg/)

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/8788/71737068.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/71737068.jpg/)

All Pictures credit losts (archives on my computer)

------

There is a lot of place around in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Park_Sporting_Precinct). Others infrastructures can be put around. King Park Stadium is great. :cheers:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5013/durbanstadium1.jpg (http://img823.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium1.jpg/)

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6689/durbanstadium2.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium2.jpg/)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4361/durbanstadium3.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium3.jpg/)

Matthew - You and that French nutter from Lille are the official international forum trolls.



:|

no comment

Seeing as the forum has disintegrated into name calling I feel justified in saying RobH - and I'm embarrassed to share the same name - you are a grade A troglodyte. Of course you would see London's bid as being sound in every sense and the points you make are valid. That said as is always the case one can twist an argument any which way you like. From the general consensus I was privy to, London was not expected to win and that its victory was more a PR coup than anything else. I'm not saying that it won't stage a great Olympics, but as far as pragmatism and equality were concerned few on the continent considered it just. Oh and sorry for mistaking your PMs as well as an incorrect spelling... that is such a ponce of an issue to tag on as you knew what I meant but obviously needed to draw attention to the point to affirm some self-agrandising ego trip you appear to be on.

Vis-a-vis Mathew, even the Cape Townians are saying a CT bid doesnt make sense so quit moaning and accept the facts whilst also taking into account that CT will be flooded by tourists pre and post Olympics were Durban to get it. Go brush up on your micro-economics... I recommend reading the Business Day regularly as a good starting point.

Toronto is not a slam dunk just because "north america is due" Matt

Toronto, New York, and Chicago have all failed in recent years, and until they address the reasons why north america keeps falling at the final hurdle, they will keep failing.

Sad decision on Tokyo, but inevitable

I don't think "North America keeps failing" since we just hosted the olympics last year.

Toronto won't run for 2020. Our current mayor is conservative and is going after everything fiscally irresponsible. We have the Pan Am games in 2015, so we'll see how we handle that. If that's a success, maybe Toronto will apply for 2024.

Apologies for posting twice in quick succession but I really want to put this Cape Town bid to rest.

If I were a foreigner to South African shores and you gave me 3 choices: stick around in the Gauteng; indulge in a primarily ocean oriented lifestyle that is Durban; or visit one of the most beautiful and internationally acclaimed travel destinations in the world ie: Cape Town... well I think it would take a RobH to have to think twice. Cape Town wins hands down. Thats like telling me: "No the next time you go to France you should check out Metz or Toulouse." Each cities have there merits, but they have zero and I repeat ZERO influence as far as tourism impact is concerned. There is a stunning monastery in France called Mont Saint. Michelle and people flock to it by the droves - look it up because its amazing. But they flock to it purely because of what it is: bloody fantastic. People go to Paris though they dislike the French but why? Because the city is masterclass and I may push some buttons here, the Jewel of the Continent... though I prefer Prague but thats irrelevant.

Cape Town is our Paris and as such people will flock to it given any excuse they can. I dont care much for the place and especially the people and consider Joburg to be the only true city in South Africa... but as a lover of beauty and aesthetics CT rivals the best in the world. Ergo, a flopped CT bid will tarnish something precious and quasi-sacred. Do you really want that Mathew? Do you want to take the chance of a CT bid flopping like Montreal - not to be demeaning but since the Montreal Olympics the only thing I know is that they're broke with full stadia empty... and of course le Cirque du Soleil... and chuck in that cool movie "The Score" With Edward Norton, Robert de Niro, and Marlon Brando. Aside from that Montreal is really not a world player but Cape Town is. Why would you jeopardise that for vanity?

Durban has EVERYTHING to lose if it flops. Cape Town has nothing. The Western Cape is primarily a tourist and agricultural economy which work in synchronisity. There is no point to prove and if anything a second failed bid would undermine the very fabric of the best run South African provincial state. Is that what you truly want? Or is it just the glitz and glam that tantalise you?

Get real. The whole country should back Durban because if they do the Durban can pull off something that CT simply cannot but in the same breath create such positive international perceptions that every damn restaurant on Camps Bay will be booked out for months and every beach will be swarming with the type or euro-elite you'd only expect on the French Riviera. Cape Townians will benefit from a direct economic influx that could potentially make the money Durban "accrued" piddly by comparison particularly when you consider that government/private sector development is "supposed" to be circulated within an economy whereas CT will be reaping the rewards of a plethora of foreign currency which goes straight back into its local economy. Foreign Direct Investment is the key and were Durban to get the Olympics CT would receive it in droves... not so great for the next time you go to Caprice and a beer costs R100 but you probably stick to Obs anyway.

I try stay away from town-planners as much as possible but they are a necessary evil for a real estate developer, but everything MO has said and some humourous anecdotes from Marsupalami are true. Jump on the bandwagon and realise that Durban winning would economically benefit Cape Town more than were CT to win itself. This isnt an ego contest. Its just pragmatic, calculated are realistically as possible extrapolated economics - even though economics isnt actually a science but dont tell anyone.

Of course the alternative is to blow the mountain up to make more room but I fear that would diminish its appeal somewhat.

Think about this with an open mind and maybe write your repost 2 or 3 times before you pinpoint a perspective that is enlightening, feasible, plausible and most importantly LUCRATIVE... at the end of the day its all about the money.

Seeing as the forum has disintegrated into name calling I feel justified in saying RobH - and I'm embarrassed to share the same name - you are a grade A troglodyte.

Go and get yourself laid mate, because you clearly need to lighten up.

I haven't insulted you once; I merely called you out on several factual errors in your last post.

And btw, if you think I bothered reading past that point in your post or reading any or the post above which is no doubt filled with other factual errors, you're very much mistaken. So you've kind of shot yourself in the foot.

:ohno:

Take your 24 posts elswhere, you're not welcome in this forum. I'm sure others will agree.

"No the next time you go to France you should check out Metz or Toulouse." Each cities have there merits, but they have zero and I repeat ZERO influence as far as tourism impact is concerned.

That's absolutely not true, especially about Toulouse !
Apparently you don't know Toulouse (and its region) very well.

People go to Paris though they dislike the French but why?

Cliché/generalization ! :ohno:

A lot of foreigners love the French, especially among the elites/upper class people !

Aside from that Montreal is really not a world player

Not true either !

Sent from my iPhone using SSC Forums App.

I knew this would happen but there are issues with SASCOC and the Olympic Athletes towards 2012. If they don't get their ducks in order they jeapordize the Durban bid.

With the BOA/London 2012 issues, any internal politics or maladmin will not be tolerated.

YES, the stadium was specifically designed so that it can be expanded with temp seating to 85,000 seats in athletics mode. This is a fact.

85 000 places ? Are sure ? How much places on each tiers ?

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6046/1mosesmabhidastadium.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/1mosesmabhidastadium.jpg/)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5210/1mosesmabhidastadiumcop.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/1mosesmabhidastadiumcop.jpg/)

The stadium is ready to host a track

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/23/2mosesmabhidatrackinsid.jpg (http://img138.imageshack.us/i/2mosesmabhidatrackinsid.jpg/)

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8949/28298299.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/28298299.jpg/)

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/8788/71737068.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/71737068.jpg/)

All Pictures credit losts (archives on my computer)

------

There is a lot of place around in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Park_Sporting_Precinct). Others infrastructures can be put around. King Park Stadium is great. :cheers:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5013/durbanstadium1.jpg (http://img823.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium1.jpg/)

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6689/durbanstadium2.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium2.jpg/)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4361/durbanstadium3.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/durbanstadium3.jpg/)

Apologies for posting twice in quick succession but I really want to put this Cape Town bid to rest.

If I were a foreigner to South African shores and you gave me 3 choices: stick around in the Gauteng; indulge in a primarily ocean oriented lifestyle that is Durban; or visit one of the most beautiful and internationally acclaimed travel destinations in the world ie: Cape Town... well I think it would take a RobH to have to think twice. Cape Town wins hands down. Thats like telling me: "No the next time you go to France you should check out Metz or Toulouse." Each cities have there merits, but they have zero and I repeat ZERO influence as far as tourism impact is concerned. There is a stunning monastery in France called Mont Saint. Michelle and people flock to it by the droves - look it up because its amazing. But they flock to it purely because of what it is: bloody fantastic. People go to Paris though they dislike the French but why? Because the city is masterclass and I may push some buttons here, the Jewel of the Continent... though I prefer Prague but thats irrelevant.

Cape Town is our Paris and as such people will flock to it given any excuse they can. I dont care much for the place and especially the people and consider Joburg to be the only true city in South Africa... but as a lover of beauty and aesthetics CT rivals the best in the world. Ergo, a flopped CT bid will tarnish something precious and quasi-sacred. Do you really want that Mathew? Do you want to take the chance of a CT bid flopping like Montreal - not to be demeaning but since the Montreal Olympics the only thing I know is that they're broke with full stadia empty... and of course le Cirque du Soleil... and chuck in that cool movie "The Score" With Edward Norton, Robert de Niro, and Marlon Brando. Aside from that Montreal is really not a world player but Cape Town is. Why would you jeopardise that for vanity?

Durban has EVERYTHING to lose if it flops. Cape Town has nothing. The Western Cape is primarily a tourist and agricultural economy which work in synchronisity. There is no point to prove and if anything a second failed bid would undermine the very fabric of the best run South African provincial state. Is that what you truly want? Or is it just the glitz and glam that tantalise you?

Get real. The whole country should back Durban because if they do the Durban can pull off something that CT simply cannot but in the same breath create such positive international perceptions that every damn restaurant on Camps Bay will be booked out for months and every beach will be swarming with the type or euro-elite you'd only expect on the French Riviera. Cape Townians will benefit from a direct economic influx that could potentially make the money Durban "accrued" piddly by comparison particularly when you consider that government/private sector development is "supposed" to be circulated within an economy whereas CT will be reaping the rewards of a plethora of foreign currency which goes straight back into its local economy. Foreign Direct Investment is the key and were Durban to get the Olympics CT would receive it in droves... not so great for the next time you go to Caprice and a beer costs R100 but you probably stick to Obs anyway.

I try stay away from town-planners as much as possible but they are a necessary evil for a real estate developer, but everything MO has said and some humourous anecdotes from Marsupalami are true. Jump on the bandwagon and realise that Durban winning would economically benefit Cape Town more than were CT to win itself. This isnt an ego contest. Its just pragmatic, calculated are realistically as possible extrapolated economics - even though economics isnt actually a science but dont tell anyone.

Of course the alternative is to blow the mountain up to make more room but I fear that would diminish its appeal somewhat.

Think about this with an open mind and maybe write your repost 2 or 3 times before you pinpoint a perspective that is enlightening, feasible, plausible and most importantly LUCRATIVE... at the end of the day its all about the money.

While normally you make sense, that was one of the most confusing posts i have read in a long time. How in any form of reality would Durban hosting the Olympics benefit Cape Town more than Cape Town hosting the event?? How will CT gain more than the host city? Yes some people will go there on extra tours and the like, but the focus will 90% be on Durban from a media perspective.

Kenya to bid for 2020 Olympic Games
2011-03-28 14:10:00 Xinhuanet
NAIROBI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced that Kenya will bid for the 2020 Olympic Games.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while receiving in his office the visiting Brazilian under-23 soccer side that had paid him a courtesy call.

The Brazilians are in the African country as part of Brazil for Eastern Africa Expo and Cultural Week.

"No other country in Africa has won as many medals at the Olympics as Kenya and we are appealing to Brazil to support us towards achieving this goal," the Premier told Brazilian Ambassador Anne Marie Sampaio Fernandez late on Friday.

Brazil will host the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (By Ben Ochieng)

So their you go Nairobi will make a bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. I was just in Nairobi Kenya and I must say that They are a better city to host the Games then Durban is they are all ready making plans for the Transport system. Host City for the 1987 All African Games. The Middle Class in Kenya is Booming and they are making the Airport better Nairobi have a better Airport then Durban and have a Strong Olympic Movement. South Africa watch out for Kenya.

^^ Ok so you got Nairobi, which I for one am not aware of any significant sporting event hosted other than the 1987 All-Africa Games. Kenya, which also hasn't hosted any significant sporting event to my knowledge (or any since).

A 60,000 seater at most in Nairobi, which needs major renovations (which is noted to be currently underway, but could possibly need more), vs a 80,000+ seater in Durban, which only needs temporary seating installed and a track.

South Africa doesn't need to worry about Kenya, I always feel that they're the best to be first hosts and market themselves as a bid for all of Africa (regardless of which South African city bidding).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/Lord_David/Durban2020logomotto.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/Lord_David/Durban2020banner.jpg

Go Durban!

but I really think Cape Town would make a better applicant city than Durban ... that's just myu opinion

but I really think Cape Town would make a better applicant city than Durban ... that's just myu opinion

And we would Cape Town is Africa's Sports City and we are also the most visited City in Africa we got more Hotel Rooms then Durban by 2014 we will have 70% of the stuff that is needed for the Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Cape Town South Africa will make No bid for the 2020 Games. We will Bid for the 2024 or 28 Games Cape Town is working on making better Transport System and Better Living Conditions but Improving the living standers in the Townships in the Cape Flats our Vision by 2030 is to be a World Class City Develop and Green City.

Cape Town will be the 1st place in Africa to host the Games. The IOC Meeting in Durban this year will work against them in 2020 like it did with Moscow 2012 Bid 2001 IOC Meeting. Moscow is a better city then Durban.

Durban have got the Worst Airport then any other Bidding City. If you look at Durban Airport up with Tokyo, Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Toronto, Busan and Istanbul Airport (s).

^^ You're comparing apples and oranges again...

Ok, so Moscow having hosted an IOC session worked against their 2012 bid, but mind you they already hosted in 1980. If it were their first attempt or several attempts throughout the years to land their first Olympics, then that would be a different story.

Here you have Durban, who although is set to host an IOC session, comes from a country that has only bid once in the past and has yet to host an Olympics. That must be taken into account for sure.

You keep on blabbering about Cape Town this and Cape Town that. If it's certainly the best city to host (in terms of current infrastructure, whose only major project would be an Olympic Stadium), then why doesn't the South African Olympic Committee push them, nominate them or heck, yell in front of the Cape Town city officials' faces that they want to choose them to represent the country in the 2020 Olympic bid.

Durban put their hands up first, and being democratic and all the South African Olympic Committee has agreed. Should at the last minute Cape Town want to bid, I'd still expect South Africa to choose Durban, as they have been strongly promoting themselves from the beginning.

Give it a rest already, if Durban presents a weak bid and loses, then sure go and try again with Cape Town. If they become runners up, it's probably worth a second attempt with the proposed construction built by the next time they bid or underway.

Durban with its sweet weather could bid correctly because it is a good temperature for sports even in july.perhaps rain could slow competition but it's better than cape town for climate reasons

Durban with its sweet weather could bid correctly because it is a good temperature for sports even in july.perhaps rain could slow competition but it's better than cape town for climate reasons

That's EXACTLY it...why Durban is the MORE suitable RSA city PLUS, the IOC members will actually feel for themselves how a July there will be for their beloved Games when the IOC convenes there in 3 MONTHS.

How convenient could that be??

durban is surronded by indian ocean
cape town by atlantic the differences between the two were seen during last world cup:

-Cape town->cold and rainy
-Durban-> sweet and sunny

durban is surronded by indian ocean
cape town by atlantic the differences between the two were seen during last world cup:

-Cape town->cold and rainy
-Durban-> sweet and sunny

Uhm, yes it was winter, but apart from 2 rainy matches, by Mediterranean standards, go look at winter here.

