 
Elwoodp Member Username: Elwoodp
Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.60.157.19
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:05 pm: |   |
Story just leaked by WDIV News teaser. Also mentioned among several US cities as a rumored candidate on following site: http://www.answers.com/topic/2 020-summer-olympics What are the odds and potential economic impact? Do we have the facilities to accommodate such an event? |
 
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2
Post Number: 1014 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:07 pm: |   |
100,000,000,000,000 to 1 Livedog2 |
 
Mpow Member Username: Mpow
Post Number: 209 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 201.135.150.60
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:17 pm: |   |
i think we have a chance. since we are the city with the most failed bids and the success of SB XL and that olympic bids are sometimes proactive and ecentric, think sarajevo, never say never dear forum. |
 
Mpow Member Username: Mpow
Post Number: 210 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 201.135.150.60
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:19 pm: |   |
oh, and i forgot to mention we got Penske.. |
 
Mod Member Username: Mod
Post Number: 63 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 192.85.50.2
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |   |
without a decent mass transit system to connect the 20 or so venues that are required for hosting the Olympics, there's little chance. |
 
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1892 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.228.57.79
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |   |
There would have to be real and extensive mass transit in place for the any bid to be successful. The Olympics in Salt Lake City was the impetus for it happening there. If the Olympics brings mass transit to Detroit, then I'm all for it. |
 
Innovator Member Username: Innovator
Post Number: 15 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 160.39.244.210
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:23 pm: |   |
maybe if we get our finances in order. and a mass transit system. |
 
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 1287 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.130.18.100
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:29 pm: |   |
What would be the run down on venues? Many could be in a very compact area downtown. The most outlying would probably be sailing on Lake St. Clair, rowing on Ford/Belleville Lake, equestrian events in Birmingham/Bloomfield/wherever theclubis and what else? |
 
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2
Post Number: 1016 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:43 pm: |   |
Sorry, I left off six more 000,000 on my odds estimate. It should have been 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 to 1 Livedog2 |
 
Jelk
Member Username: Jelk
Post Number: 4024 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.252.3.46
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:48 pm: |   |
If an Olympic bid means a real mass transit system for metro Detroit, I might be curious though not sold on the idea. Take mass transit out the question I would have to say thank you, no. An Canadian economist's quick take on economic impact of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.... http://www.scarp.ubc.ca/Newsby tes/Winter%202004%20website/Ec onomic_Impact_Olympics.htm |
 
Mod Member Username: Mod
Post Number: 64 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 192.85.50.2
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:01 pm: |   |
That leaves Weightlifting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming/Diving, Gymnastics, etc. Most would have to be built. In a addition, a world class track and field stadium that will serve as the focal point and host the opening and closing ceremonies doesn't exist. The majority of venues will most likely be abandoned after the games due to high maintenance costs and lack of use. Detroit doesn't need anymore dinosaurs. Detroit will need to spend between $20 and $30 billion in 2020 dollars to host such an event. In the past 20 years, Barcelona is the only host city that has benefited from the renewed tourist interest. It would be great boost to this city's pride but I think the costs outwiegh any possible gains. |
 
Mike Member Username: Mike
Post Number: 735 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.41.93.235
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:08 pm: |   |
didnt the 96 summer games leave atlanta in huge debt? however, things could get very interesting if mass transit is in the hunt. but honestly, if detroit cannot have any sort of mass transit by 2020, is there any hope for the metro region? |
 
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker
Post Number: 1494 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.157.67.227
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:19 pm: |   |
Promotional film for Detroit's bid for the 1968 Summer Olympics. |
 
Innovator Member Username: Innovator
Post Number: 16 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 160.39.244.210
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:24 pm: |   |
just for fun: Montreal will be done paying its debt from the 76 Olympics this fall. |
 
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 766 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 68.96.231.230
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:25 pm: |   |
I'm with Livedog2. |
 
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker
Post Number: 1495 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.157.67.227
| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:31 pm: |   |
I think the number Dog is looking for, is a googolplex. http://encyclopedia.tfd.com/Go ogolplex |
 
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw
Post Number: 209 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:00 am: |   |
It would be cool, but there are other cities that would be much better for them. That video is really interesting. |
 
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4239 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:20 am: |   |
If Atlanta got in 1996, I hardly see why Detroit couldn't this many years into the future. The sticking point is effective mass transit for a metro this large, but as other's have pointed out this comes with preparation for the Olympic Games for many cities. Heck, didn't Athens build a whole subway and beltway just for the games if I remember correctly? And, again, Atlanta, much more decentralized and sprawled (even in 1996), manage to land the summer games. |
 
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2
Post Number: 1019 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:35 am: |   |
So, that's where that still of the two men and two women having drinks at the Top of the Flame came from! Livedog2 |
 
Nellonfury Member Username: Nellonfury
Post Number: 181 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.43.156.135
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:26 am: |   |
Detroit needs to be in MORE perfect shape(more new buildings in downtown,make the city clean,better transit,people mover expansion,no vacants,etc.)to "talk about" hosting the 2020 olympics. |
 
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander
Post Number: 2140 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 7:29 am: |   |
If getting the Olympics means we are going to ship out our homeless population like Atlanta did I'm all for it. |
 
Aiw
Member Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5790 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 8:07 am: |   |
This is the funniest news story ever. Detroit would stand a chance if the only other cities submitting a bid for the US choice were Camden, NJ & Gary, IN. |
 
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar
Post Number: 145 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 35.8.144.6
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 8:10 am: |   |
We have not even begun to examine the amount of legislative support that is required to submit a bid. I just dont see this being feasible in the next 50 years. |
 
