Sports

Philadelphia Won't Bid for 2024 Olympics

The city spent the last year or so meeting with members of the U.S. Olympic Committee and regional officials to consider bidding for the Games.

Philadelphia has decided not to try to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games after all.

The city spent the last year or so meeting with members of the U.S. Olympic Committee and regional officials to consider bidding for the Games.

“For more than a year, our team has worked with the USOC and numerous regional stakeholders to determine the feasibility of Philadelphia bidding on the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. This included lengthy research and discussions with technical experts to identify sites and venues, as well as to gain a better understanding of the financial realities in all stages of the process,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said Wednesday. 

"“After this research phase, including visits and conversations with past Olympic host cities, our team has determined that Philadelphia will not present a bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games," Nutter said.

Olympic host cities spend millions on needed infrastructure, but also see a significant tourism boost from the games.

Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen was an advisor to the city's Olympics feasibility team. 

“I fully support the decision for Philadelphia not to pursue a 2024 Olympic bid at this time," Cohen said. "We’ve looked closely at this opportunity over the past year with the city and a number of other key stakeholders, and agree that the timing is not right for Philadelphia."

Neither Nutter nor Cohen ruled out the possibility of bidding for a future Olympic Games.

"We are very confident that we are on a short list of U.S. cities that can ultimately deliver an incredibly successful Games, and intend to continue down our current path towards Philadelphia one day bidding on and securing the Olympics for our city, state and region,” Cohen said.

The city will maintain a relationship with the USOC, Nutter said.

"We do believe that Philadelphia has what it takes to bid on and host an Olympic Games in the future, and will continue to foster our successful working relationship with the USOC and support their efforts,” Nutter said.

Read Nutter's full letter to the U.S. Olympic Committee here.

Would you have enjoyed having the Olympic Games and associated hubbub in Philadelphia? Would you like the city to bid for the Games in the future?



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