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/FIFA2010/Newsandmedia/Pages/Eventsimagegallery.aspx

i quote fifa site:

"Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate and usually experiences warm summers and mild winters. During June and July, the average winter temperature in Cape Town ranges from 7°C to 18°C (44°F to 64°F). Winter is Cape Town's rainy season, and there are on average 12 rainy days a month

that's what i was saying.Coldy and rainy because a lot of athletic competitions finals take place in evening around 21pm and at this moment the temperature could be 10°c ! This is too bad for athlets which are low clothered.

Nowhere have I suggested hosting any Olympic Games in Cape Town in winter, instead if ever, it would be in September as Sydney 2000.

My point being, is that even in winter, and as experienced during the World Cup, weather was quite reasonable for what one would consider "winter", of course far from ideal for a Summer Olympic Games.

Durban has an entirely different climate, well suited for winter events. What will be interesting will be London 2012.

london 2012?! I don't understand?

Temperatures will be just fine in London, near perfect I'd say. You might get the odd rainy session, that'll be the biggest problem with the weather, not temperature.

Anyway, more news on 2020:

Tokyo plans to submit bid for 2020 Olympic Games

Tokyo intends to bid for the 2020 Olympics as part of Japan's recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in March.

City governor Shintaro Ishihara made the declaration following his re-election for a fourth term.

"Although they [the 2020 Games] are nine years from now, we can start raising our hand," he said.

"If we work hard with hope, it will be a big catalyst for our country's reconstruction and revival."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/13029861.stm

An olympics in Istanbul would be very, very nice. For me, its one of the most charismatic cities that I ever been!

Been out of this thread for a while but its funny how things always stay the same. Some Mathew from Cape Town with grandiose ideas and little reality perforating a debate that is so myopic you'd have to shoot to miss all the holes in it.

And of course RobH who makes a comment that I sincerely hope was intended for a good old chuckle:

"Temperatures will be just fine in London, near perfect I'd say. You might get the odd rainy session, that'll be the biggest problem with the weather, not temperature."

Wow Rob, you must live in a part of London that I've never heard of or visited because that is a very bold statement to make. Merely using the words perfect and weather in any UK context leaves me in serious doubt as to the credibility of your judgement.

Thank you for making my weekend. I'm sure my mates in the UK will get a ray of sunshine from that!

You mentioned I should "take my comments elsewhere" but after that I feel well within my rights. Thank you.

London weather almost perfect... Is this Mary Poppins?

I'm sorry, I don't live on Planet Smug-Git as you seem to. Let me explain my point, which everyone else on this forum seemed to get without having to strain their grey-matter too much....

I was obviously referring to competition conditions, not whether you could get a suntan by stepping out your front door. When asking whether temperatures are suitable for a Games we're talking about conditions for athletes; and that's what the IOC will be considering as well in the 2020 race.

London temperatures in August are generally perfect for athletics and Olympic sport - the IOC evaluation report for London in 2005 didn't raise any question marks over conditions for athletes. Same goes for Paris' report. By contrast, the Madrid report said that temperatures were high, adding that "commitments were given [by Madrid 2012] that temperatures would be fully taken into account when the sports competition schedule is finalised to ensure that priority is given to athlete welfare."

Beijing and Athens were also very hot for many athletes and some potential bids for 2020 may also face problems in this area. It's quite clear, therefore, that temperatures ARE pretty much perfect in a typical northern European summer for athletes, and the IOC agrees as I've shown you.

Even if we have a particularly cold summer temperature really shouldn't be a problem for the athletes. Rain potentially might be, and I acknoledged that in my last post as well. Nothing at all controversial there, but as usual you have to pick holes in my posts in this thread.

I get the impression your only reason for being in this thread is to show others up to give your ego a little boost. You're doing a very poor job of it so far, I must say. Your intermittent posts here have contributed nothing of substance to this thread, have been full of factual errors, and your attack on me in in post #3504 shows you up as the idiot you are. I've PMed a couple of the mods to give you a crash course in how to use this forum because, bless-your-little-cotton socks, you don't seem to be getting the hang of it, do you? Do you have anything to say about Tokyo re-entering the race, for example, rather than incorrectly picking holes in my posts?

Rob WP

You've embarrassed yourself enough by talking a load of shit, so just stop already.

Interesting how you all want to pull RobWP apart yet also all talk a load of twot most of the time.

Eesh Dysan...Eesh.

Apologies for posting twice in quick succession but I really want to put this Cape Town bid to rest.

If I were a foreigner to South African shores and you gave me 3 choices: stick around in the Gauteng; indulge in a primarily ocean oriented lifestyle that is Durban; or visit one of the most beautiful and internationally acclaimed travel destinations in the world ie: Cape Town... well I think it would take a RobH to have to think twice. Cape Town wins hands down. Thats like telling me: "No the next time you go to France you should check out Metz or Toulouse." Each cities have there merits, but they have zero and I repeat ZERO influence as far as tourism impact is concerned. There is a stunning monastery in France called Mont Saint. Michelle and people flock to it by the droves - look it up because its amazing. But they flock to it purely because of what it is: bloody fantastic. People go to Paris though they dislike the French but why? Because the city is masterclass and I may push some buttons here, the Jewel of the Continent... though I prefer Prague but thats irrelevant.

Cape Town is our Paris and as such people will flock to it given any excuse they can. I dont care much for the place and especially the people and consider Joburg to be the only true city in South Africa... but as a lover of beauty and aesthetics CT rivals the best in the world. Ergo, a flopped CT bid will tarnish something precious and quasi-sacred. Do you really want that Mathew? Do you want to take the chance of a CT bid flopping like Montreal - not to be demeaning but since the Montreal Olympics the only thing I know is that they're broke with full stadia empty... and of course le Cirque du Soleil... and chuck in that cool movie "The Score" With Edward Norton, Robert de Niro, and Marlon Brando. Aside from that Montreal is really not a world player but Cape Town is. Why would you jeopardise that for vanity?

Durban has EVERYTHING to lose if it flops. Cape Town has nothing. The Western Cape is primarily a tourist and agricultural economy which work in synchronisity. There is no point to prove and if anything a second failed bid would undermine the very fabric of the best run South African provincial state. Is that what you truly want? Or is it just the glitz and glam that tantalise you?

Get real. The whole country should back Durban because if they do the Durban can pull off something that CT simply cannot but in the same breath create such positive international perceptions that every damn restaurant on Camps Bay will be booked out for months and every beach will be swarming with the type or euro-elite you'd only expect on the French Riviera. Cape Townians will benefit from a direct economic influx that could potentially make the money Durban "accrued" piddly by comparison particularly when you consider that government/private sector development is "supposed" to be circulated within an economy whereas CT will be reaping the rewards of a plethora of foreign currency which goes straight back into its local economy. Foreign Direct Investment is the key and were Durban to get the Olympics CT would receive it in droves... not so great for the next time you go to Caprice and a beer costs R100 but you probably stick to Obs anyway.

I try stay away from town-planners as much as possible but they are a necessary evil for a real estate developer, but everything MO has said and some humourous anecdotes from Marsupalami are true. Jump on the bandwagon and realise that Durban winning would economically benefit Cape Town more than were CT to win itself. This isnt an ego contest. Its just pragmatic, calculated are realistically as possible extrapolated economics - even though economics isnt actually a science but dont tell anyone.

Of course the alternative is to blow the mountain up to make more room but I fear that would diminish its appeal somewhat.

Think about this with an open mind and maybe write your repost 2 or 3 times before you pinpoint a perspective that is enlightening, feasible, plausible and most importantly LUCRATIVE... at the end of the day its all about the money.

Not sure where I have said Durban winning would benefit Cape Town more.

I'm not sure how R60 billion pumped into Durban by national government would mean Cape Town wins.

Cape Town would only benefit from another flopped bid, 1997 of course being very different from 2013.

Nowhere in your posts and in the posts of others, now that Durban has "once again" be decided on as our candidate, have you and others started addressing the real issues of putting Durban forward. Whether its the SASCOC politics or more importantly, the applicant stage hurdle. Contrary to fantasies of an ocean side Olympic park, this means very little to the Olympic Study Working group, when you are 34,000 rooms short of the minimum IOC room requirement of 40,000.

Rome 2020 bid leader moving quickly

Rome is quickly moving forward with its candidacy for the 2020 Olympics, with bid leader Mario Pescante planning to submit a motion in parliament to secure political support for the $57 million campaign.

Rome is the only city so far to be nominated by its national Olympic committee to bid for 2020. The host city will be chosen by the International Olympic Committee in 2013.

"This is essential," Pescante told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday. "If we have a parliamentary motion in place, that's something you can't question. It's bipartisan."

South Africa is expected to submit a bid from Durban. Other potential contenders include Madrid, Tokyo, Istanbul, Doha and Dubai.

Pescante's announcement comes two days after Premier Silvio Berlusconi indicated he likely won't seek re-election when his term ends in 2013. Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno and Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Petrucci also could be out of office by the time of the 2013 vote.

Pescante said as soon as fellow IOC member Franco Carraro's economic viability commission provides a positive report, he will present the motion in parliament, possibly by June.

"I already have a parliamentary motion ready," he said.

Pescante, who is an IOC vice president, knows political cohesiveness is important for a successful bid.

"In the first phase of the bidding process, there is a questionnaire with a key section regarding political consensus," he said.

Pescante also recalled what he learned as a last-minute supervisor to ease political tensions before the 2006 Turin Games: "If you don't have unanimous support, you can't do anything."

Rome is planning a $57.6 million budget for its bid, with $8.6 million secured so far. Pescante said a series of sponsorship deals with up to 10 national companies could bring in another $28.8 million.

If Rome is awarded the games, Pescante said the Olympic budget would be $13 billion.

Rome's bid is centered around mostly existing venues used for the 1960 Games, notably the expansive Foro Italico complex that hosts the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium, a newly built 10,500-seat tennis stadium and outdoor pools used for the 2009 swimming world championships.

Last month, Pescante said he was told by Japan's ambassador in Rome that Japan had decided not to pursue a 2020 bid following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country.

The Japanese Olympic Committee said on March 23 that it was still considering a bid.

"Let's just say that I understood him poorly," Pescante said Thursday. "But I also said that if Tokyo were to win, the Olympic world would be pleased. If I had to choose one city to beat Rome, I would choose Tokyo."

The vote for the 2018 Winter Games will be in July. The candidates are Annecy, France; Munich; and Pyeongchang, South Korea. That vote could affect the 2020 Olympics, with the IOC perhaps reluctant to award two consecutive games to one continent.

But Pescante noted that Turin followed the 2004 Athens Games and the 2012 London Olympics will be followed by the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia - all European hosts.

"I will consult with (the Italian) winter sports federation before voting and choose the bid with the best technical setup for our athletes," said Pescante of the 2018 candidates. "(Munich's Garmisch-Partenkirchen) is known for its winter sports. When you say Garmisch, you think winter sports."

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/14/2167426/ap-interview-rome-2020-bid-leader.html

I think I've up until now underestimated Pescante's influence, not that I did not know he had much influence but to the extent that his influence can translate into votes, based on what is arguably a technically superb bid if transport is addressed.

For me, the Olympian summer games must stay of the following timetable:
2008: Beijing
2012: Londres
2020: Cape Town
2024: Dubai

whats special about dubai? or doha? can someone please tell me :D

Money

Rome setting the early running in this race, and looking to promote their bid heavily at next year's Summer Games as well:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Italy has signed a €1.2 million (£1.1 million/$1.7 million) deal to use the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in the shadow of Big Ben as its hospilaity centre during London 2012, a venue that is expected to be used as platform to help promote Rome's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The QEII, which was opened by the Queen in 1986, was chosen because of its views over Westminster and its proximity to the Olympic lanes, which prioritise Games traffic and link the West End hotels with the Olympic Park.

It is uniquely situated amongst Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William is due to marry Kate Middleton later this month.

The venue will be rechristened as "Casa Italia" during the duration of the Olympics and is expected to entertain a series of high-profile guests, including Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

CONI, Italy's National Olympic Olympic, will use six floors of massive Conference Centre, covering more than 6,000 square meters, with catering for 2,100 people at a time.

It will also feature a "Made in Italy" expo which will showcase some of the country's best known exports, including food and wine.

During last year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver the Italians set-up base at·Roundhouse Community Centre.

Italy had been based Haidian Exhibition Hall during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a venue they had paid €1.1 million (£965,000/$1.5 million) to use.

But officials are much more excited by the prospect of their location for London 2012.

"This is the best Casa Italia we've had since its introduction in Los Angeles in 1984," said Giovanni Petrucci, the President of CONI, after unveiling details of the deal at a press conference in Rome.

http://www.insidethegames.biz/summer-olympics/2012/12721-queen-elizabeth-conference-centre-chosen-as-london-2012-base-by-italy

http://www.designerflowersuk.com/photos/qe2_2_lge.jpg

Been out of this thread for a while but its funny how things always stay the same. Some Mathew from Cape Town with grandiose ideas and little reality perforating a debate that is so myopic you'd have to shoot to miss all the holes in it.

And of course RobH who makes a comment that I sincerely hope was intended for a good old chuckle:

"Temperatures will be just fine in London, near perfect I'd say. You might get the odd rainy session, that'll be the biggest problem with the weather, not temperature."

Wow Rob, you must live in a part of London that I've never heard of or visited because that is a very bold statement to make. Merely using the words perfect and weather in any UK context leaves me in serious doubt as to the credibility of your judgement.

Thank you for making my weekend. I'm sure my mates in the UK will get a ray of sunshine from that!

You mentioned I should "take my comments elsewhere" but after that I feel well within my rights. Thank you.

London weather almost perfect... Is this Mary Poppins?

I'm sorry but what exactly do you suggest is perfect weather? 100% Humidity and 35c heat where Athletes are unable to perform to the maximum during the longetivity of their sport?

I think 25-30c is plenty perfect for sportsman and women. Its the same reason the football and rugby seasons start that time in the UK. high intensity. Also. You might be a little suprised that London isn't actually that dull and wet.

enjoy :cheers:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/8?area=London

Rome setting the early running in this race, and looking to promote their bid heavily at next year's Summer Games as well:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Italy has signed a €1.2 million (£1.1 million/$1.7 million) deal to use the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in the shadow of Big Ben as its hospilaity centre during London 2012, a venue that is expected to be used as platform to help promote Rome's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The QEII, which was opened by the Queen in 1986, was chosen because of its views over Westminster and its proximity to the Olympic lanes, which prioritise Games traffic and link the West End hotels with the Olympic Park.

It is uniquely situated amongst Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William is due to marry Kate Middleton later this month.

The venue will be rechristened as "Casa Italia" during the duration of the Olympics and is expected to entertain a series of high-profile guests, including Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

CONI, Italy's National Olympic Olympic, will use six floors of massive Conference Centre, covering more than 6,000 square meters, with catering for 2,100 people at a time.

It will also feature a "Made in Italy" expo which will showcase some of the country's best known exports, including food and wine.

During last year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver the Italians set-up base at·Roundhouse Community Centre.

Italy had been based Haidian Exhibition Hall during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a venue they had paid €1.1 million (£965,000/$1.5 million) to use.

But officials are much more excited by the prospect of their location for London 2012.