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx
Post Number: 565 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.100
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 8:44 am: |   |
I don't think the city is ready for such a feat. Even though we've been close in the past, in our worse years, we're not quite sustained for the effort that'll go into the Olympics. First of all, where would all the stadiums go? We're already having trouble relocating/expanding as is. What, OC and MC would get some venues too, so they could slam us again like they did during SBXL? Try for 2032, when we're sure where we're going as a city. "Detroit also has a long running Olympic History, bidding seven times between 1944 and 1972, during this period Detroit came extremely close on two occasions, by coming in second to Tokyo in 1964 and to Mexico City in 1972, making the city with the most failed bids for the games." Gotta love that commitment though. |
 
Elwoodp Member Username: Elwoodp
Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.60.157.19
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 8:59 am: |   |
My apologies for the confusion - I meant the 2020 Special Olympics...... |
 
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 1517 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 140.244.107.151
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:05 am: |   |
No comments on the bi-national angle? One of the appeals of the bid is the inclusion of the Windsor area hosting some of the events to increase the "internationality" of having the Games here. Not that I'm for hosting them... |
 
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 162 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.131.176.232
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:09 am: |   |
Man, remember how right all those people were who predicted Detroit couldn't pull off the Superbowl... Yeah, like I thought, 2020 Summer Olympic Games - Detroit. |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1855 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.255.167.153
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:59 am: |   |
quote:In the past 20 years, Barcelona is the only host city that has benefited from the renewed tourist interest.
Please be sure to tell that to the folks in Atlanta. |
 
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2
Post Number: 1022 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:03 am: |   |
Detroit has a much of a chance at getting the 2020 Olympics as say, New Orleans. Hey maybe Detroit and New Orleans could sponsor the "Chocolate" Olympics but then again that might be a redudancy when it comes to Track & Field! Livedog2 |
 
Goat Member Username: Goat
Post Number: 8739 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.54.69.58
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:06 am: |   |
Detroit can't afford pick up its trash, how do you think it will pick up the tab just for the bidding process? NEVER going to happen. |
 
Apbest Member Username: Apbest
Post Number: 165 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 35.11.155.190
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:51 am: |   |
why dont u give us a reason livedog instead of mindlessly, yet somewhat ammusingly, rambling |
 
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2
Post Number: 1026 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:00 am: |   |
Huh! If you form the question and little more succinctly I might have a chance at answering it, Apbest! Livedog2 |
 
Buddyinrichmond Member Username: Buddyinrichmond
Post Number: 38 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 67.38.28.69
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:25 am: |   |
Goat, When hasn't Detroit operated trash service due to lack of funds? |
 
Heywood_mccrakin Member Username: Heywood_mccrakin
Post Number: 9 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 63.169.78.170
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:47 am: |   |
Detroit has as much of a chance of getting the olympics, as Danny and super_dork have of getting their heads out of their asses. absolutely none. |
 
Aiw
Member Username: Aiw
Post Number: 5791 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:52 am: |   |
Kathleen said:
quote:No comments on the bi-national angle? One of the appeals of the bid is the inclusion of the Windsor area hosting some of the events to increase the "internationality" of having the Games here.
We see how bad the border is now, as fortress America continues to isolate itself, I can't see the border becoming less of an issue, only more of a deterrent to the Games. |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 26 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:55 am: |   |
All detroit needs is more trained and working police and station so the visitors and the atheletes could feel safer than probably what their feel about Detroit now. Also, they will need a few more ritzy hotel rooms and shopping to keep people downtown or in the city. I guess they can only, POSSIBLY do two of the three. If Detroit was to get a major mall, I would likely be dead. |
 
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 473 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:04 pm: |   |
The IOC will likely view "Fortress America" as a primary reason to reject Detroit's bid. If the games are going to be in Detroit, Windsor will need to supply a large number of hotel rooms to meet the demand. If the border is viewed as unreliable then the Detroit bid group may be forced to present its bid without being able to consider Windsor venues or hotel space. That would severely hurt, and likely kill, any Detroit bid. |
 
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10513 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.228
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:22 pm: |   |
quote:The city also hosts several smaller, yearly events including the North American International Auto Show...
Yeah, it's such a cute little car show isn't it? Maybe some day they'll move it from the drive up A&W to something on a bit larger scale. Who knows, maybe even make it an International event! LMAO |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5028 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |   |
there is absolutely no way Detroit co-hosts with Windsor. why? Detroit isn't going directly to the IOC with the bid- it's competing for the US Olympic Committee's official bid spot. and Canada already has its hands full with Vancouver hosting the winter games in, what, 2010? forget about it. Detroit will not host the games in 2020. ain't happening, nor do i think it should happen. |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5029 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:38 pm: |   |
Let's also remember that one of the requirements, as I understand it, is to build an entirely new Olympic Stadium. Sorry, can't use Comerica Park, nor can you use Ford Field. Does Detroit need another stadium? What happens to it when the games are over? Who pays for it? Same goes for many of the other venues. |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 28 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |   |
How come they can't use tiger stadium, by rebuilding it. then if not, Maybe by then, Piston will have a stadium downtown. I mentioned that after their contract is over, that they could move to tiger stadium. That will definently bring more life to corktown (Message edited by Dtown1 on August 25, 2006) |
 
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 476 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |   |
Dtown1, you may be interested in reading the following threads. The first one is post Superbowl and the second from 2004. https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/62684/65932.html https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/23585/32988.html |
 
