Utah’s successful bid for hosting the 2026 or 2030 Winter Games depends on the state’s cost-saving measures, including expenses for infrastructure upgrades.
Fraser Bullock, co-chair of a new exploratory committee, said that finding ways to save on costs will be important for the state’s bid. The panel aims reach to a decision by Feb. 1, 2018, on which year it seeks to serve as the venue for the two Winter Olympics, Bullock said.
Infrastructure Upgrades
The bid to host the next Winter Olympics in either 2026 or 2030 will require an estimated $39 million for infrastructure improvements in Salt Lake City, according to a state audit. One way for officials to save on expenses includes buying construction equipment online. Steel sales, for instance, are already available form some e-commerce firms like Wasatch Steel.
The city’s bid would also prioritize upgrades on certain venues that were used in 2002 Winter Games, when the state became the host, Bullock said. In addition, the plan would only require the construction of just one temporary venue, which would be used for three newly added skiing and snowboard categories.
Choosing a Year
It seems that planning a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics would be more ideal, since it provides the state with more time to prepare, according to Bullock. Still, the panel wants to be ready if decides to compete with other states to host the 2026 Games.
The International Olympic Committee will select the next site for the 2026 Games in 2019 and possibly for 2030 as well. The city of Innsbruck in Austria used to be the primary contender for the 2026 Games, yet voters rejected a proposal to host the event.
Conclusion
Officials in Utah should consider buying items from alternative yet reputable suppliers, as being cost-efficient would increase the odds of becoming the next Winter Olympics host.