"This is the best Casa Italia we've had since its introduction in Los Angeles in 1984," said Giovanni Petrucci, the President of CONI, after unveiling details of the deal at a press conference in Rome.

http://www.insidethegames.biz/summer-olympics/2012/12721-queen-elizabeth-conference-centre-chosen-as-london-2012-base-by-italy

http://www.designerflowersuk.com/photos/qe2_2_lge.jpg

Ah, just like London did in Athens, with Cherie and Tony and Craig and the rest.

Money

Yep, I was going to say the same! Good thing Sepp Blatter doesnt sit on the IOC..
I think the Summer Games will go to Rome, but prefer South Africa as the games would then have been on all the major continents.

The Istanbul deserves to host Summer Olympics of 2020 as only city connecting the continents.:)

Just on a lighter, and more comical note, Hobart, Australia is considering exploring a bid for 2020!

Yep, I was going to say the same! Good thing Sepp Blatter doesnt sit on the IOC..

Think again:

http://www.olympic.org/content/the-ioc/the-ioc-institution1/ioc-members-list/

But he's only 1 of over 100 members.

Think again:

http://www.olympic.org/content/the-ioc/the-ioc-institution1/ioc-members-list/

But he's only 1 of over 100 members.

Oh no! :ohno:

ISTANNNBBBUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Just on a lighter, and more comical note, Hobart, Australia is considering exploring a bid for 2020!

We already knew that. They won't get it. They say it might lead the way for a Youth Olympics or Commonwealth Games.
If that were the case, then why not bid for said events? Instead of making a mockery out of the city going for the big prize that it knows will never get?

We already knew that. They won't get it. They say it might lead the way for a Youth Olympics or Commonwealth Games.
If that were the case, then why not bid for said events? Instead of making a mockery out of the city going for the big prize that it knows will never get?

They are making a mockery of it and wasting their time, they don't even have a stadium capable of holding regular Australian football games. Brisbane was a more realistic bid but they seem to have fizzled out. I think after the farcical World Cup Football process for awarding the 2018 and 2022 bids, alot of people have lost interest and faith in such big events. That being said I think the Gold Coast is the front runner for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

No doubt, Rome today is the only city that really deserves to host these Olympic Games!
Is the only city that by months has already been put to work, while other cities have not done anything yet!

Trust me bra, Durban would be making much more noise, but they arent allowed to because they are hosting an IOC session where they will decide the next 2018 Winter Olimpics, and aren't allowed to be a bidder until after thats done.
The very fact that we made arguably our biggest stadium investment in Durban for the Football World Cup last year - an iconic stadium that can hold 80000, with an athletic track, is evident of our pre-planning . In fact, most publicity is from international reporters who are sniffing about amongst the rumours, knowing that Durbs is keen and that it made an excellent name for itself as far as destinations go, and not from the official sorce at all. when it come, its gonna blow some folk away. booyah!!

Yep, I was going to say the same! Good thing Sepp Blatter doesnt sit on the IOC..
I think the Summer Games will go to Rome, but prefer South Africa as the games would then have been on all the major continents.

Sepp is a member of the IOC.

Luckily he has little to no influence over members of the IOC.

No doubt, Rome today is the only city that really deserves to host these Olympic Games!
Is the only city that by months has already been put to work, while other cities have not done anything yet!

who decides and says rome deserves or not for now ?
on the other hand Durban deserves the games or Rabat cause of that black ring at the olympic flag
or Istanbul, meaning the continental bridge and 3 major religious harmony living together for centuries and a background 1,2 billion muslim population while people of the west see muslims as terrorists .

for your apologise these 2 cities means more for the world than Rome at the games.

^^^^^^
:cheer::okay::rock:

Durban or somewhere in Morocco, or Istanbul would be fine by me ...but hopefully Durbs

^^^^^^
:cheer::okay::rock:

Durban or somewhere in Morocco, or Istanbul would be fine by me ...but hopefully Durbs

to be realistic i dont see Durban will get 2020. may be 2024 or 2028. but she is so new in olympic arena and winning the games at the first application st like impossible. but im sure they will force hard using africa card is a big +.

and SA is theonly country (for now) can host the games in africa.

on the other hand for Istanbul, it depends on the government. if they really really want the games,they will do everything. im sure president Erdogan will use his personal relations also in this race.

No doubt, Rome today is the only city that really deserves to host these Olympic Games!
Is the only city that by months has already been put to work, while other cities have not done anything yet!

True, but it's still VERY early.

London's bid was officially agreed upon by the UK government on 15th May 2003 (decision day being 6th July 2005). In other words, at this stage in the 2012 process, the eventual winner wasn't even sure it was going to enter the race.

who decides and says rome deserves or not for now ?
on the other hand Durban deserves the games or Rabat cause of that black ring at the olympic flag
or Istanbul, meaning the continental bridge and 3 major religious harmony living together for centuries and a background 1,2 billion muslim population while people of the west see muslims as terrorists .

for your apologise these 2 cities means more for the world than Rome at the games.

Yes but Istanbul, Durban or Rabat will not have the Olympics by divine right.
Rome is already at work by months, while of other cities we don't even know what are the real candidates! :nuts:
If these are the premises, these cities don't start in the best way.

And than You forget that Rome is the world center of Christianity and the home of the oldest institution in the world, the Catholic Church, an institution that has more than a billion adherents worldwide....maybe this means something else in the world :lol:

Yes but Istanbul, Durban or Rabat will not have the Olympics by divine right.
Rome is already at work by months, while of other cities we don't even know what are the real candidates! :nuts:
If these are the premises, these cities don't start in the best way.

And than You forget that Rome is the world center of Christianity and the home of the oldest institution in the world, the Catholic Church, an institution that has more than a billion adherents worldwide....maybe this means something else in the world :lol:

so istanbul for orthodox world. ? and jerusalem for 3 major ones.

being only catholic is st else, but being the center of many many religions living together is st else.

who ones may be the cities planning their bids behind closed doors for now. making these plans and turn them into a advertisement show is berlusconi style... oops :)

its still to early. we have to wait till september it seems

I'm willing to put money on Rome.

It's got full backing from government and it already sounds as if it's garnering sponsers, so far it's the clear leader.

I'm going to back them.

I'm willing to put money on Rome.

It's got full backing from government and it already sounds as if it's garnering sponsers, so far it's the clear leader.

I'm going to back them.

I agree, for now Rome is by far the favorite! ;)

But we know that the favorite doesn't always win.

so istanbul for orthodox world. ? and jerusalem for 3 major ones.

being only catholic is st else, but being the center of many many religions living together is st else.

But who cares of religions?! You have an obsession! :nuts:

who ones may be the cities planning their bids behind closed doors for now. making these plans and turn them into a advertisement show is berlusconi style... oops :)

its still to early. we have to wait till september it seems

So, start working months before the other cities to prepare the best bid...this for you is only an "advertisement show" :lol:
Ok, I understand ;)
I would that Berlusconi govern in the same way which they are preparing this bid, with the same organization and seriousness...

For instance, the hesitancy of other cities for me is a sign of incapability ;)

The facts are these ... Rome today is by far the favorite candidate, not because it is the centre of Christianity or by other stupid religion things, but simply because it is the only city that today has already started to work on the bid!

When Istanbul will start to work and don't just talk, only then the city will be considered a serious candidate!

But if you believe that Istanbul has the divine right to have the Olympics just because it is "the city between two continents" ... you'll be sorely disappointed ;)

Any references to religion or politics is strictly forbidden. Thread closed until further notice.

NR41m3XZSCE

:D

^^ Which middle east cities could run for 2020?

Doha will organize WC so is cut off, Manama is too little. Only cities could be Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Is Dubai interested again?

^^

Manama ? with what recently this year... I don't think so.

Dubai, great city and ambitious (although stuck with a financial issue and huge debts) doesnt have enough hosting experience.

Doha, same issue with Dubai (heat) partially debatable due to World cup hosting and air conditioned outdoor areas. very close to world cup preparations and would cause a major strain on the city (and the country in general), good sport event hosting history.

Istanbul, The most realistic IMO, good experience and plenty to offer.

So IMO this is the list of ME cities likeliness to host the event (*Not including North Africa)

#1, Istanbul
#2, Doha
#3, Dubai

Uhm. Do you consider Istanbul a middle est bid?

I was speaking about a possible bid from that area. Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Riad....

So IMO this is the list of ME cities likeliness to host the event (*Not including North Africa)

#1, Istanbul

Istanbul is not what I would call a middle east city. ;)

I wanna see Istanbul getting the games!!
What an amazing city!!

As you can see Durban is a complex city, with propper infrastructure, right on the coast !
in 9 years time, it would have changed further still, so have some hope for Africa and its bid! - we dont all live in huts!! :D




great shot by Grant Pitcher

http://www.grantpitcher.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/durban-cbd.jpg

Morocco to bid for 2024 or 2028 Olympic Games
2011-03-22 09:42:00 AIPS


Moroccan Sports and Youth Minister Moncef Belkhayat, ANOCA President
General Lasanna Palenfo and Two time Olympic Gold medalist
(1500m & 5000m) Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj. Photo by Jean Tchaffo.

MARRAKECH, March 21,2011 - The Moroccan Government will begin construction of an 80 000-seater capacity stadium in Casablanca next year as it prepares to bid for either the 2024 or 2028 Olympic games.

Moroccan Minister for Youth and Sports, Moncef Belkhayat on Saturday confirmed that the capital city Casablanca had been picked as the strongest city that could deliver the North African dream to host the global sporting event.

"I strongly believe in Africa's capability to organize two Olympic Games in the 2020s',said Belkhayat during the gala ceremony of the Africa Sports Convention in Marakech where several sports men and women were inducted into the hall of fame.

"It is clear now that the decision to construct the stadium in Casablanca was decided with one clear vision to position the Kingdom of Morocco as a candidate to bid for the Olympic Games."

The pronouncement came at the end of a week that saw Morocco’s' touristic city, Marrakech host two continental sporting seminars- the ‘Salon International Du Sport' held at the newly constructed Marrakech stadium and the fifth edition of the Africa Sports Convention, CISA. The 'sports salon' was an initiative of the Moroccan sports Ministry to discuss how to market and develop sports in the region.

" We have proved that that we can organize events by hosting the Mediterranean Games, the African Youth Olympic Games last year and we shall organize the 2015 Cup of Nations then it will be time for the Olympics."


http://en.olympic.cn/news/olympic_news/2011-03-22/2132358.html

this is the first time that Moroccan governement decide to go for the games, they were rummors but nothing officiel.

so it's gonna be Casablanca and not Rabat but rabat will host some games like sport water and equestrien since it's known for those games.

between rabat and casablanca there is train every 30 min and with the high speed train it will take less than 30 min instade of 45 min now.

so good luck for casablanca and good luck for africa to host the games this decade.

euroleage 2012 finals will be in İstanbul.
2012 gonna be a busy year for us...

Istanbul is not what I would call a middle east city. ;)

When the Ottoman Empire Maximum was like 90% of the Middle-East and probably more than 50% of the Greater Middle-East how can it's capital not be a Middle-Eastern City?
Of course, the city is at it's gates, but I think the door to the middle-east defines it pretty nicely.
Yes, I would like Istanbul to host them, but I would have loved to see Venice do it, too bad Rome took over ( already hosted ), my first option is still the Italian capital but I'm pretty sure it's going to be a close fight between the two of them...

after qatar 2022 scandal i dont see any gulf region country going to bid for the games near future...

what will Fıfa gonna do .. wait and see

Abbottabad 2020!!

The Osama Olympics? I think there's been a mistranslation somehwere along the line.

Does anyone have any inside track as to the economic ramifications of the proposed cities bids if successful?

For example; as much as Rome would on paper be a great place to host the games, Italy is in a major debt crisis and forms part of the economic miscreants of Europe - degradingly named PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain.) Moreover their president is never far from taboo and his vice grip on the media in the country is well documented. Even more puzzling is Rome pushing for its own F1 circuit which will burden the city with substantial debt that may or may not be justified.

Prudent fiscal policy would suggest that instead of camping outside the UCB in Frankfort they should maybe focus there attention on extracting themselves from the aforementioned crop of ticking-times bombs and make it PIGS with one I. Surely its not a good time for Rome to be pushing for the games particularly considering most of the required funding will come from the northern parts as they add the highest contribution to the Italian GDP.

The above said, with global economic turmoil as it is I fear one would be hard pressed to find a city that won't be playing a bit of Russian Roulette. I havent done my research on Turkey hence know little of their economic climate though I can say that Durban will has a herculean task on its hands to justify the expenditure on both a local and national level.

Does anyone have any inside track as to the economic ramifications of the proposed cities bids if successful?

For example; as much as Rome would on paper be a great place to host the games, Italy is in a major debt crisis and forms part of the economic miscreants of Europe - degradingly named PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain.) Moreover their president is never far from taboo and his vice grip on the media in the country is well documented. Even more puzzling is Rome pushing for its own F1 circuit which will burden the city with substantial debt that may or may not be justified.

Prudent fiscal policy would suggest that instead of camping outside the UCB in Frankfort they should maybe focus there attention on extracting themselves from the aforementioned crop of ticking-times bombs and make it PIGS with one I. Surely its not a good time for Rome to be pushing for the games particularly considering most of the required funding will come from the northern parts as they add the highest contribution to the Italian GDP.

The above said, with global economic turmoil as it is I fear one would be hard pressed to find a city that won't be playing a bit of Russian Roulette. I havent done my research on Turkey hence know little of their economic climate though I can say that Durban will has a herculean task on its hands to justify the expenditure on both a local and national level.

hmm if these information helps u about turkey;
Turkey’s economic growth rate will be double that of the world, which is estimated at 3.9 percent, with a growth figure of 8.9 percent in 2010. and %6-7 predicted for 2011.and % 4-5 for 2012.
istanbul municiplity budget is 18 b.TL ( 15 billionusd) for 2011. 33 million tourists visit the country in 2010 ( 9 million is Istanbul) and tourism income is 21 billion usd. inflation is % 8 for 2010.
searching for oil; Black Sea oil reserves may be as high as 10 billion barrels ( nearly equal to mexico), along with 1.5 trillion cubic meters of natural gas ( equal to libya reserves) reserves. By 2023 Turkey will not be importing oil and natural gas which are the largest import commodity of the country ( %20).
Turkey is one of the most attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world.

the South African Cabinet confirmed today that the country will not bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

^^ Damn :(

This is disappointing, would have loved a SA olympics

Perhaps this will open the door for another African bid? Well to me, Africa following South America is a little too much for a double hit of firsts. I suspect either somewhere in Asia, Europe or Toronto with Canada.

Australia should bid for the 2024 Olympics. Melbourne ought to go first! http://www.facebook.com/olympicsformelbourne

Awwww why? There's no doubt in my mind Durban would've got them.:ohno:

^^ Don't be so sure, Rome would have presented a strong case and if Toronto bids, well 3rd time lucky (sure, it would have been nice to have a stadium built for the 2015 Pan American Games, which could be expanded for an Olympics, but since they've pretty much proposed new main stadiums for the past two, why not?).

Perhaps Durban will bow out for now and return for a killer bid for 2024? :/ Doom for Melbourne?

Istanbul still goin for it?

Istanbul still goin for it?
officials say. " yes"
turkey will play in both sides. 2020 summer games, and 2020 UEFA champs.

turkey will play in both sides. 2020 summer games, and 2020 UEFA champs.

With the risk to lose both ! IMHO, Turkey should focus only on one of the two (maybe the Euro :dunno:)

Game over for the SA bid. eNews reports that SA has decided not to bid for the 2020 Olympics,citing the $50 million bidding price tag as too pricey.