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 2702 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.42
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:32 pm: |   |
Ummm.... the Palace Arena is owned by Bill Davidson, same owner as the Pistons. Why would Mr. Davidson move out of his own building? Especially when it's among the best Arenas in the country? |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 30 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:34 pm: |   |
It stil doesnt feel right to have a Detroit team in Auburn Hills. It would help downtown drastically if we had a championship team downtown. Why not just let baby Auburn Hills have their nice little Great Lakes Crossing (Message edited by Dtown1 on August 25, 2006) (Message edited by Dtown1 on August 25, 2006) |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5030 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:34 pm: |   |
why would Davidson move his indoor basketball team to an outdoor venue, which the Olympic Stadium would pretty much have to be? |
 
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 7796 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:43 pm: |   |
How about the city and the city leaders concentrate on things like police, fire, balanced budget, etc before wasting time on something like this. The SB was nice but the facilities and everything were here. Detroit and the State of Michigan are not in a financial place to go after something that will take any major investment. 2020 is only 14 years out and if anything the state may just be getting out of the current funk. |
 
Innovator Member Username: Innovator
Post Number: 17 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 67.101.154.160
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |   |
"Hey maybe Detroit and New Orleans could sponsor the "Chocolate" Olympics but then again that might be a redudancy when it comes to Track & Field! Livedog2" The fastest American in the 400m comes in a vanilla flavor. |
 
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch
Post Number: 298 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.11.152
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 1:49 pm: |   |
quote: It would help downtown drastically if we had a championship team downtown
Ever hear of the Detroit Redwings? |
 
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1697 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 2:24 pm: |   |
JT1 is right--Detroit doesn't have the bribe money that Atlanta did. |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 34 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |   |
Yes, but no ones cares about hockey as mch as they do about basketball or footabll |
 
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 1115 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.78
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 3:34 pm: |   |
I've typed four responses to the above post and deleted them because I cannot think of any words that sum up what I think about that type of idiocy... |
 
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch
Post Number: 299 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.11.152
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 3:52 pm: |   |
Susanarosa, does this help?
 |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 35 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:00 pm: |   |
What about the piston parade and rally And how people walked all the way to the silverdoem in a ice storm to see the bowl |
 
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 1184 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 35.11.221.92
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:03 pm: |   |
ppl walk to the joe in ice and snow all the time... |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5031 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:03 pm: |   |
quote:And how people walked all the way to the silverdoem in a ice storm to see the bowl
One of Detroit's functionally illiterate. |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 36 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:05 pm: |   |
of course, but its oly walking distance, people mover, and bus, people walked miles off I-75 to get to the superbowl. Theirs a website that shows it |
 
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4240 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |   |
Again, and again, Atlanta, anyone? Seriously, we're talking about Detroit's short falls, but Atlanta was a much smaller city, with problems very similar to Detroit in 1996 (and still is), yet it managed to land a summer Olympics. It think it's pretty well proven by where the Olympics have been held in the past that just about ANY city can host them. |
 
Rustbelt Member Username: Rustbelt
Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.95.237.110
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:48 pm: |   |
Lmichigan you are completely wrong about the two cities. Atlanta capital of the new south, hundreds of new office and apartment buildings lining Peachtree Road. City population 400,000 Metro Population 4,500,000. Detroit run down and with few new buildings that don't have to do with the prison system of gambling. beautiful Woodward avenue lined with abandoned apartment buildings and vacant lots. The Olympics can not be held just about anywhere! |
 
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 883 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:49 pm: |   |
the olympic stadium could be reused for wayne state football, and track & field.... and it seems everyone is assuming that the facilities have to be located in city proper. the real OC, macomb, and especially ann arbor would all be naturals to host events. seriously though, I rarely agree with lmich, but I think he's right this time. there have been several cities that have received bids that have been worse off than Detroit is. |
 
Rustbelt Member Username: Rustbelt
Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.95.237.110
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:52 pm: |   |
I don't recall Mogadishu getting an olympic bid. |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5032 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |   |
quote:the olympic stadium could be reused for wayne state football, and track & field....
Does Wayne State need a stadium that seats tens of thousands of people? Can they afford to maintain such a facility/ |
 
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 884 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:00 pm: |   |
aram - pay attention. by following my comment about a wsu stadium with "seriously though" implies that I was joking. |
 
Rustbelt Member Username: Rustbelt
Post Number: 5 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.95.237.110
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:06 pm: |   |
Think about it the olympics could give Detroit a new oppertunity to abandon a bunch a buildings! We already abandoned buildings in the city but after the olympics we can be a couple billion dollars short! |
 
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4242 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:18 pm: |   |
Rustbelt, quit being a dick, really. You're only on your fifth post, and already off to a bad start. |
 
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw
Post Number: 210 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:41 pm: |   |
Detroit's also an internationally known city. I don't think Atlanta is as well known outside of the US as Detroit. Detroit's also better :P Why did Atlanta get it in the first place? |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 38 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:47 pm: |   |
You know as I think about it, I think the people in the judging either dont like Detroit or their jealous of Detroit. |
 
Mod Member Username: Mod
Post Number: 65 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 192.85.50.1
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 5:50 pm: |   |
two words: Coca Cola |
 
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 1187 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 35.11.221.92
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 6:07 pm: |   |
Ha, they are not jealous of detroit, the city with a 15% unemployment rate, a corrupt city government, rampant crime, uneducated citizenry, poor schools, thousands of abandoned lots and buildings, a fleeing business and residential population, and terrible city services.. |
 
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw
Post Number: 211 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 6:10 pm: |   |
oh yeah, coke probably had something to do with it. I think coke is one of the official sponsers or something too. MCM just reminded me of why we shouldn't have the olympics right now, lol. Someday, and when we do, they'll be really good, but for now I don't think we're the best place for them to go. |
 
