This time, it’s done, or almost done. Unless there is an improbable turn of events, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is expected to announce at the end of the week, likely on Friday, August 28, the candidacy of Los Angeles for the 2024 Summer Games.
They propose a budget of $4.1 billion for the Games, which is approximately €3.6 billion. Quite reasonable. The project leaders, with Mayor Eric Garcetti at the forefront, explain that the city already has most of the necessary facilities for the Games, mostly inherited from the 1984 edition.
Above all, the pre-candidacy team puts forward a compelling argument: if victorious, the 2024 Los Angeles Olympics would not cost taxpayers a single dollar. The funding would be entirely private, secured through television rights, marketing, ticket sales, and the sale of merchandise.
Unsurprisingly, the Californian plan involves spreading the sites over the city’s strongholds. Beach volleyball would be played on Santa Monica beach. Basketball and gymnastics would share the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers. The marathon and road cycling routes would take Hollywood Boulevard. Mountain biking would be held at Griffith Park. Classic but appealing. Expected but solid.