Here's looking at Morocco now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/5761474906_62db8d8818_b.jpg

SA rules out 2020 Olympic bid

2011-05-26

Johannesburg - South Africa's Olympic committee president ruled out a bid for the 2020 Summer Games on Thursday after the government said it was not the right time.

Gideon Sam said that his committee would only bid if the government gave its backing, and the project was "was off the radar for now" after South Africa's cabinet said it preferred to focus on national priorities.

"Our position is very clear," Sam said. "We would bid only if the government gives the go-ahead."

Asked if he was ruling out a bid from a South African city for 2020, Sam replied "Definitely."

Earlier, South Africa's government said it was not the right time for the country - which successfully hosted Africa's first Soccer World Cup last year - to bid for the Olympics.

"Cabinet considered the request by the South African Sports Federation for the country to bid for the hosting of the 2020 Olympic Games," the statement said. "Cabinet has decided that it is better for the country to consolidate the gains of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for now and rather focus the country's attention to the delivery of basic services to all South Africans."

Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said that there was no support for a possible bid within South Africa's government, leaving Sam's South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee with no option but to abandon its hopes of bringing the Olympics to Africa for the first time in 2020.

"No Olympic movement in any country can bid for an Olympics without government support," Sam said. "We always said we would be guided by the government. It is important to be guided by the people with the resources.

"There is not much a sport organization can do without government support."

Sam said South Africa might reconsider a bid for another Olympics "some time in the future."

Durban had been considered South Africa's most likely bid city, with July's International Olympic Committee session in the east coast city a perfect springboard for it to launch itself as a candidate.

Thursday's announcement came three days after the IOC opened the 2020 bidding process, inviting national Olympic committees to submit the names of candidate cities by September 1.

So far, Rome is the only city put forward as a candidate.

Other possible contenders include Tokyo; Madrid; Istanbul, Turkey; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The host city will be selected by the IOC in 2013.


:ohno::ohno:

A lil birdie is saying Toronto will be joining the race.

Mayor Rob Ford is just salivating at the thought and the new stadium will be in place for the NFL team he wants to bring to his city as well.

With the risk to lose both ! IMHO, Turkey should focus only on one of the two (maybe the Euro :dunno:)

different timings for these applications. so if we loose the games we hang on UEFA. if we get the games ( probably) we will bid for 2024 UEFA

A lil birdie is saying Toronto will be joining the race.

Mayor Rob Ford is just salivating at the thought and the new stadium will be in place for the NFL team he wants to bring to his city as well.

A tad too soon for me. Where's the Pan American Stadium (athletics) being built now? Hamilton's not the likely place anymore. Will it be downtown (the ideal option)?

I'd say if anything materializes about say a 30,000-40,000 seater downtown stadium that could be upgraded to 80,000 in time for a 2020 Olympics, then why not?

At any rate, this core issue should have been addressed during the Pan Ams bid.

A tad too soon for me. Where's the Pan American Stadium (athletics) being built now? Hamilton's not the likely place anymore. Will it be downtown (the ideal option)?

I'd say if anything materializes about say a 30,000-40,000 seater downtown stadium that could be upgraded to 80,000 in time for a 2020 Olympics, then why not?

At any rate, this core issue should have been addressed during the Pan Ams bid.

Since Hamilton couldn't come to an agreement on the stadium issue. The athletics events will be moved to York University in Toronto. It's location is in North Toronto, not downtown. It's going to be a small athletics venue, nothing big that can be used for an Olympic stadium.

However, there are non finalized plans in the works to build a brand new NFL Stadium. The study has these locations as possible sites: 1)Portlands 2)Downsview or 3)Woodbine

I see the Portlands being selected as the location. This is where the 2008 Olympic Stadium was to be built. The space is still available.

I think that in 2020 a good year for the Madrid bid for the Olympic Games

SA retirement is normal. Games cost so much that it is logical for the country to focus on true problems! they already managed well the Fifa world cup then the priority must be health,economy & social problems.

SA retirement is normal. Games cost so much that it is logical for the country to focus on true problems! they already managed well the Fifa world cup then the priority must be health,economy & social problems.

I'm sure they can walk and chew gum at the same time.

To be fair, those were the reasons given by the SA government. Though as Mo pointed out, the SASCOC aren't in the government's good books right now.

Sorry, but this article is only in Spanish. Basically it confirms that Madrid will be again candidate for the Olympic Games 2020 (Major Gallardon said).
This decision comes due to the non application of any African country to this games. Here it goes the link.
Wish you all the luck Madrid!

http://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/2011/olimpismo-alberto-ruiz-gallardon-mariano-rajoy-madrid-juegos-olimpicos-2022--20110608-79790.html

Gallardón ya tiene lista la candidatura de Madrid a los Juegos de 2020

Doesn't Madrid/Spain have bigger problems than hosting a $10 billion circus?

Tackling that colossal unemployment rate would be a good start.

That would actually be great for Madrid but my choice remains Rome.

Doesn't Madrid/Spain have bigger problems than hosting a $10 billion circus?

Tackling that colossal unemployment rate would be a good start.



Surely the choice of Madrid as host city for the Olympic games of 2020, would be a great push to decrease unemployment and increase the economy, and above the strength of Madrid's bid is that a high percentage of the facilities are completed or under construction phase and that in time of crisis is very important, because no country has plenty of money

So who are the official candidates so far?

So who are the official candidates so far?

only one, Rome

Madrid is highly likely to bid too.

SUMMER OLYMPICS 2020: CITIES AND POSSIBLE CANDIDATE OFFERS[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]

http://www.mmicc.org/images/to2020.jpg

:wave:

Hey guys,

Im for Toronto, :okay: lets be Canadians :horse: a real city, almost the only one in Canada (with Vancouver)

:-)


Toronto: much better than Cape Town :badnews:

Doesn't Madrid/Spain have bigger problems than hosting a $10 billion circus?

Tackling that colossal unemployment rate would be a good start.

Ok. Yes we have a very high unemployment rate so what? Hosting the Olympics would help create jobs, don't you think?. I also want to mention that a lot of people in Spain are working under the table so that is why our unemployment rate is so high.
Every single country has problems.... from debt, to unemployment, to poverty. According to your statement no country should host the Olympics.....

Only Rome and Madrid have stepped up to make a formal bid. The deadline is September 1. 2 and 1/2 months left for more cities to step forward.

Could this be a 2 bid race? Absurd! :P

Though I would think Baku and maybe Doha would be last minute applicants from their failed 2016 bids.

Though I would think Baku and maybe Doha would be last minute applicants from their failed 2016 bids.

As I wrote in another thread the bid for 2016 was preliminary and the very first one for Azerbaijan as the country had no experience in bidding. Baku is most likely bidding for Olympics 2020 although the government still understands that there is again no much chance. Another story is Olympics 2024 where Baku's application is going to be much stronger because of improved infrastructure, several new venues (such as Olympic Stadium, Olympic Swimming Pool, Gymnastics Arena...) and experience the city will have in organisation of big events (such as Eurovision 2012, World Cup Women U17 2012, Champions League Final 2015...).

baku? haha! hungary? :p even more absurd, no offence... first of all hungary doesnt have money to host the euro with romania, while the azeri dont have infrastructure for such thing!

baku? haha! hungary? :p even more absurd, no offence... first of all hungary doesnt have money to host the euro with romania, while the azeri dont have infrastructure for such thing!

Do not underestimate it ;)

baku? haha! hungary? :p even more absurd, no offence... first of all hungary doesnt have money to host the euro with romania, while the azeri dont have infrastructure for such thing!

Hungary (with Budapest, I assume) is less absurd than Baku, Azerbaijan. But since Baku actually did bid for 2016, I do expect them to at least try again. What's to lose? They have more stuff now than in 2009, when the 2016 bid was on. They would only get more exposure in another bid. And if lucky, they will advance to the candidate stage thanks to fewer bidders. :P

SUMMER OLYMPICS 2020: CITIES AND POSSIBLE CANDIDATE OFFERS

SUMMER OLYMPICS 2020: CITIES AND POSSIBLE CANDIDATE OFFERS

Since the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lowered the flag for the competition to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on 16 May, only the city of Rome has formalized his candidacy for the seat of such games. "Formally invite all nations of the world to submit their cities face the organization of the XXXII Olympics of the modern age" were the words of the current IOC president, Jacques Rogge.

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) took a step forward in the bid to host the 2020 Olympics to officially nominate the name of Rome as the host city. By CONI president Gianni Petrucci confirmed its interest in the Italian capital on May 19, 2010 after being passed in a internal elections to Venice which also showed interest in hosting the 2020 games. The head of the candidature of Rome and current IOC vice-president Mario Pescante, said recently that the Italian government posted a budget US61 million in costs for the 2 years of the Olympic process. If Rome's offer is made victorious in the elections, the overall Olympic budget set by the CONI and the government amount to US13.000 million. As a guarantor of security and efficient organization, Rome will offer to convert the legacy IOC acquired the organization of the Olympic Games in 1964 as the Foro Italico containing the Olympic stadium, a tennis center (recently remodeled) and Aquatic center that was used in the last World Swimming Championships 2009. Rome has going for it to be the most visited city in the world Add to that the fact of being away from the organization of Olympic events since 1964 (could be very attractive to the IOC to return the games to the land of the first cousin of the Greeks) and the success it achieved Turin organizing the Winter Olympics 2006.

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) announced days after Tokyo's defeat at the hands of Rio for the 2016 Games, plans to proceed with its offer ahead of the games of 2020, however a few months the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had the JOC joint bid for the organization of the Olympics in 2020 making it a counterweight to the intentions of the capital. Although the JOC and the government gave the nod to this second alternative, the IOC finally rejected a possible run of Hiroshima-Nagasaki because he was in the opposite to the interests of the Olympic Charter in the chapter that highlights some games compact. Given the above by the IOC in a statement, Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's capital was interested in these cities host some Olympic events as alternatives to the central subsites in Tokyo. After the natural disaster that happened on Japan in early March, Tokyo's candidacy began to falter and even voices were heard initially vetoed a city's Olympic bid, Gov. Ishihara stepped out of the comments saying that "it is intended organize the Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020 to promote the reconstruction of our country after the tragedy that happened earlier this year." Vice President Masato Mizuno JOC also approved the offer of Tokyo 2020 said that "we have to send a message to the world that Japan is ready to continue to organize major events, we need them to encourage people to move forward and pursue our dreams and consider the tragedy of March as a second chance from God to make things better." To clarify matters, the Tokyo 2020 bid would be one of the best given the high level of organization, discipline and the economic value that characterizes the second largest in the world. To his credit, has successfully organizing many international events such as championships in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, FIFA World Cup 2002 and its sports facilities are in good condition. Also in the last elections your application file Olympians got the best among the applicants.

Much speculation about a possible bid from any city in Africa to host the 2020 games and maximize the new era that has become the IOC to award seats to places or regions that have never hosted Olympic events. The news that cities such as Durban or Cape Town to be competed for South Africa's official candidate was denied by the South Africa Olympic Committee (SAOC) Gideon Sam who said that "it is not the time to file an Olympic bid by this country." Sam also argued that the application submitted SAOC only if the federal government gives the okay, but it only focuses on domestic priorities like education and health system and an Olympic project at this time would be off the radar, but hinted at the idea of ​​a possible Olympic bid for the years 2024 or 2028.

After all go away and come the likelihood that Madrid is presented for the 2020 games seem to reach safe harbor. On Madrid's presumed candidacy ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics have been woven many conjectures and conflicts of interest between those who consider the idea of ​​a third consecutive nomination and those who are reluctant or prefer one application to another future time. The newspaper El PAIS, one of the most influential in Europe conducted an online survey and staff about the desirability of Madrid's Olympic bid and the results are very encouraging. About 60% of respondents disagree. In any case, the Comité Olímpico Español (COE) at the head of President Alejandro Blanco and the secretary of state for sport Albert Soler gave their overwhelming support to the Olympic bid. On the way there is only the confirmation of the Mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon and subsequent approval by the new corporation of the City of Madrid. Optimists think that if Barcelona ran four times until he got it because Madrid do not see another attempt in search of Olympic dream. Madrid in my opinion is more likely to emerge victorious in 2020 (by the thing that made the games come on Asia and Latin America would be an excellent alternative to IOC headquarters to give a European city, also taking advantage of any African city will present to the polls) that 2024 (for that same file can be Cape Town or Durban for South Africa or Egypt including Cairo and before that offer did not think the IOC is resisted by many rating you receive your Bid Book also taking advantage of the boom of new geographical conquests of the Olympics, Africa would be an option at first hand). The same International Olympic Committee president said that if for games in 2024 postulated an African city the chances of success would be very high.

Busan, the second most powerful and most populous city in South Korea has also shown great interest in bidding for the Olympics in 2020, but its application is conditional upon the results obtained Pyeongchang city that aspires to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Busan Mayor Hur Nam-Sik had made it clear their interest in hosting the Olympic Games since November 2005 as the city provides a candidate has worked quietly. The July 6 elections were held at the headquarters of 2018 and Busan has until September 1 to nominate their name for the 2020 games. The greatest treasure of this city is the successful organization of the 2002 Asian Games, an event that he inherited spectacular sports facilities, in addition to being co-host the FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan held the same year. The city has a modern motorway network and is now up revolutionary development projects as evidence of the development and expansion of this great city. South Korea does not organize Olympic events since the 1988 Seoul Games.

Another Asian city with intentions of running for election in 2020 is Delhi, the capital of India. After organizing the Commonwealth Games 2010, the rector of the India Olympic Association Suresh Kalmadi said that "Delhi may bid for the organization of the Summer Olympic Games 2020" and in his statement he supported the minister Sports Manohar Singh Gill who said that "the infrastructure funding would be secured before achieving candidacy," but the criticism of Mike Hooper, CEO of the Federation of the Commonwealth Games at a conference made in London about the chaotic preparation of the games of 2010, have highlighted the inability of India to organize a big event like the Olympics.

What would be a strong struggle between Arab cities, Doha and Dubai expected to close its bid for the 2020 Olympics. Doha has the unpleasant experience of the previous election process after the IOC rejected their offer despite having better qualifications than the proposed Rio 2016 for the simple reason that its date of development of the games was in October and not August as IOC rules. To avoid another conflict of interest with offers of candidate cities for 2020, the IOC set a timetable for assessing the dates could make the Olympic competitions in 2020. Notwithstanding the hurts and resentments that caused this decision by the IOC, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani said Qatar and the Doha intentions to proceed with the Olympic bid for 2020. The city of Dubai known as the pearl of the Middle East by the large number of major works that are running in this part of the world, has also expressed his desire to run for the 2020 games, but the city suffered a major setback when he resigned to the organization of world swimming championship in 2013 and instead had to be selected in last stay in the city of Barcelona.

Istanbul is one of the cities with serious aspirations of becoming Olympic host in 2020. The town has tried unsuccessfully to organize the games on four occasions (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012) but local authorities say the head of minister of state for health and sports Faruk Nafiz Ozak are well ready for the challenge in 2020. "There were four failed processes in which we learned a lot, but Turkey is in a period of economic boom that we channel through sport, as an investment in the future," said Ozak. If Turkey's candidacy, come to realize most likely be one of the offers to win elections by 2020. The strategic location of the city (it is a transcontinental city) in their favor, also in line with new geo-political gains by the IOC, Turkey would be a very ambitious proposal for the Olympic movement. The city of Istanbul is one of the oldest in the world, why has a rich historical legacy as well as being referenced as one of the most beautiful megalopolis. During the past twenty years the city has been the epicenter of urban reforms remarkable what has accrued an excellent highway system and agile, its skyline is in constant transformation and chapter sports facilities the city has a modern stadium Olimpiyat Atatürk Stadyumu with 75.486 places built for the failed nomination of 2008.