Buddyinrichmond Member Username: Buddyinrichmond
Post Number: 41 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 69.212.33.9
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 6:12 pm: |   |
Awww. Come on MCM2026! Where's the love! Keep up the good fight! Head up and shoulders back! |
 
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 164 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 64.131.176.232
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 6:39 pm: |   |
Damn, you all act like the Olympics are gonna be held tomorrow! If everybody in that region shares this vision then no wonder it's so effed up. Fact is, nobody gave much of a shit about Atlanta before the Olympics. That game put them on the map internationally. Detroit has been on the map internationally for a century already. Detroit's problem isn't convincing everybody else... the problem is convincing its own. |
 
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 1188 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 35.11.221.92
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:03 pm: |   |
I agree... I hope that Detroit makes a bid, if it is economically possible, as Detroit would obviously benefit through the commuter system alone. In terms of others being jealous though, that is ridiculous. Jealous perhaps of certain aspects, like Belle Isle, or the great buildings, etc, but overall there are still sooo many problems that need to be conquered |
 
Dtown1 Member Username: Dtown1
Post Number: 42 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 69.212.172.155
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:08 pm: |   |
Then they must dont like Detroit then overall, I dont know why. Yall claim we were a better candidate than Atlanta. (Message edited by Dtown1 on August 25, 2006) |
 
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4244 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 9:18 pm: |   |
The choice often come down to who's the highest bidder, though the IOC will NEVER admit that, and Coca Cola is what Atlanta used to buy the Olympics. It doesn't seem GM or Ford has ever been interested in buying the Olympics for Detroit. It also has to do with what other cities are up against eachother at any particular bidding. Detroit is a better city to host the Olympics, especially with Windsor. The Olympics have very little to do with the health of a city as Olympic villages are ALWAYS built, and most people never see much of the city outside of that. So, all of this talk about Detroit's problems are really kind of irrelevant. Atlanta's crime-ridden, declined inner-city in 1996 didn't derail its chances for an Olympics. And, much like the SuperBowl (in fact greater than the effects of the SuperBowl), central Atlanta started it's revitalization after the Olympics to build the current core you see today. (Message edited by lmichigan on August 25, 2006) |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1860 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.212.230.186
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:15 pm: |   |
quote:Detroit's problem isn't convincing everybody else... the problem is convincing its own.
Amen! |
 
Ohudson Member Username: Ohudson
Post Number: 144 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 68.79.118.28
| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 11:33 pm: |   |
MCM2026, do you really think you'll get elected by with those comments? The uneducated citizenry might not like you! Maybe you just want to push the Olympic bid back so it'll be during you "hopeful" term post 2026. |
 
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 1191 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 35.11.221.92
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 12:14 am: |   |
Are you trying to deny that a majority of DPS students are being cheated out of a great education because of the lack of/ misuse of resources, corrupt officials, and outdated technology?? Only 40% of the DPS high schoolers are graduating, in the suburbs it is 90+. Are you denying the facts that Detroit has an extremely large illiterate population and a very low college educated population compared to many other cities??? It is pathetic to sit back and allow this to happen. It is time to do something to change all of this, and the first step is admitting the problem. The truth hurts, get over it and make a change If I were to run for an office in Detroit you can bet that I would face the challenges that plague the city, while highlighting the success stories of the city and others so that Detroit can become a world class city again. |
 
Hudkina Member Username: Hudkina
Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.43.44.249
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 12:23 am: |   |
I know that many of you would like to think that there isn't a world outside Outer Drive, but the Detroit region has over 5 million people and an Olympic bid would almost certainly include the 4+ million people that don't have a Detroit address. While many like to take the gloom and doom approach to Detroit, I'm sure much of the monetary support would come from the wealthy suburbs as well as corporate sponsors (Ford, GM, DCX, etc.) Besides, 2/3 of the cities that have hosted the games were smaller than Detroit. The only metros that had a larger population were London, Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Mexico City, Moscow, and Seoul. Athens, St. Louis, Stockholm, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, Melbourne, Rome, Munich, Montreal, Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney are all smaller than Detroit. Hell, even the first time Los Angeles hosted the games it was smaller than Detroit. Secondly, there are actually quite a few venues currently existing that could serve as Olympic Venues. There are four currently in the downtown area (Ford Field, Comerica Park, Joe Louis Arena, and Cobo Arena). Chances are that a new Red Wings arena would add yet another venue. Also Cobo Hall could be used to house many of the smaller events (table tennis, fencing, etc.) An expanded stadium at WSU could hold field hockey events. U of M's Ann Arbor sports complex also has quite a few venues in one area (Michigan Stadium, Crysler Arena, Yost Ice Arena, Cliff Keen Arena, and Canham Natatorium) This could act as a secondary area to Downtown hosting soccer, swimming, etc. Further out in the suburbs Rochester Hills has one of just a few velodromes in the country, Auburn Hills has the Palace, Hazel Park or Northville (or even the State Fair Grounds) could host the equestrian events, Port Huron could host the sailing events, etc. While many venues would probably need to be updated (e.g. Canham Natatorium), the only new major venues needed would be a Tennis Center as well as the actual Olympic Stadium. Personally, I'd like to see a full-scale Tennis Center built on Belle Isle near Scott Fountain. Obviously, after the games, the center could be used for hosting regional or national tennis events. And as far as the Olympic Stadium is concerned, I think that could be Windsor/Ontario's primary role. The perfect spot would be on the city's western riverfront roughly bounded by Riverside, Carson, University, and Crawford. That location would offer the Detroit skyline as its backdrop and bring Windsor into the games in a huge way. On a related note, that old Freedom Gondola concept could be resurrected and run between Olympic Stadium in Windsor and Cobo Hall in Detroit. Also, the stadium could be built similarly to how Atlanta's Olympic Stadium was built with a large section of it being "temporary" During the Olympics that stadium was able to seat 85,000, however when the games were over the stadium was converted to baseball use and the seating was reduced to 45,000. Similarly, After a Detroit/Windsor Olympics, the downsized stadium could play host to a CFL team (the Windsor Olympians?) I'm sure the stadium could be built to hold around 80,000 spectators and then be reconfigured after the games to host a much smaller crowd (maybe 50,000). Edmonton (which has less than 950,000 people in it's metro) uses the stadium it built for the Commonwealth Games as its CFL stadium. That stadium holds 60,000. So maybe they wouldn't have to reduce the total number of seats by that much. Granted, Windsor is a much smaller market than Edmonton and most CFL stadiums hold closer to 35,000 spectators. But who's to say that a Windsor CFL team couldn't draw a small portion of its fanbase from the Detroit market. In any case, a CFL team could be a possible use for the stadium after the games. The Renaissance Center could be the location of the Media Center with the Marriott being exclusively used by the media as well as Olympic officials. The Olympic Village could be built on the vacant land along Detroit's western riverfront between the Ambassador Bridge and Rivefront Towers. After the games, the various townhouses, condos, and apartment towers could be sold as market-rate housing. Transportation issues would be solved with a line between Ann Arbor and Detroit (which will hopefully be underway soon) as well as another line between Detroit and Pontiac. Busses would shuttle people to any venues that aren't along either route. |
 