Baku, the capital city of the Republic of Azerbaijan also announced plans for Olympic bid but has not specified whether they will do in 2020 or 2024. Baku had already been nominated for the 2016 games but missed the cut preview. In February 2011 the Ministry of Sports and Recreation of the country announced the construction of an Olympic stadium of 64,000 localities with the option of expansion as the centerpiece of a likely Olympic bid.

The sports minister of France Chantal Jouanno and French Olympic Committee President Denis Masseglia, ensured that France will bid for the 2020 elections if they leave the city of Annecy defeated in elections for the Winter Olympic Games 2018. Did not revealed if the eventual nominee will be Paris or replacement. In any case it is no secret that the only way in which France can fight the bid for 2020 is to award the bid to the City of Light. This beautiful city has been nominated three times was a few votes of victory in elections for the 2012 Games. Paris spends a reputation like no other city in the world, with vast green areas, a full range of hotels and an extensive highway system. Counter to the views expressed by the French Olympic officials, many believe that regardless of the outcome of Annecy for the seat in 2018 it is likely that Paris is preparing a meticulous plan bid to keep the seat in 2024, when which is 100 years of the 1924 Paris games. France successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup 1998 in Paris was the epicenter Sports and events and also rode successfully World Athletics Championships 2003.

Hungary could be other European countries in the bid for the 2020 games. A bill on the preparation of an Olympic bid for Budapest was approved unanimously by the assembly of the Hungarian capital. There is only Hungary's parliament approves to nominate to the IOC official.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is considering a Toronto bid but has not given details if the application will be released in 2020 or 2024. The City of Toronto aimed to organize the Olympic Games in 2008 but in the elections held on July 13, 2001 in Moscow (Russia) finished second behind Beijing's bid. Toronto forward far-reaching changes in its sports infrastructure ahead of 2015 Pan American Games and hopes to benefit from the 2007-2016 Rio effect why local authorities to join efforts for the 2015 event. Toronto has a network of highways and transportation system more efficient in the world and is one of the five most powerful American cities. For geographical reasons, several local MPs suggest that the application be deferred to 2028.

The following table lists the possible candidate cities organizing the Olympic Games in 2020 and thus its possibilities for the event.
Note: Some potential candidates cities like Paris and Busan have conditioned their participation in the results obtained by the cities of Annecy (France) and Pyeongchang (South Korea) competing for the seat of the Winter Olympics of 2018.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/5836216285_4854ea5807_b.jpg

Yeah, erm, we have a thread for this already

Could this be a 2 bid race? Absurd! :P

Though I would think Baku and maybe Doha would be last minute applicants from their failed 2016 bids.

A contest between Souther Europe's capitals would actually be pretty cool but I'm sure more bids are going to be announced.

That would actually be great for Madrid but my choice remains Rome.

My choice is for the 'eternal city' too.

In addition to the nominations of Madrid and Rome that were confirmed, I am looking forward to the nominations of Tokyo, Istanbul and Busan. I believe that these three Asian cities will also bid very hard considering the geographical conditions to your advantage.

Delhi 2020?? Please, if you almost could not handle the organization of the Commonwealth Games 2010 let alone the Olympics. They can say these Indians who have filled the coffers and thousands of intentions but seat organizational disciplines are below the other potential candidates.

Caution and patience my Hindu friends and his time will come!

Between Doha and Dubai prefer a thousand times to the city of Qatar, which at least has the experience of 2016.

Come on Tokyo or Istanbul for the 2020 games!!!...

In addition to the nominations of Madrid and Rome that were confirmed, I am looking forward to the nominations of Tokyo, Istanbul and Busan. I believe that these three Asian cities will also bid very hard considering the geographical conditions to your advantage.
Istanbul (Turkey) bids as a member of European Olympic Committee

Istanbul (Turkey) bids as a member of European Olympic Committee

Why???:ohno:

Istanbul (Turkey) bids as a member of European Olympic Committee

If it is true that the Turkish Olympic Committee is attached to the organization of European Olympic Committees, but it is also true that the city of Istanbul is geographically located between the two continents (Asia and Europe) separated by the Bosphorus Strait. If Istanbul 2020 bid to win the Olympic Park and the vast majority of sports facilities would be located on the European side.

I wouldn't mind seeing Rome, Madrid, Istanbul, Tokyo, Busan, or Paris win 2020.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9KPt6vfznR8/TKQegg2dZsI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Uz8xV9HucKo/s1600/Untitled.jpg


http://www.tour.go.kr/FileSystem/Resource/image_datas/26/2647/C/2647-C-14531_01.jpg

http://gogoaudio.co.kr/Gnu_Base/data/cheditor4/gogo_04/1150267810.jpg

http://203.226.135.39/updata1/photo/201006/13/127643238558494.jpg

http://dcimg1.dcinside.com/viewimage.php?id=panorama&no=29bcc427b49d3fa762b3d3a70f9e343cc68810c5b8a74dbb707a255cd265d5ce0bbf91b206b4d21898e6ea&f_no=3dbcde29f7d335a751ef87fb1cc123




if you want to see stadia pictures of 2020 Olympic Games Candidates Cities including World Stadiums , Please visit below URL.


http://cafe.daum.net/stade/5Ay7/56


http://www.various.co.kr/images/main/new_2020busan.gif

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9KPt6vfznR8/TKQegg2dZsI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Uz8xV9HucKo/s1600/Untitled.jpg

Hosting the Olympics is the last thing Italy or Spain should be concentrating on.

Hosting the Olympics might be just what Italy or Spain needs to restore confidence in their economies, and pull their unemployment rates out of the hole. Many people said much the same thing about South Africa hosting the World Cup...

[QUOTE=Apple1;79645810]Hey guys,

Im for Toronto, :okay: lets be Canadians :horse: a real city, almost the only one in Canada (with Vancouver)

:-)

THUMB UPS Canadian Bid .. after South Africa pulled out Toronto emerge strong contender candidate. Casablanca, Doha, Tokyo - Dark Horse.

No one interest vote Olympics return to Europe (Madrid and Rome). It is just one year after London Olympics 2012. Bid Election's in 2013.

Rome or Tokyo should win, most deserving cities.

^^ Deserving? How? One could argue (like any future Melbourne bid), that they should not host because they already have (albeit in the past several decades ago) and should let someone else have a go.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/5840691671_4546a493f9_b.jpg

A dozen cities in different latitudes and cultures of the world at one time expressed interest in running to host the 2020 Olympics. Of course not all able to channel this idea, many will go by the wayside and only a select group of them can move to the final cut. You do not need the most ambitious project, the budget bulkier or larger delegation to keep the seat. This influence from geopolitical factors alliances to personal interests and passion and of course the grand interest to swell their coffers IOC in Lausanne.

Olympics beyond being the biggest sporting event in the world are also an event that is full profit and prestige. Why the most powerful cities in the world to contest the seat.

With the exception of Madrid and Rome who already have their own place in the contest, on which cities have generated the greatest expectations for the 2020 event are: Istanbul, Tokyo and Busan.

Istanbul! Firm's headquarters in 2020. It was the turn to the Turks.

Monterrey, hehehehe

Monterrey, hehehehe

Hehehe ... that sense of humor you friend ... the Olympic Games over there are very, very far from done. But you know if you heard that rumor, even Lima (Peru) will also be competing.

Paris, please :)

Lima? Bah. They have to win a Pan Ams first. And how will they upgrade their National Stadium to 60,000? Add more balcony seats? :P

paris,tokyo or doha

Capitoline Venus loan to National Gallery of Art aids Rome’s Olympic push

Rome’s mayor, Gianni Alemanno, has a dream - the Summer Olympics in the Italian capital in 2020. To that end, he has opened an energetic campaign to raise Rome’s global profile, using one of the city’s most powerful assets: its past.

This week in Washington, Mr. Alemanno launched a two-year project to dispatch some of the greatest sculptures of Roman antiquity to cities in the United States. “The Dream of Rome: The Eternal Masterpieces in the United States, 2011-2013,” opened Wednesday when the Capitoline Venus went on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.

All the works are from the collection in the Capitoline Museum, the city’s treasury of ancient Roman sculpture, statuary and artifacts. At a time when museums and collectors are reluctant to lend prize possessions abroad because of soaring air freight and insurance costs and security concerns, the museum plans to ship about a dozen of its best known pieces to institutions in several U.S. cities.

For example, the 17th-century sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s dramatic Head of Medusa, with its marble coiffure of writhing snakes, will be shown in San Francisco; and the Spinario, the second- century B.C. bronze of a seated young boy extracting a thorn from his left foot, is destined for Philadelphia.

The sculpture campaign was necessary, Mr. Alemanno explained as he dug into an American breakfast of bacon and eggs in the Jockey Club of Washington’s Fairfax Hotel, because Italy has had a lot of bad press lately. In large part this was “because of [Prime Minister Silvio] Berlusconi’s problems,” said Mr. Alemanno, who is pinning great hopes on “The Dream of Rome” being an image-changer.

Rumors of Mr. Berlusconi’s sex drive have been public knowledge ever since he first launched himself into politics in Italy in 1994, but Italians have been willing to give him a lot of leeway as the only post-World War II prime minister to serve out his five-year term (2001-2006). He could well complete a second full term, and Italians have come to regard his ability to stay in office as a sign of their country’s political maturity.

But the 74-year-old prime minister’s proclivities now have him in legal hot water. In an ongoing (very slow) trial he is accused of paying an underage nightclub dancer for sex and later abusing his power in an attempt to cover it up. If found guilty, he could face a 15-year prison sentence, but with his track record for dodging legal bullets, it’s a big if.

Mr. Alemanno, who belongs to Mr. Berlusconi’s right-of-center People of Freedom Party, blames the Italian left for blowing up the allegations for partisan gain - “those in the left are choking with frustration at their constant failure to have any impact politically,” he said. But he admits that the scandal has harmed Italy’s global image.

So the Capitoline Venus has stirred for the first time from the niche where she has stood, admired but undisturbed, for nearly 200 years and crossed the Atlantic to help win for her city the coveted Olympic prize. Until Sept. 5, the 6-foot-tall marble statue of a nude, looking as though she has been surprised coming out of the shower and ever so casually covering her private parts, has a temporary American home in the center of the National Gallery rotunda.

The statue was excavated from the buried ruins of an ancient building in Rome in the 1670s and given to the Capitoline Museum by Pope Benedict XIV in 1752. The only other time the statue has moved from the museum was when the victorious Emperor Napoleon took it to Paris as spoils of war in 1797. (It was returned in 1816 after Napoleon was defeated and exiled.)

Mr. Alemanno’s campaign using Capitoline masterpieces is targeting other countries besides the U.S. For example, the Spinario is currently on display at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. But he said American support of Rome’s candidacy “is fundamental.”

“The Dream of Rome” project comes to an end on Sept 9, 2013, when the International Olympic Committee, meeting in Buenos Aires, will vote to decide on the host city for 2020. It’s also when Mr. Alemanno is up for re-election as mayor, as is Mr. Berlusconi for prime minister.

But that may change. Mr. Alemanno, 43, confirmed reports that he is one of the younger generation of politicians who could succeed Mr. Berlusconi if the latter decides (or is persuaded) not to run again. Still, Mr. Alemanno says the decision on Mr. Berlusconi’s successor will be a complex one “involving many people.”

As for Mr. Berlusconi himself, he would continue to be involved with the party he founded as its “father figure” - which, with his reputation, seems an improbable role.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/9/statue-leaves-rome-gallery-to-promote-olympic-bid/

I'd like the 2020 Summer Olympic Games to be hosted by an eastern-european city. IMHO the most probable bids from Easter Europe are Saint Petersburg or Yekaterinburg, Warsaw, Baku, Budapest and Istanbul. Kiev and Zagreb may bid for 2024 games.

If Budapest, Saint Petersburg or Yekaterinburg bid, they'll be my favourites.

Saint Petersburg will probably bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic games, Governor Valentina Matviyenko has announced an intention to bid, having discussed the plan with the head of the ROC. The city with a population of more than 4 million people is developing rapidly. Transport problems and other infrastructure problems that exist in St.P will be solved by 2018 when it will be one of the host cities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a new 70,000-seat stadium. The city is served by 5 railway terminals and Pulkovo International Airport, which handles more than 8 million people each year. Saint Petersburg has international railway connections to Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and other countries as well as to most cities of Russia.

Yekaterinburg will probably bid for 2020 or 2024 Summer Olympic games. It's a developing city with a population of more than 1,5 million people. Yekaterinburg is going to bid for the Expo-2020 which shows that the city has got great ambitions. A stadium with a capacity of about 50,000 seats will be built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. There are no transport problems in Yekaterinburg. Koltsovo International Airport, which handles nearly 3 million passengers each year, is situated some 15 km southeast of the city. The city’s metro is highly developed. Currently the metro system of Yekaterinburg includes only 1 line/7 stations, but another 4 stations will be opened in 2011-2012 and the second line will be constructed with 9 stations in 2012-2013. By 2018 the number of lines is planned to raise to 3, and the number of stations to 29.

Budapest is the most probable city from Eastern Europe to bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic games. It's population is nearly 2 million people. The Ferenc Liszt International airport which serves 8 million people each year is very close to the city. It has a great metro system which is the second-oldest underground metro system in the world after the London Underground and is a World Heritage Site. Budapest has already bid for the Olympic Games five times.

St. Petersburg bid for the 2004 Games but didn't make the cut (They produced their candidate books, as was the custom at the time, but was eliminated by the IOC during the IOC's report (and presumably after visiting the city)).

Isn't 2020 a little too soon for any Russian bid anyways? What with Sochi and all? Wait until after Sochi and bid for 2024, The Sochi 2014 games, should they be a success will be a major factor into people and the IOC wanting to come back to Russia again for an Olympics.

It was difficult to make a choice, but I voted for Casablanca.
Reason : I has to be a city from Africa, North America, Asia or Oceania, because 2012 London (Europe) and 2016 Rio (South America).
So there was left Tokyo, Busan, Doha, Delhi, Toronto, Dubai and Casablanca and because there's never been a african city that hosted the olympics, I choose Casablanca.
It's a nice city, much room to build the venues, nice wheater in summer and Morocco is progressive country.

Very few cities and nations have won an Olympics on the first try. Casablanca would have to make a strong compelling bid to win over the IOC. It will be much easier now that Durban isn't bidding or any other South African city. I won't be surprised if another African city were to put up it's hands now that they know that SA isn't bidding.

I voted for Istanbul

Rome, I mean a world famous sporting city, came second in 2004, and has a great bid.

As does Madrid and Paris.

^^ Cities from nations that either the city has already hosted, or the nation has. If there's a compelling bid from someone else, then they'd be likely to get it.

I'm not exactly sure what Madrid could propose on the table that would be more compelling than what was proposed in 2016...

Durban relives the games!