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter
Post Number: 165 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 141.217.226.162
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 12:40 am: |   |
If it were done in collaboration w/ Windsor a third boarder crossing would definately be needed, maybe a forth. BTW, if it were to be a Detroit/Windsor affair the main stadium would definately be on this side of the river. |
 
Docmo Member Username: Docmo
Post Number: 86 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 69.209.157.161
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 12:44 am: |   |
Hudkina---otherwise known as Chair of the DWIOC. |
 
Hudkina Member Username: Hudkina
Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.43.44.249
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 1:13 am: |   |
I don't think having the stadium on the Detroit side should be a prerequisite, especially if the Freedom Gondola is built between the stadium and Cobo Hall/Hart Plaza (which I guess would act as Olympic Park?) If Windsor is to be included in the bid, then I think it needs to actually host some of the events, and considering there currently isn't any major venue in Windsor, and metro Detroit already has more than enough venues to host the majority of the events, giving Windsor the "main" event would be fitting. The upside is that the stadium could be designed to give many of the spectators a view of the Detroit skyline. It would probably be much easier to find a use for after the games are over, and most importantly it would probably be easier to finance the construction of the stadium (which would probably cost nearly $1 billion in 2020 dollars.) in Ontario than it would be in Michigan. |
 
Hudkina Member Username: Hudkina
Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.43.44.249
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 1:23 am: |   |
BTW, the Freedom Gondola would act as a pedestrian-oriented border crossing shuttling thousands between the two cites. A third vehicular crossing is already in the planning stages and the proposed "jobs tunnel" would convert the existing rail tunnel into a "trucks only" crossing with a new smaller rail crossing attached. In essence you have the Ambassador Bridge, the Ambassador twin, the car tunnel, the truck tunnel, the rail tunnel, and the pedestrian gondola. Six crossings is more than enough. |
 
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter
Post Number: 166 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 141.217.226.162
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 1:24 am: |   |
I simply disagree. Detroit would the main driving force behind these games, the world would be focusing its vision more on Detroit than it would Windsor. Not to take anything away from Windsor, but nobody would even be considering awarding these games to the area if it weren't for Detroit. That being said, the opening and closing ceremonies should be in Detroit. On a lighter note, if it were to be an international event, who would enter the stadium last as the host country? Perhaps the U.S. and Canadian delegations would enter side by side? (Message edited by tndetroiter on August 26, 2006) |
 
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter
Post Number: 167 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 141.217.226.162
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 1:33 am: |   |
Yeah, it would be sweet if they could use the rail tunnel to provide some kind of commuter service between the two cities. If they were to do that they would definately have to build a larger station platform on the Detroit side. Could that mean doing something w/ MCS perhaps? I don't know how big the platform in Windsor is, but that might have to be expanded, too. I can't see them using the truck tunnel for anything other than commercial crossings, freight traffic won't stop just for the games you know. But perhaps you're right, 5 crossing would probably be enough. On a side note, I can't see the new rail tunnel being smaller than it is now. Not w/ the amount of traffic on that line and the ever increasing size of rail cars. |
 
Ohudson Member Username: Ohudson
Post Number: 145 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 68.79.118.28
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 10:31 am: |   |
MCM2026, I'm not saying that those things aren't true... but I dare you to call the people you want to vote for you uneducated, codespeak for stupid! Seeing the problem is the easy part, everyone can see it... Solving those problems is another thing. |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1862 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.225.119.144
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:09 am: |   |
quote:And as far as the Olympic Stadium is concerned, I think that could be Windsor/Ontario's primary role.
If the folks in Windsor are willing/able to fork up the cash for a new stadium, I'd be all in favor of it. Otherwise, I'd point out that the Olympics only requires that the stadium have a seating capacity of at least 75,000. While neither Ford Field nor Comerica Park have that much capacity, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor has a capaciy of 107,501. While having the opening and closing ceremonies in Ann Arbor would pose a couple of problems, it would be greatly minimized if the Ann Arbor-Detroit high-speed rail system that folks have been talking about for years finally got built. |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1863 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.225.119.144
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:18 am: |   |
quote:The IOC will likely view "Fortress America" as a primary reason to reject Detroit's bid.
No way. The Olympics are such a high-security event that you're going to have a fortress-mentality regardless of where it's held. |
 