When everyone was taken for the closure of the issue that South Africa would not send Olympic bid for 2020 games after that on May 25 the Cabinet of President Jacob Zuma rejected any proposal, the issue is still causing front-page headlines in this country . Well, turns out about 24 hours ago on South Africa's sports minister Fikile Mbalula told reporters that the chances of South Africa this application to the 2020 Olympics are not all zero. "I will do everything possible to persuade the government to submit a proposal ahead of the Olympic Games in 2020, have until 1 September to submit a formal proposal to the IOC, but we have less than a month to reconvene the cabinet full and a second time to consider the idea of ​​the South African Olympic dream. "Mbalula's statements were in the midst of an information section of the IOC in Durban city next month will be chosen to host the Winter Olympics 2018.

seems like we are in the race...

http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=37431

So many of these bids are borderline insane.

Why would Italy or Spain even want to consider the debt implications of the Olympics when their economies are up the proverbial creek. The Spanish in particular are protesting vociferously in Madrid about high unemployment which was brought about by the greedy real estate boom. Now they want to build more? Seriously... Just give Real Madrid the money to buy a better team to challenge Barcelona.

Italy is in the dumps because of a corrupt political system, incompetent fiscal spending and an ageing population that is forcing reforms to increase the retirement age. And Rome is also trying to get an F1 grand prix... huh? If the glove does not fit you must acquit...

If Tokyo is seriously back in the race then they are also bonkers. How can the government justify the expenditure after the catastrophe that the country has just had to endure? I imagine a large part of the population would be pretty pissed that they aren't re-building infrastructure in order to plan an Olympic bid. Muppets.

If Durban doesnt enter the race again then my bet is with Istanbul... of all the choices it makes the most sense or to put it in a French perspective... its the least bad.

So many of these bids are borderline insane.

Why would Italy or Spain even want to consider the debt implications of the Olympics when their economies are up the proverbial creek. The Spanish in particular are protesting vociferously in Madrid about high unemployment which was brought about by the greedy real estate boom. Now they want to build more? Seriously... Just give Real Madrid the money to buy a better team to challenge Barcelona.

Italy is in the dumps because of a corrupt political system, incompetent fiscal spending and an ageing population that is forcing reforms to increase the retirement age. And Rome is also trying to get an F1 grand prix... huh? If the glove does not fit you must acquit...



Italy has logically not bid with Rome in the past few Olympics obviously due to Torino hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics. It believes that now is the time to bid, has experience from it's 2004 bid (which was technically better than Athens and perhaps overall better) and has most if not more infrastructure in place then what was offered in 2004.

Madrid will bid for a 3rd consecutive time, either this bid is just out of spite with their Italian neighbours, or it does believe that PyeongChang's 3rd time lucky will help for them. This could very well be Europe's games since PyeongChang has won the rights to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.


If Tokyo is seriously back in the race then they are also bonkers. How can the government justify the expenditure after the catastrophe that the country has just had to endure? I imagine a large part of the population would be pretty pissed that they aren't re-building infrastructure in order to plan an Olympic bid. Muppets.



A Tokyo bid for 2020 (post earthquake) always relied on the idea of rebuilding after the disaster and that Tokyo itself isn't really physically effected. A Tokyo bid would rely on sentiment and the "rise from the ashes" sort of deal. If you do enough research there has been quite a number of major disasters occurring in a city, only to have that city host a major event shortly thereafter.

Tokyo is logical to back out now since PyeongChang has won the rights to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and in spite of what Dr. Rogge said in that press conference, Tokyo would be a pretty tough sell.



If Durban doesnt enter the race again then my bet is with Istanbul... of all the choices it makes the most sense or to put it in a French perspective... its the least bad.


Istanbul is in the race, or so we're led to believe. I guess they logically took a break from the 2016 race to learn from their past mistakes. Thank's to PyeongChang's presentation in the IOC session in Durban, I'm sure Istanbul will market their bid in a similar way, where they've tried, tried and after each failed attempt, went for another. Learned their mistakes and presented an ever stronger bid.

Durban might enter last minute, given the relative success of it's IOC session. Who knows? Maybe that Rio card might work for Durban too, but I don't believe that 2 consecutive new frontiers Olympics will happen back to back (unless it's Istanbul, but only because they've been bidding 5 times in the past already).

I do not know who to vote, but in Toronto Will developed a Pan American Games in 2015, in accordingly i see it no feasible develop some Olympics game in this city for the year 2020.

Greetings!

The problem with Toronto (as has been discussed at gamesbids.com) is the whole waterfront concept.

The Olympic Park MUST be built on the waterfront to make it seem attractive to the IOC and mostly everyone else. The alternative has been touted as Downsview Park in North York. Should the waterfront be already or set for development, then Downsview Park will be used, which is not so attractive.

Simply put, we might see a Toronto bid in 2020, to take advantage of the use of the waterfront area. A bid in say 2024 (which time wise seems more logical) might have to say goodbye to the waterfront and use the not so appealing Downsview Park area.

It believes that now is the time to bid, has experience from it's 2004 bid (which was technically better than Athens and perhaps overall better) and has most if not more infrastructure in place then what was offered in 2004.


Who says so? Athens' bid was obviously by far the best in 2004 and has the majority of the infrastructure already in place in 1997.

Saint Petersburg will host Olimpics 2020.

So many of these bids are borderline insane.

Why would Italy or Spain even want to consider the debt implications of the Olympics when their economies are up the proverbial creek. The Spanish in particular are protesting vociferously in Madrid about high unemployment which was brought about by the greedy real estate boom. Now they want to build more? Seriously... Just give Real Madrid the money to buy a better team to challenge Barcelona.

Italy is in the dumps because of a corrupt political system, incompetent fiscal spending and an ageing population that is forcing reforms to increase the retirement age. And Rome is also trying to get an F1 grand prix... huh? If the glove does not fit you must acquit...

If Tokyo is seriously back in the race then they are also bonkers. How can the government justify the expenditure after the catastrophe that the country has just had to endure? I imagine a large part of the population would be pretty pissed that they aren't re-building infrastructure in order to plan an Olympic bid. Muppets.

If Durban doesnt enter the race again then my bet is with Istanbul... of all the choices it makes the most sense or to put it in a French perspective... its the least bad.

:applause: :applause: :applause:



I've no respect for greedy nations who wants Olympic Games though they had one just a few years ago!
France: 1992, Spain 1992, ITALY 2006 !!!!!!, Canada 2010 !!!!!!!
(Italy would do better to fight against corrupcy instead to spend billions for olympic games...)

My vote goes to Istanbul, Turkey had so many attempts to get a big international festival of sports, they deserve it!

There is of course the economic issues of Madrid and Rome, but these cities are lightyears ahead of Durban in terms of preparation, and event experience.

Sure, use the economic crisis as an argument, but Madrid could easily be ready within 3 years and like Rome, have consistently, even under poor economic/financial management, built new venues, hosted major world events in individuals sports and have done with a stellar record. I'm not talking about frilly willy events but major annual tennis events, the FINA World Champs, and various others with reasonable success. So the reference to F1 as an attempt to make a mockery of this shows a huge ignorance with regards to how well these cities have done.

Whether we like a Rome or Madrid is besides the point that they have been preparing extremely well, both in terms of event experience, infrastructure and detailed planning. (proper and thorough domestic process, as opposed to the circus in RSA)

I think this will be reflected in the vast gap in the scores between Rome/Madrid and Durban in the applicant phase, even with the relevant economic risks.

There is of course the economic issues of Madrid and Rome, but these cities are lightyears ahead of Durban in terms of preparation, and event experience.

I think this will be reflected in the vast gap in the scores between Rome/Madrid and Durban in the applicant phase, even with the relevant economic risks.

And what of Cape Town? Durban has organised far more international conventions and events on a large scale but yet again your myopic bias is palpable.

I was not even referring to those cities having the know how to stage the events. That is self-evident. But under the current economic circumstances bids from those countries would not be prudent. How can one say well by 2020 everything will be fine?

Obviously Mo you have an amazing acuity for economics and some crystal ball that predicts the future for you? Seriously. You are very clued up on the topic as is evinced by your posts but when it comes to matters of economics and things that extend past the reaches of South Africa then your opinions are unfounded and illogical. So stick to what you know and leave it at that.

So many of these bids are borderline insane.

Why would Italy or Spain even want to consider the debt implications of the Olympics when their economies are up the proverbial creek. The Spanish in particular are protesting vociferously in Madrid about high unemployment which was brought about by the greedy real estate boom. Now they want to build more? Seriously... Just give Real Madrid the money to buy a better team to challenge Barcelona.

Italy is in the dumps because of a corrupt political system, incompetent fiscal spending and an ageing population that is forcing reforms to increase the retirement age. And Rome is also trying to get an F1 grand prix... huh? If the glove does not fit you must acquit...

If Tokyo is seriously back in the race then they are also bonkers. How can the government justify the expenditure after the catastrophe that the country has just had to endure? I imagine a large part of the population would be pretty pissed that they aren't re-building infrastructure in order to plan an Olympic bid. Muppets.

If Durban doesnt enter the race again then my bet is with Istanbul... of all the choices it makes the most sense or to put it in a French perspective... its the least bad.

I totally agree with you on this one !

Let's go Durban or Istanbul.... :yes: (or maybe Paris ..eh..who knows :devil:)

I totally agree with you on this one !

Let's go Durban or Istanbul.... :yes: (or maybe Paris ..eh..who knows :devil:)

I would love it if Paris got the games as its my favourite European city! But its not the right time for any Eurozone country to apply... In fact the only country that could justify it is Germany as amazingly enough its economy is growing but obviously they've thrown their hat in trying to get the Winter Olympics so the summer games are out of the question.

As it stands it has to be Istanbul... I think Turkey could really benefit from it. I mean Dubai is so screwed they're being bailed out by their other Emirates countries. I am seriously confused by the notion of some of these bids.

In fact the only country that could justify it is Germany as amazingly enough its economy is growing

The French economy is not in such a bad shape either ! ;) (I mean France is far for being a PIIG/"Olive Belt" country...)

The French economy is not in such a bad shape either ! ;) (I mean France is far for being a PIIG/"Olive Belt" country...)

Agreed... but the French banks have now decided to help with the Greek default so that is a bit of a concern... I don't know what the effects of that will be.

Guys, I know Matthew Lowry he said Rome would get it!

Rogge would be ‘delighted’ by US 2020 bid

By STEPHEN WILSON, AP Sports Writer 15 hours, 23 minutes ago

DURBAN, South Africa (AP)—IOC President Jacques Rogge said Saturday he would be “delighted” if the United States decides to bid for the 2020 Olympics despite the stinging rejection of American cities in the race for two previous Summer Games.

New York failed in its bid for the 2012 Games and Chicago was eliminated in the first round for the 2016 Olympics, despite the appearance of President Barack Obama in Copenhagen for the vote in 2009.

National Olympic committees have until Sept. 1 to submit the names of applicant cities for 2020.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has said it won’t consider a bid until it reaches final agreement with the International Olympic Committee on a new revenue-sharing agreement, an issue that has festered for years and contributed to the humiliating losses for New York and Chicago.

“As far as the U.S. situation is concerned, there are declarations from the USOC that they are still waiting but, of course, if there is a good bid coming from the United States we would be delighted,” Rogge said at a news conference at the close of the IOC’s four-day session in Durban.

On another issue, Rogge said he expects half a dozen candidates to try to succeed him as IOC president when his term expires in 2013, but stressed he would not support or groom a successor.

“There is no lack of potential good successors and this is very good for the IOC,” he said.

Rome is the only officially declared bid city so far for 2020, but several other cities are expected to join the race in the coming days and weeks.

Madrid, Tokyo and Istanbul are likely contenders. Doha, Qatar, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, could be potential candidates.

South Africa could still revive a 2020 bid, with Durban as the likely city, after the government said in late May that the time was not right for an Olympic campaign.

“You are as a nation ready to host the Olympic Games,” Rogge said, referring to South Africa. “It’s up to you what you do … I have felt, speaking with your politicians, there was a desire to bid in the future. It might not be 2020, it might be 2024.”

The U.S. hasn’t hosted a Summer Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

American bids have been hampered by lingering international resentment over the USOC’s long-standing 20 percent share of global sponsorship revenues and 12.75 percent cut of U.S. broadcast rights deals.

IOC and USOC officials met here Thursday for a new round of revenue talks and reported progress toward a final agreement. They agreed to meet again in the next few weeks in New York with the goal of concluding a deal.

Agreement on a revenue-sharing plan would open the way to a possible 2020 bid.

“We’re not going to have any substantive discussions or make any decisions until this is behind us,” USOC CEO Scott Blackmun told The Associated Press on Thursday. “We haven’t spent a lot of time looking at whether there is still time to bid, but because it’s theoretically possible, we don’t want to rule it out.”

U.S. cities mentioned as potential bidders include New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Minneapolis and Tulsa, Okla. Several IOC officials told AP that New York would be the most viable U.S. candidate.

With the 2008 Summer Olympics in Asia (Beijing), 2012 in Europe (London) and 2016 in South America (Rio de Janeiro), geography could be an advantage for North America in 2020.

The Olympics have never been held in Africa.

“Many people believe this is the right time to bid because, as the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot,” South African IOC member Sam Ramsamy said, adding the issue will be raised again by the country’s sports minister with President Jacob Zuma.

The centerpiece of the IOC’s meeting in Durban was the selection on Wednesday of Pyeongchang, South Korea, as the host for the 2018 Winter Games. The IOC rewarded Pyeongchang for its persistence in bidding for a third consecutive time after losses for 2010 and 2014.

Rogge, meanwhile, said he would keep his distance from the IOC’s presidential election campaign.

“I will look at it from the front row with great pleasure and interest, but I will not be involved,” he said.

Rogge was elected to an eight-year term in 2001 and won a final four-year mandate in 2009.

“I will absolutely not groom and I will not support anyone,” he said. “I have always remained very neutral and I will continue to do that.”

Rogge did not name any potential candidates, but they include Germany’s Thomas Bach, Richard Carrion of Puerto Rico, Sergei Bubka of Ukraine and Denis Oswald of Switzerland.

“I believe in the IOC half a dozen members will have the profile and maybe even the desire to run,” Rogge said.

With just over a year ago until the London Olympics, Rogge said he was “absolutely delighted” by the “exemplary” preparations led by organizing committee chief Sebastian Coe.

“What do they have to do until next year?” he said. “I would say remain focused. Remain humble, prepare for the unexpected. Seb is an athlete, he knows that you can never, never be lazy and you have to continue to fight every day to be fit.”

AP Sports Writer Gerald Imray contributed to this report.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-ioc-rogge

I think Istanbul should get it. And if South Africa were to bid, Cape Town should definitely bid. They already have a great flagship stadium.

^^ They will still need to build a main stadium of at least 80,000. Durban has such a venue already, only needing expansion. Also on Durban's side is favourable weather in comparison to Cape Town and of course the success of the IOC session.

On a side note, Cape Town has built quite a number of venues which were proposed for it's 2004 games.

It doesn't matter really, I doubt South Africa will end up bidding anyways.

And what of Cape Town? Durban has organised far more international conventions and events on a large scale but yet again your myopic bias is palpable.

I was not even referring to those cities having the know how to stage the events. That is self-evident. But under the current economic circumstances bids from those countries would not be prudent. How can one say well by 2020 everything will be fine?

Obviously Mo you have an amazing acuity for economics and some crystal ball that predicts the future for you? Seriously. You are very clued up on the topic as is evinced by your posts but when it comes to matters of economics and things that extend past the reaches of South Africa then your opinions are unfounded and illogical. So stick to what you know and leave it at that.

Ah here we go again. Not even sure where I used the word fine but oh well. Same old I suppose. Rome and Madrid would be similarly be light years ahead of Cape Town.