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku
Post Number: 679 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 69.136.147.97
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:29 am: |   |
Detroit does not need the olympics, think about Montreal and the debt they are still paying. |
 
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 4896 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.229
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:39 am: |   |
Detroit may get it. 2020 will OUR year. Before then every housing, retail will be up and running. If Detroit can host the Super Bowl we can host the Olympics. |
 
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 3677 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:50 pm: |   |
Danny, comparing the Super Bowl to the Olympics?? HA! The Super Bowl even with all of its parties, pre-game rituals, off beat celebrations and media hype is technically a one day event at best. The logistics required to do an Olympics is miles above what the Super Bowl entails. Just think of the world class facilities needed to do all of those events and the rooms and security needed for the athletes themselves. If it wasn't sarcasm, I'd say put the crack pipe down! |
 
Innovator Member Username: Innovator
Post Number: 18 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 160.39.244.210
| Posted on Saturday, August 26, 2006 - 11:52 pm: |   |
where would the olympic village go? I say put it on the field at Joy and Southfield. |
 
Ray Member Username: Ray
Post Number: 768 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.41.164.236
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 12:45 am: |   |
I hate the negativity and defeatism I've just read. I'm not saying I support a bid, but the Detroit region can win and successfuly host the Olympics in 2020. It might not be easy, it might not be practical and it might not be the best use of the region's funds. But it could be done and it would be a galvanizing multi-year effort that would probably transform the city. Half the reason the region is in the fix it's in is because of the petty, small-minded culture of limits and fatalistic acceptance of defeat. Imagine standing in the charred ruins of Tokyo in 1946. By 1985, 40 short years later, it was one of the world's great cities. I supposed drippy little small minded men in Tokyo might have said in 1946, we'll never succeed. The Americans have vanquished us. Our city is in ruins. blah. blah blah. Cities and thrones stand in time's eye. Their success and failure is measured in centuries. |
 
Ray Member Username: Ray
Post Number: 769 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.41.164.236
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 12:47 am: |   |
. (Message edited by ray on August 27, 2006) |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5033 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 12:52 am: |   |
Frank, Michigan Stadium cannot be the Olympic Stadium. As one can recall from watching the Summer Games, the main spectacle of the final days of the event is the marathon, which ends in a lap around the track in the Olympic Stadium. Where, coincidentally, the track and field events are hosted. Michigan Stadium's field surface is not big enough to accomodate a track. Not even close. Nor do I think you'd interest the University in tearing up their artificial turf and messing up the Stadium literally weeks before the football team needs it. Also, as has been discussed already, Windsor cannot be relied on for venues and a co-hosting capacity, as the US Olympic Committee would be putting forth Detroit's bid, without the assistance of the Canadian OC. Countries put forth a city on their own, not in conjunction with others. |
 
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch
Post Number: 304 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.11.152
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 1:07 am: |   |
Detroit, can and should bid for the 2020 Olympics. It is 14 years away, and yes, if Detroit wants to , they can and will be ready. An International Olympics would be reason enough, without thinking of how Detroit could be by then at the pace it is now at. ( slowly, but surely ) If this region does not believe in itself, why should anyone else. We said we would be ready for the Allstar game and we were.( close enough ) We said wee wolud be ready for the Superbowl, and we were. ( close enough ) Why should it be anywhere else? |
 
Peachlaser Member Username: Peachlaser
Post Number: 8 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 66.32.251.149
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 9:22 am: |   |
Living here in Atlanta I can say... 1. Atlanta has zero debt from the Olympics as it was a private venture 2. Why Atlanta? Coca Cola, Andrew Young and Georgia Tech. Remember many of the voters for the sites are in Africa. GA Tech created a state-of-the art laser disc presentation. 3. Atlanta has not stopped booming since the Olympics 4. Atlanta on the map? Atlanta has the #1 or #2 busiest airport in the world. Anyone heard of CNN, TBS, Home Depot? A little insight. I was consulting with Coke back in 1986-87 and was working with Coke's point man for the Olympics. I proposed to Coke that they become the sponsor of an idea I had...the Atlanta Computer Olympics. Had never heard the words 'Atlanta' and 'Olympics' used in the same sentence before then. Was never given any credit for this and probably never will. Why not have Detroit sponsor a competition for alternative-powered vehicles? This sits at the heart of Detroit's existence and could put Detroit back at the forefront of automotive design. My idea for the 'Computer Olympics' was to have teams work on solving common business problems. Teams would be judged on efficiency, cost and the ability to reproduce the results. The same could be done for automotive design for the future. |
 
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter
Post Number: 181 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 141.217.226.162
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 11:34 am: |   |
A little off topic, but Detroit is already at the forefront of automotive design... |
 
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 180 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 5:29 pm: |   |
Hudkina, I'm with you all the way and MCM. The opening ceremonies have to be on the Detroit side. The possibilities are endless for Detroit/Windsor to host the games. I never thought of an Olympic village on Detroit's western banks. I foresee that if that happened the post-Olympic real estate in that area would boom, with easy access to Canada, freeways, and the CBD.313 |
 