As for "far" more conventions. Is that why the ICC is running at an annual loss of R35m...you sure you want to get into this? We're more than welcome to discuss economics but not in the manner in which you presented your argument in attempt to downplay the strength of these bids as "pfft Rome wants F1"

Go read up buddy. Then come back here.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-ioc-rogge

It's his job to be delighted by any city bidding.

ROME.

Wow Mo I don't even know why you persist with some of these points. I'm not even going to get into refuting most of them because it would probably be over your head anyway.

I will however give you a bit of fodder to chew on and maybe give you the incentive to start educating yourself in international affairs and not just that which goes on around "the mountain".

Why you harp on about this F1 thing is beyond me as you obviously don't understand what I was saying. Yes I was being derisive about Rome wanting to have another Italian Grand Prix - yes it would be their second - because when you consider that it cost Valencia 40 million Euros just to host theirs and that is probably excluding the FIA cost which differs from country to country - for example Shanghai had to pay 240 million Dollars to host it for 7 years. Is this money that the Romans can justifiably spend when you take their more pressing issues into consideration. Well you tell me.

Its not a question of their ability to organise these events and I never at any point stated or insinuated they could not. I am merely focusing on the ECONOMIC ramifications. You have selective vision it would seem.

Now more reason to undermine Rome's bid: The EU is considering a partial Greek default as the only way of getting them out from under their mountain of debt and because the Italian economy is also in the "merde" - though not nearly as badly - the emergency meeting they are currently holding in Brussels may include a similar default strategy for Italy.

Please can you explain to me sir how this information will not affect a Rome bid on both an IOC and even more importantly Italian government level. Also, unless there is some miraculous turnaround, it is probable that Rome will rely heavily on an ECB loan to stage the event as their municipal government will surely not have the resources, nor their national which to a rational person will require them taking on more debt which will obviously perpetuate and indeed increase their plight. I moreover don't think it would be a push to believe that Milan - Italy's financial capital - will be happy to foot the bill as Northern Italy is already highly burdened by the relatively unproductive south - some reports stating that the top indeed contributes over 65% of the Italian GDP.

I could carry on and on but this should suffice for the time being.

yes cape town should bid.

I'd like Tokyo, the Olympic games of tecnology or Istanbul too.

So:

1. TOKYO
2. ISTANBUL

Dubai is a dream, only a dream.

Istanbul would be a great host city but I don't believe that IOC will go for a second high-risk bid in the row after Rio.

Busannn

^^ You mean Busan, South Korea. They've already bowed out since PyeongChang's got the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Wow Mo I don't even know why you persist with some of these points. I'm not even going to get into refuting most of them because it would probably be over your head anyway.

I will however give you a bit of fodder to chew on and maybe give you the incentive to start educating yourself in international affairs and not just that which goes on around "the mountain".

Why you harp on about this F1 thing is beyond me as you obviously don't understand what I was saying. Yes I was being derisive about Rome wanting to have another Italian Grand Prix - yes it would be their second - because when you consider that it cost Valencia 40 million Euros just to host theirs and that is probably excluding the FIA cost which differs from country to country - for example Shanghai had to pay 240 million Dollars to host it for 7 years. Is this money that the Romans can justifiably spend when you take their more pressing issues into consideration. Well you tell me.

Its not a question of their ability to organise these events and I never at any point stated or insinuated they could not. I am merely focusing on the ECONOMIC ramifications. You have selective vision it would seem.

Now more reason to undermine Rome's bid: The EU is considering a partial Greek default as the only way of getting them out from under their mountain of debt and because the Italian economy is also in the "merde" - though not nearly as badly - the emergency meeting they are currently holding in Brussels may include a similar default strategy for Italy.

Please can you explain to me sir how this information will not affect a Rome bid on both an IOC and even more importantly Italian government level. Also, unless there is some miraculous turnaround, it is probable that Rome will rely heavily on an ECB loan to stage the event as their municipal government will surely not have the resources, nor their national which to a rational person will require them taking on more debt which will obviously perpetuate and indeed increase their plight. I moreover don't think it would be a push to believe that Milan - Italy's financial capital - will be happy to foot the bill as Northern Italy is already highly burdened by the relatively unproductive south - some reports stating that the top indeed contributes over 65% of the Italian GDP.

I could carry on and on but this should suffice for the time being.

Go well.

Go well.

I will take that as an acceptance that you're out of your league when it comes to this topic.

In magnanimity I appreciate your humility.

I will take that as an acceptance that you're out of your league when it comes to this topic.

In magnanimity I appreciate your humility.

Tell you what. When you're in Cape Town, you're free to call me or mail me and we can gladly talk economics, Italy, Greece, Ireland etc. over a cup of coffee without any animosity.

I'm sure you'll find we share very similar views on the matter. PM me and I'll send you details.

Madrid is on the fight again. I hope this time we get it ;)

Madrid is on the fight again. I hope this time we get it ;)


I hope not. Spain had the games only 28 years ago!

I hope an African city, and I prefer Casablanca

Madrid ftw!

Hosting the Olympics is the last thing Italy or Spain should be concentrating on.

We are talking about events that will happen in almost a decade. I think that by then, things will be quite different.

Here is the presentation video for Rome

rBBQkefBSvo

http://fichajesatletico.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/peineta-nueva.jpg


http://www.ultras.me/assets/images/estadio_la_peineta.jpg


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5461/villa01.jpg

http://stadiumvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/stadio-olimpico-4.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2544308905_bae1554719_b.jpg


http://www.clikon.it/uploads/ori/200907/gallery_4a5a001eccf67_CittRomaGoldenGala.jpg

http://www.sporyoneticiligi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/atat%C3%BCrk-olimpiyat-stad%C4%B1.jpg


http://www.resimrehberi.com/files/file/ataturk-olimpiyat-stadyumu.jpg


http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/7285901.jpg


http://www.ataturkolimpiyatstadi.net/eng/images/mmedia/stad9.jpg


http://www.ataturkolimpiyatstadi.gov.tr/deutsch/images/mmedia/stad10.jpg


http://www.ataturkolimpiyatstadi.gov.tr/deutsch/images/mmedia/stad13.jpg

http://content.olympic.org/Assets/MediaPlayer/Photos/2016/HD/Tokyo/imageTokyo004%20_HD.jpg


http://www.japoneitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/olympic_stadium_e.jpg

^^ 100,000 seater, downsized to 80,000. Tokyo's not going to win anyways, though it can try.

I still think Toronto would like win the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics; after all, out of all the countries that we are expecting would bid. Canada is in extremly good financial shape, and even though I am still ticked about Expo 2017, I would support Toronto all the way.

At the end will have this f5 bidders, I think:


1) ROME (OFFICIAL BIDDER)
2) MADRID (OFFICIAL BIDDER)
3) TOKYO (OFFICIAL BIDDER)
4) ISTANBUL (BID TO BE CONFIRMED)
5) NEW YORK o DALLAS (BID TO BE CONFIRMED)

^^ New York? HA! Dallas? Further HA!

As for Toronto, that's probably North America's best hope. If it does end up being a Euro race, with Istanbul and Tokyo for example, we could see a Toronto bid last minute.

As stated in other forums such as gamesbids.com, Toronto would like to bid now, whilst they can still propose that waterfront Olympic Park, rather than later, where it might end up unavailable and they have to go with the less appealing Downsview Park.

^^ New York? HA! Dallas? Further HA!

As for Toronto, that's probably North America's best hope. If it does end up being a Euro race, with Istanbul and Tokyo for example, we could see a Toronto bid last minute.

As stated in other forums such as gamesbids.com, Toronto would like to bid now, whilst they can still propose that waterfront Olympic Park, rather than later, where it might end up unavailable and they have to go with the less appealing Downsview Park.

USOC has shoewd its interest for NYC or Dallas. Looking for web I haven't found news about an official interest for Toronto.

USOC hasn't shown any interest. They've ruled out a 2020 bid. It's Dallas that keeps pushing despite what the USOC says.

I'll be incredibly surprised if we see a US bid for 2020.

By the way, Tokyo is now an official bid:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/international/chi-tokyo-declares-bid-for-2020-summer-olympics-20110715,0,4708678.story

USOC hasn't shown any interest. They've ruled out a 2020 bid. It's Dallas that keeps pushing despite what the USOC says.

I'll be incredibly surprised if we see a US bid for 2020.

By the way, Tokyo is now an official bid:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/international/chi-tokyo-declares-bid-for-2020-summer-olympics-20110715,0,4708678.story

Ok, sorry for mistake, but on italian thread said was official. So have to delete New York / Dallas from the list?

Any possibility to see Dubai on race?

Paris 2024 ftw !

Rumors continue to swirl about Toronto 2020. The COC and all level of governments are working the bid out now. If the COC and Toronto weren't bidding they would have shot down the 2020 Olympics rumors months ago.



The Federal Government has been approached about a bid, along with the Provincial government the proposals have been viewed favourably
The civic government is another matter, the Ford regime does not want to put itself out on something like the Olympics and the COC is very concerned about a Toronto bid being perceived to be incapable of delivering what it promised due to poor civic leadership (the current transportation battle highlights this)
The COC has told all parties involved that it is out of the question to spread the games out as much as the Pan Ams have been.
The COC has recieved encouraging support from various factions of the International Sporting Federations and within the IOC. Specifically the French, German and Swiss.
The COC wants to bid and thinks that there is no better time to bid then 2020 with it being as wide-open as it is and with so many European nations wanting 2022.

Oh and according to one source:

Japan, Spain, Italy and Canada have all hosted games within recent memory. Out of the 4 Canada and Spain left the best impressions on the IOC and that could mitigate the closeness of it. All will be going for their 2nd summer games and all but Spain have hosted the winter version twice, most successfully by Canada.

That Tokyo stadium looks outta sight!

I am from Spain and I know the Olympics would be really good for Madrid and Spain, but the proyect is too cheap and without a good design... just ordinary and ugly... If one city have to win the competition for the Olympic Games I hope it will be Tokyo. I am sure Japan will do it really good... No like Madrid... :ohno:


My heart beats for Paris :bowtie:

I am from Spain and I know the Olympics would be really good for Madrid and Spain, but the proyect is too cheap and without a good design... just ordinary and ugly... If one city have to win the competition for the Olympic Games I hope it will be Tokyo. I am sure Japan will do it really good... No like Madrid... :ohno:


My heart beats for Paris :bowtie:


Daniel, I think Madrid has some chances, but it's not about the price of projects or the design of the conceptual projects of application book that makes difference, but the legacy it will have. Just for remember you, after Beijing, Rogge said that the games should go in the way of sustainability and not the way of colossal buildings and no legacy. London won the right to host for 2012 more because of the legacy than design and price (I am not sure, but I think London had one of the cheaper masterplans among the candidates); for Rio 2016 was the same. I think the first question we should ask is "how the games can change our city for better?"

Daniel, I think Madrid has some chances, but it's about the price of projects or the design of the conceptual projects of application book that makes difference, but the legacy it will have. Just for remember you, after Beijing, Rogge said that the games should go in the way of sustainability and not the way of colossal buildings and no legacy. London won the right to host for 2012 more because of the legacy than design and price (I am not sure, but I think London had one of the cheaper masterplans among the candidates); for Rio 2016 was the same. I think the first question we should ask is "how the games can change our city for better?"

Ummm :) One question... Where are you from? :cheers:


My heart beats for Paris :bowtie:

Paris nor any other French city is not bidding for 2020. Paris will be trying for the centennial.

Paris is the only French city with the capabilities (at the moment) to mount a successful Olympics. I wonder why they even bothered with Lille for 2004, I guess it was a test, to see if other French cities were capable of mounting competitive bids. But as most of us know, Lille was eliminated after they issued their candidate books and were inspected by the IOC.

Uhm, Lyon stop acting like you know shit idiot.

I thought Marseilles would of been a suitable candidate?

^^ Suitable for what? Sure, they have the population, could boast several arenas and indoor halls and have that coast for sailing events (i.e all core sports can be held in the city/region proper), but where will their main stadium be?

They'll need to propose a 70,000 main stadium for their Olympics plan, perhaps in an Olympic Park to look attractive.

I'd still stick to Paris of course, then if only then they fail for a 4th time in recent memory, try for another bid with another French city.

Uhm, Lyon stop acting like you know shit idiot.

If Lyon is put into a race vs say Madrid, Rome Tokyo etc it will probably be overlooked. The IOC said to the UK, "come back with London" next time after two failed Manchester bids and a Birmingham bid and similar second tier cities from Germany, France and Japan in recent years have done just as poorly.

I think we need to draw a distinction between ability to host (which smaller cities may well have) and likelyhood to be chosen. As long as the IOC has the big-guns lining up, it has to be Paris putting its name forward for France.

I think the main problem with 2nd tier cities is all about the Olympics they can propose. They can build and propose to their hearts content, but will always be limited by their physical infrastructure, which is always less than what the capitals and major cities have.

Therefore, they will always (usually) propose a much lesser Olympics (in capacity for venues, hotels etc) then what the major cities will propose. I think only once the IOC has been bored with major centers will they return to something like Barcelona, the last modest (capacity) games.

Shut da fuk up Lord David!

^^ Why? Can't handle the truth? I'm merely stating what the obvious facts are.

Nothing better than seeing 2 Aussies abusing each other... and from the same city. Priceless. Lord Pompous is spot on though. I've been to Lyon and its bloody fantastic... far cleaner than Paris with a much better transport system.

That said, Paris already has almost all the infrastructure in place and for this reason I'm still baffled as to how they fudged the 2012 bid. I'm predicting London is going to make a whopping loss... primarily due to the really rotten timing due to this perpetual international financial fiasco. Good luck to them though... maybe they can spend the money destroying those ghastly red-brick buildings from the dawn of the industrial age. Hideous.

Madrid bidding is a bloody joke... Portugal is next on the EU bailout agenda and after Ireland, Spain is probably the next in line. Actually that dubious honour may also be extended to Italy so good luck to Rome as well. If Japan even enters the race I'll die laughing as it will be the most reckless proposition imaginable and how they will explain it to the many many people affected by the recent catastrophes in that country would be a tale to behold. The country has been in self-destruct mode since the 90s and moreover they are to host the Rugby World Cup in 2015 so it is beyond illogical.

Some muppet talked about the fact that it is 10 years from now so things will be different. Does anybody on this forum have any clue as to what the world is going to look like in 10 years? Proposals are based on the facts at hand... if you have a crystal ball then quit your day job and start trading shares, resources, forex you name it. What a useless comment.

I'm backing Istanbul...

^^ It's not just about transport systems. Does Lyon have sufficient hotel capacity? I think not, does it have an existing main stadium or a need for another major stadium? Of course not.

Paris is their best shot, only once Paris has hosted (or done to death) then should the French try other cities.

Oh and I was never abusing him, he started it. I'm just merely stating facts.

In the Rome bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics, the committee has proposed the sports to be staged within two major clusters: The Olympic Park and the Fiera di Roma.

In the Olympic Park exists the Stadio Olimpico, a tennis complex, an aquatics centre, and the Stadio Flaminio. (The Circus Maximus is located along the Tiber River, but is not located within the vicinity of the Olympic Park.) The Olympic Park has been proposed to host the Athletics, Football, Rugby Sevens, Equestrian, Beach Volleyball, modern pentathlon,field hockey, archery, golf, canoeing, rowing, aquatics, and tennis.