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard
Post Number: 1318 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.242.223.42
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 6:16 pm: |   |
Detroit should demonstrate to the world that it is indeed worthy of hosting the Games. It could start by having annual "Special, Special Olympics" whereby (the capital 'T')--The Homeless--could show off their unique competitive skills and abilities. Hell, cities from all over the planet would gladly give Special, Special one-way tickets each year for their own Special, Special residents and send them on their merry way here. Just imagine the boost to Detroit's sagging population numbers. And educating them alone would surely settle the underuse of its schools. Each school could house its own Special, Special Olympic Village, and Sen. Rodham could deliver motivational speeches about it takes a village over and over until someone catches on... The Special, Special events are only limited by one's lack of creative thinking. And yeh! Mass transportation could help us to get out of Dodge, too, for those two/three weeks. |
 
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter
Post Number: 183 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 141.217.226.162
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 8:01 pm: |   |
You're a dick, Livernois. You should/should've be/been sterilized to prevent to spread of your seed. |
 
Thecarl
Member Username: Thecarl
Post Number: 948 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.14.30.175
| Posted on Sunday, August 27, 2006 - 8:13 pm: |   |
quote:You're a dick, Livernois.
i think livernois is actually mel gibson. |
 
Goat Member Username: Goat
Post Number: 8744 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.53.98.91
| Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 12:52 pm: |   |
Buddyinrichmond. Take a look at any and all of the lots with hepaing piles of trash! Drive through some of the neighbourhoods that have trash sitting on the curb for weeks on end. Or have you never been in Detroit. For all you rah-rah types. Get your heads out of your asses. Detroit will NEVER host an Olympics. NEVER! |
 
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1705 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |   |
I'm sure glad that the only problem left in Detroit is whether or not the Olympics can be hosted there! Good work, forumers!
quote: Atlanta on the map? Atlanta has the #1 or #2 busiest airport in the world. Anyone heard of CNN, TBS, Home Depot?
And as a city, Atlanta still sucks. |
 
Mod Member Username: Mod
Post Number: 66 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 192.85.50.2
| Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:23 pm: |   |
some good info here, but Detroit isn't mentioned: http://www.gamesbids.com/engli sh/bids/2016.shtml |
 
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 479 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:41 pm: |   |
Mod, the rumour is that Detroit will bid for the 2020 games. Your link discusses the 2016 bid. |
 
Apbest Member Username: Apbest
Post Number: 166 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 35.13.54.166
| Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:59 pm: |   |
[quote] Atlanta on the map? Atlanta has the #1 or #2 busiest airport in the world. Anyone heard of CNN, TBS, Home Depot?[/quote] metro airport is a major northwestern hub...have you ever heard of GM, Quicken, Compuware, Ford? |
 
Mod Member Username: Mod
Post Number: 67 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 192.85.50.2
| Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 6:14 pm: |   |
"...Your link discusses the 2016 bid." scroll down |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1880 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.220.233.86
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 9:05 am: |   |
quote:Take a look at any and all of the lots with hepaing piles of trash! Drive through some of the neighbourhoods that have trash sitting on the curb for weeks on end.
Goat: What? You think the trash will disappear if we decide not to put in an Olympic bid?
quote:I'm sure glad that the only problem left in Detroit is whether or not the Olympics can be hosted there! Good work, forumers!
Danindc: It's called multi-tasking. We can opine and offer suggestions on Detroit's Olympic bid while still working on everything else. |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1883 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.220.233.86
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 9:29 am: |   |
quote:Frank, Michigan Stadium cannot be the Olympic Stadium. As one can recall from watching the Summer Games, the main spectacle of the final days of the event is the marathon, which ends in a lap around the track in the Olympic Stadium. Where, coincidentally, the track and field events are hosted. Michigan Stadium's field surface is not big enough to accomodate a track. Not even close. Nor do I think you'd interest the University in tearing up their artificial turf and messing up the Stadium literally weeks before the football team needs it.
Okay - I don't know how large of a field surface one would need for the track & field events nor do I know the field dimension for Michigan Stadium. (I couldn't find much info via Google beyond the need for a 440 meter track). As for tearing up the turf, it could be replaced in a few days. (Everything from SBXL came down within a couple of days. A lot can be done when you have crews working around the clock.) There's definately a few challenges, but I'm not convinced they can't be overcome without the need to build a new multi-billion stadium. |
 
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10529 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.226
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 11:30 am: |   |
Fnemecek, Apparently you haven't been listening to the young college kid from U of M above. His exact words were:
quote:forget about it. Detroit will not host the games in 2020. ain't happening, nor do i think it should happen.
He has obviously done extensive research into this and feels that even 14 years out, Detroit won't be ready. End of story. |
 
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1887 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.220.233.86
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 11:52 am: |   |
Truly my bad. |
 
Goat Member Username: Goat
Post Number: 8752 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.53.98.91
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 2:42 pm: |   |
Fnemecek, No it was a response to Buddyinrichmond's assessment that Detroit's trash pick up has nothing to with the inability to pay for said trash pick. I merely stated that Detroit cannot afford to pick up the trash how can it afford to host an Olympics let alone pay for the "privilege" to bid for one. |
 
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 559 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 70.229.231.102
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 3:22 pm: |   |
The U.S, cities interested in the 2012 Games began their bid campaigns as early as 1998 – 14 years before the Games. By 2001, four of the cities had been eliminated. Those four cities had already spent amounts ranging from $1.5 million (Los Angeles, with long Olympic experience and infrastructure) to Tampa’s $12 million. Expenditures in each city included the usual bidding expenses of travel and entertainment, professional consultation, etc. Additionally, unique to Olympics bids, cities and states must pass funding legislation that requires extensive lobbying, etc. For example, each 2012 bid required a guarantee that $100 million in state and local funds would be available to the International Olympic Committee should the Games experience a financial short-fall. Tthree additional cities were eliminated in the second round of cuts, having spent $4 million, $6.9 million and $9 million respectively. Finally, in June 2005, at a meeting of the International Olympic Committee, New York was eliminated in the first vote, having spent $35 million on its bid. All this information is available on the web. I don't agree wth the people who think Detroit would fail miserably at hosting these games. I think we have the will and the spirit. But I don't think a bid is realistic. Who will front such a bet? Will Roger Penske or Edsel Ford? Do we think the regional governments should pay for it? |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5035 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 8:14 pm: |   |
quote: There's definately a few challenges, but I'm not convinced they can't be overcome without the need to build a new multi-billion stadium.
Michigan Stadium is already going to be undergoing an extensive renovation project beginning in, i think, 2009, adding two substantial suite structures and club seating to the perimeter of the stadium. in order to fit a track into Michigan Stadium, you'd have to remove about, oh, at least 15 rows of seats on all sides of the field surface. which are concrete, and behind permanent brick walls. it isn't going to happen. unlike a lot of other school stadiums, Michigan Stadium has never had a track in its football stadium- the stadium's sole use is football. fitting one in would pretty much be impossible without substantially altering the infrastructure of the stadium, and perhaps even the structural integrity. after spending a few million dollars each year for the past five replacing the concrete around the stadium and replacing the seating, with the last installment likely coming after this season, it's unlikely the University would pull much of it out and start again. so just go ahead and pencil out Michigan Stadium from the list. and, again, it's no secret that the IOC looks for a brand new facility to be the main stadium. which is something the Detroit area flat-out doesn't need, and something that would need to be built as an existing adequate facility does not exist. |
 
Messykitty Member Username: Messykitty
Post Number: 120 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.21.198.33
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 8:29 pm: |   |
"the IOC looks for a brand new facility to be the main stadium." That's not necessarily true. Rice-Eccles Stadium for the 2002 Salt Lake games was not a new stadium. |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5036 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 8:40 pm: |   |
What, though, does the Winter Olympic stadium host in terms of events? Pretty much nothing. A summer stadium needs to be able to house track and field, and more. Which a lot of stadiums of the required size in the United States can't easily accomodate. |
 
Peachlaser Member Username: Peachlaser
Post Number: 15 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 66.32.149.148
| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 8:41 pm: |   |
"metro airport is a major northwestern hub...have you ever heard of GM, Quicken, Compuware, Ford?" Well, yes I have. Have you ever heard of international prototype endurance racing? If you have, then you know where the high bar for automotive high-tech design is currently set. I would love to see Detroit set a goal for automotive design and landing the Olympics with a focus on post-internal-combustion powerplants. Thomas Edison recognized the genius in Henry Ford when Ford could design and build an advanced self-contained powerplant. If Detroit can design and build an advanced self-contained powerplant that is not dependent upon oil, I bet the city's changes of getting the Olympics will go up astonomically. I think the idea of Detroit hosting the Olympics is a superb idea. This is a chance for Detroit to forget its past and forge a new reality in the future. |
 
Messykitty Member Username: Messykitty
Post Number: 123 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.21.198.33
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |   |
"What, though, does the Winter Olympic stadium host in terms of events?" Um, the ones with the largest crowds...the opening and closing ceremonies. Besides, who says that Michigan Stadium can't accommodate all of the summer events? I can't with any certainty. Can you? I was merely stating that the IOC doesn't always demand a new stadium. |
 
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar
Post Number: 154 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 35.8.144.6
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |   |
I'm not a supporter of the Detroit 2020 concept, but one thing regarding the stadium: What about a facility that could house an MLS franchise. I know it would not need 75,000 seats for that, but is there any way that a quality seating system could be arranged so that 30,000 seats or so could be passed off to metro area high school stadiums after olympic use? The remainder of the seating area would then become lawn seating or such for concert seating? |
 
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1719 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 2:22 pm: |   |
I can state with certainty that Michigan Stadium isn't large enough. The field is just big enough in area to accommodate an American football field, with room around the edges for sidelines. That's about it. There's no way you could fit a regulation soccer field or 400m track inside the Big House. The U also wouldn't appreciate the turf being torn up for field events. |
 
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 488 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 2:34 pm: |   |
It still looks like Windsor's logical contribution to a Detroit bid would be a stadium. Although it would take major reworking of a recently renovated U of Windsor Stadium, that location could work. It is very close to the bridge. The problem is that the seating would need to be scaled back dramatically after the games are over. |
 
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1720 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 3:14 pm: |   |
I misstated something above. It looks like U of M is renovating Michigan Stadium: http://www.theonion.com/conten t/node/52042 |
 
The_aram Member Username: The_aram
Post Number: 5037 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.40.205.200
| Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |   |
quote: Um, the ones with the largest crowds...the opening and closing ceremonies. Besides, who says that Michigan Stadium can't accommodate all of the summer events? I can't with any certainty. Can you? I was merely stating that the IOC doesn't always demand a new stadium.
Read what I wrote. Events as in sporting events. Opening and closing ceremonies, yes. Olympic sports? No. Thus, it's not a fair comparison, as the winter stadium must only accomodate the opening and closing ceremonies, maybe medal ceremonies. That's it. Summer Olympics, you need a stadium to actually host things like track, soccer, etc. And, as Dan indicated, Michigan Stadium is NOT big enough for a track, nor a soccer field. When the World Cup came in '94, Michigan Stadium was considered to host a game. It could not, however, as the field surface wasn't big enough to fit a soccer pitch in there. There's literally about 15 feet of extra room on the endzones until you hit the wall, and probably no more than about 20 or 30 on the sidelines, which is far too narrow to fit a track, much less a soccer field inside a track. So, yes, I can say with all certainty that Michigan Stadium's field surface is not big enough to accomodate Summer Olympic events. |