In the Fiera di Roma probably exists the PalaEUR arena. The Fiera di Roma has been proposed to host badminton, cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, judo, wrestling, handball, boxing, fencing, weightlifting, taekwondo, and table tennis

Venues outside of the two clusters:
1. The Pratoni del Vivaro is proposed for mountain biking
2. Lunghezza is proposed for shooting
3. The Tor Vergata, which has an indoor arena and an aquatics arena, is proposed for volleyball, gymnastics, and basketball. (what are they gonna do, host volleyball in the aquatics arena?:lol:)

And, like every recent Olympic host city, the preliminary rounds of football will be held in other cities such as Milan. Any other existing venues in Rome that are suitable enough for the 2020 Olympics?

Lord D is on the money, second tier cities are pushing shit uphill whilst the big boys keep bidding

Yeah but he's a a douche.

It's not just about transport systems. Does Lyon have sufficient hotel capacity? I think not

Lyon metro. area has approx. 35,000 hotel beds (second in France after Paris and before Nice). Not to mention that the Lyon region (Rhône-Alpes) is among the European TOP 10 regions in terms of tourist capacity with approx. 800,000 tourist beds (Hotels: 140,000 beds).

For example, Birmingham has approx. 27,000 hotel beds, Milan 42,000, Barcelona 51,000 etc

So, IMHO the hotel capacity of Lyon is not that bad and can be increase, and it's planned btw, since Lyon and its area are among the major European tourist spots... (Lyon is not the ugly Birmingham or Manchester in terms of tourism for example :D).


About the stadiums, well, Lyon has a 42K stadium, the Stade de Gerland which will become the home of the TOP 14 rugby team of the city by 2014 (BTW, Gerland already had an athletics track before, so IMHO it's quite possible to put it back and to temporarily expand the stadium) + a 62K football stadium which will be built by 2014.
In terms of arenas, Lyon has a 6K basketball arena, a 7K sports hall + a new 15K multi-purpose indoor arena planned to be built by 2015.
About the Velodrome, there is one in Lyon which is quite old and outdoor, but it can be refurbished and covered, same for the old "aquatic center" next to the Stade de Gerland etc etc

Actually, the main issue for Lyon remains the size of the city which is a bit small indeed for such a big event... But if Doha can, then why not Lyon ;)...


PS: Not to forget that Lyon is pretty well connected by high speed trains with numerous big European cities.

Lyon ain't gonna make it. It's just #2.

Yeah but he's a a douche.

Takes one to know one.

What you have said Lord David makes sense, but there is more to it than just the IOC getting 'bored' with major cities.

One thing that can change an organisations thinking could be a specific legacy factor, or simply a strategic change of course. If the IOC run with an agenda of spreading the games around even more, maybe even finally bringing an event to Africa, following in the footsteps of FIFA's mentality, your logic might be thrown out the door.

Durban, for instance, is not a top tier city, but it sits on the only continent that is yet to host a games (now that Sth America have 2016), so if they went down such a path, 'boredom' would likely not be the driving force, but something deeper and more strategic.

It is easier to make things work financially and logistically in a bigger city though, given that there is usually greater infrastructure, from transport to hotels, and larger immediate markets to work with to get people into the stadiums.

But as you rightly state, if it was between a city like Lyon or Paris, Im sure the latter would get it though, if only for a prestige factor of being in a major global capital.

Durban would be nice, Cape Town would be better, but for 2024 of course.

^^ But neither are really classed as top tier cities really. Thats the point I was making.

It all depends what they are looking for.

Madrid!!!

^^ But neither are really classed as top tier cities really. Thats the point I was making.

It all depends what they are looking for.

But Cape Town did bid for 2004 and built quite a number of venues since losing that bid (as proposed to have been built regardless). They will need upgrading, but at least they're there.

Durban's strong point is that the Olympic Stadium already exists, but is this enough? Cape Town was more than willing to build a new stadium then upgrade an existing one.

Delhi or mumbai

^^ pfft as if!

Toronto 2020

Cape town would be the perfect place to host the olympic games. Sure the city itself may not be as top-tier as lets say paris. But it will leave a lasting impact and I'm pretty confident it will be great considering how the world cup went.

Città dello Sport (Sport City) one of the venues for Rome2020:

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(already under construction)

^^ Love that scheme they have for that area.

My only issue is Calatrava's love for huge roofs, like the one he built in Valencia. It seems out of proportion for a sports hall, and takes away some of the crowd atmosphere, IMHO. Love the use of water and greenery outside, with his signiture design eleents working well on this one. He has a habit of re-using a very similar design, but the overall scheme here appears to have been well thought developed.

Overall, Rome would be a great host for the games.

I would love to see the Games in another city with such paramount historic importance, as Athens and Beijing. So, Istanbul or Rome would be perfect hosts!

Takes one to know one.

Wow going back to grade three comebacks. :ohno:

Really shows when a persons mental development stops.

I can't believe the City of Dallas is trying to bid! We already had the Super Bowl, the NBA finals, and the World Series all in less then a year.

This is from the Dallas2020 website

As one of the great sports towns in the United States, Dallas has been blessed with world-class sporting facilities. The newly completed Cowboys Stadium in Arlington is the equal of any modern Olympic stadium. Several other key venues that have been built since our city’s last Olympic effort include the American Airlines Center, Gerald J. Ford Stadium, and both the Dr Pepper StarCenter and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Our existing resources as a potential host city are second to none. As a result, Dallas could easily host The Olympic and Paralympic Games without requiring a major building program solely dedicated to creating new sports venues. This is undoubtedly one of the strengths of the new Dallas bid.

Building on those strengths, The Olympic Games will prove a boon to the region’s infrastructure. Imagine, for example, an Olympic Village located next to Fair Park. This will provide much-needed mixed-use inner city housing and create new momentum in the community. Likewise, DART would greatly benefit from The Games. The logistics needed for moving large numbers of foreign visitors around North Texas certainly will give that agency the opportunity to accelerate its present expansion plans, likely by freeing up Federal dollars to assist the effort.

Hosting The Olympic and Paralympic Games will dramatically improve our community and be an impetus to complete landmark infrastructure projects. Fair Park will be the ideal location for a large number of Olympic events. As the home of the Cotton Bowl and less than two miles from downtown, Fair Park has hosted countless amateur and professional athletic events, including many college bowl and professional football games, and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Fair Park is also the home of the State Fair of Texas, attracting over three million attendees to this annual three-week event. The Olympics will create a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Dallas 2020 Committee is a grassroots organization formed by area Olympians, business leaders and other members of our community who share a common goal of engaging all of North Texas with the ideals of Olympism and are preparing to initiate an Olympic bid on behalf of the City of Dallas and all of North Texas.

^^ Interesting. Not a completely left field idea.

Not sure how the IOC feel about it though. We could go from the 1996 'Coca Cola' games, to the 2020 'Oil'mpics too :)

^^ Love that scheme they have for that area.

Overall, Rome would be a great host for the games.

I would love to see the Games in another city with such paramount historic importance, as Athens and Beijing. Sp, Istanbul or Rome would be perfect hosts!

Thanks a lot ;)

^^ No problems. All the best of luck in the bid.

^^ Interesting. Not a completely left field idea.

Not sure how the IOC feel about it though. We could go from the 1996 'Coca Cola' games, to the 2020 'Oil'mpics too :)
LOL We don't have oil in Dallas.

I can't believe the City of Dallas is trying to bid! We already had the Super Bowl, the NBA finals, and the World Series all in less then a year.




Not raining on your parade or anything but outside of the US, no one really cares about any of those events.

Not raining on your parade or anything but outside of the US, no one really cares about any of those events.

I know..................:)

LOL We don't have oil in Dallas.

I know, it was just abit of fun.

HOU would definately fit that bill, but in the eyes of the world, thats how it might be viewed even if it was Dallas :)

Solopop, that might be partly the case, but they are more popular, or more well known brands, than say the Melbourne Cup or the AFL GF, which this country harps on about in nearly all its sport bidding presentations.

I know, it was just abit of fun.

HOU would definately fit that bill, but in the eyes of the world, thats how it might be viewed even if it was Dallas :)
Yep, that's true.

outside of the US, no one really cares about any of those events.

Exactly my thoughts...It would be really hard to vote for Dallas instead of some else of the magnificent candidate cities.

Exactly my thoughts...It would be really hard to vote for Dallas instead of some else of the magnificent candidate cities.

Dallas has great sports venues like Cowboys Stadium, the American Airlines Center, etc.

^^ I think he was talking about the global branding and standing of the respective cities, not highlighting venues in particular.

It will just depend what the IOC are looking for I guess.

It is not all about great venues. More than 50 cities worldwide have right now great venues as Dallas. I think that the problem with Dallas is that the city, although a world class city, is not as appealing as Rome or Istanbul, or London, Athens, Beijing, New York, Tokyo etc.

^^It's not our fault that Hollywood makes Texas look like a place with cowboys and oil. Dallas is nothing like that. Dallas is the 9th largest city in America (1,197,816) and the 4th largest Metro Area in America (6,371,773). People are really surprised that we actually have cars and public transportation. People don't know that we are one of the best shopping cities in America. There's a big fashion scene in Dallas. You might have heard of the famous luxury department store called Neiman-Marcus? Well that store was founded in Dallas. LOL and 7-Eleven. Oh yea the microchip was founded here too and alot of other things. Ya see Hollywood won't say all that but they will continue to brand Texas as country and western.

LOL We don't have oil in Dallas.

Tell this to JR Ewing ! :D


[offtopic mode]Here's YOUR French theme song :|:
x2zpun_dallas-generique-6_events
(:rofl:)

Ahh...sweet memories..... :cheers:


Hey, we even have a phrase in French about this TV series... When stuff (especially family stuff) become too complicated, we say: "Laisse tomber, c'est Dallas" ("never mind, it's Dallas") :yes:....[/offtopic mode]





PS: Oh, BTW I've been in Texas for the very first time, last spring ! (And I really enjoyed it...except Dallas which still remains a provincial city from my European point of view)

^^It's not our fault that Hollywood makes Texas look like a place with cowboys and oil. Dallas is nothing like that. Dallas is the 9th largest city in America (1,197,816) and the 4th largest Metro Area in America (6,371,773). People are really surprised that we actually have cars and public transportation. People don't know that we are one of the best shopping cities in America. There's a big fashion scene in Dallas. You might have heard of the famous luxury department store called Neiman-Marcus? Well that store was founded in Dallas. LOL and 7-Eleven. Oh yea the microchip was founded here too and alot of other things. Ya see Hollywood won't say all that but they will continue to brand Texas as country and western.

Μan, it is not about Hollywood. Noone cares about Neiman Marcus, 7-Eleven etc, I guess the 99% of the forumers outside USA have never heard about these names or brands or whatever these represent.

And relax, be sure that we all know that Dallas has nothing to do with cowboys and salloons, it has skyscrapers, malls, modern buildings, fashion, public transportation, highrises and cars. I 've visited Dallas and it is a wonderful, modern city. But the same goes for another 500 cities worldwide, so what? Dallas is a city without any special, worldwide famous personallity and now THIS is a drawback, as IOC usually prefers cities with hyper-value in historical significance (yea, I know Atlanta stands like a black sheep among the white ones).

Dallas' character perhaps can be compared to Minneapolis' or Atlanta's, but absolutely no way to Paris', Moscow's, Tokyo's, Istanbul's or Rome's, nor even to Sydney's vibe. And really, who cares about Neiman Marcus after all when you have to compete against cities like Rome with its incredible ancient architecture? And if you have to go for a modern-futuristic city, then its gonna be Tokyo or Dubai all the way, not Dallas!

Dallas, the "cradle of the microchip", simply cannot stand next to previous or future host cities like Athens, the birthplace of the western culture, democracy, philosophy, olympics, Acropolis etc., like Paris, city of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Pombidou, the art etc., like magnificent Rome, city of an ancient huge empire and full of monuments and landmarks, like Rio de Janeiro, the city of Copacabana, woldwide famous Carnival, Maracana, magnificent scenery etc etc, and the list goes on and on...

Given the news of the last month, personally think any govt who is even considering the possibility of defaulting on their debts should be ruled out - the money for this event can be better used paying a bit back.

For me this kills Rome, Madrid, and anything in the USA. Also think Japan should focus on it's rebuild post quake for now.

^^ so ?? Let's go Paris !!!! :bowtie:



:D

^^ so ?? Let's go Paris !!!! :bowtie:



:D

I'd love Paris to get it (they were my preference for 2012).

I just think when you are asking other countries to bail out or debt, or you are being forced to print money to stay afloat, now may not be the time to host a Multi billion dollar party

I hope not Toronto

We don't our country paying for this nonsense

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/estadio-nuevo-atletico-nacional/210940182258291

I hope Chicago bids for the olympics. Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Μan, it is not about Hollywood. Noone cares about Neiman Marcus, 7-Eleven etc, I guess the 99% of the forumers outside USA have never heard about these names or brands or whatever these represent.

And relax, be sure that we all know that Dallas has nothing to do with cowboys and salloons, it has skyscrapers, malls, modern buildings, fashion, public transportation, highrises and cars. I 've visited Dallas and it is a wonderful, modern city. But the same goes for another 500 cities worldwide, so what? Dallas is a city without any special, worldwide famous personallity and now THIS is a drawback, as IOC usually prefers cities with hyper-value in historical significance (yea, I know Atlanta stands like a black sheep among the white ones).




Dallas' character perhaps can be compared to Minneapolis' or Atlanta's, but absolutely no way to Paris', Moscow's, Tokyo's, Istanbul's or Rome's, nor even to Sydney's vibe. And really, who cares about Neiman Marcus after all when you have to compete against cities like Rome with its incredible ancient architecture? And if you have to go for a modern-futuristic city, then its gonna be Tokyo or Dubai all the way, not Dallas!

Dallas, the "cradle of the microchip", simply cannot stand next to previous or future host cities like Athens, the birthplace of the western culture, democracy, philosophy, olympics, Acropolis etc., like Paris, city of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Pombidou, the art etc., like magnificent Rome, city of an ancient huge empire and full of monuments and landmarks, like Rio de Janeiro, the city of Copacabana, woldwide famous Carnival, Maracana, magnificent scenery etc etc, and the list goes on and on...Dallas was founded in 1841 so it isn't going to have many historic structures like Paris, Rome, etc. Dallas has the largest collection of art deco buildings at the historic Fair Park. BTW without the microchip there would be no computers, smartphones, and many other electonic products. You know 7-Eleven is a global company with 39,000 stores around the world. That's more than McDonald's. People may not know what Neiman-Marcus is outside of the US but famous fashion designers do.

Most of the people in America don't even know what Dubai is. I only know that they have the world's tallest building.

Most of the people in America don't even know what Dubai is. I only know that they have the world's tallest building.

I am from America (the continent America, what America really means, not US), and I know more about Dubai history (from a small fishing village to a metropolis) than about Dallas, anyway, my opinion doesn't matter, but in the actual situation of the US economy now I doubt that IOC would choose a city there. Unless the situation changes completely until 2013.

BTW without the microchip there would be no computers, smartphones, and many other electonic products.

Yeah, indeed... But Paris wins !! 'Cause without some Parisians, no one here would write any post.. (the Personal Computer is a French invention... among numerous others in electronics and stuff...) ......

Obviously, all this implies you survived after a dog (or a rat) has bitten you.... for example !
Not to mention antibiotics, tuberculosis vaccine etc etc

(oh, and if you are a girl, you should be thankful about the country who invented the abortion pill..:yes:)



La France (aka Paris :|), pour vous servir Messeigneurs :bow::
UepY3presEU