Q:What is the Chicago 2016 Bid Committee?
A: The Chicago 2016 Bid Committee ("Chicago 2016") is a 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Chicago. Chicago 2016's Board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Its honorary chairmen are Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.
Q:What is the next step in the bid process?
A: On April 14, 2007, Chicago was selected by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the U.S. finalist city. Chicago has now entered the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bid process, which began in September 2007. The next submission, that Applicant File, is due in January 2008.
Q:When will a final decision be made by the IOC?
A: The IOC bid process began in September 2007 and will conclude in October, 2009 with the selection of the Host City. See the Bid Timeline page for more details on the bid process and timing
Q:Where will the Olympic events be held?
A: Washington Park will be the site of the Olympic Stadium, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and the track & field events.
The stadium will be an 80,000-seat temporary facility that will be converted, post-Games, into a 5,000-capacity venue (with expansion capability), well-suited to host local, national and international athletics events. It may also be used as an amphitheater capable of hosting cultural events that are so important to this city.
Chicago 2016 is currently working on site plans for the additional events, which will include McCormick Place as the host of 11 competition venues.
Q:Where will the Olympic Village be located?
A: Positioned just south of McCormick Place, the Olympic Village will greatly advance the revitalization of the neighborhood and create 37 acres of new lakefront development.
The location ensures that 88 percent of the athletes will live within 15 minutes of their competition venue.
Post-Games, our Olympic Village will turn an underserved area into a gleaming, new mixed-use community.
Q:How is the bid process funded?
A: The bid process is 100% privately funded. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to support Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid process, click here for more information.
Q:Who else is competing for the 2016 Olympic Games?
A: Now that Chicago has been selected as the U.S. Bid City, the competition for the 2016 Games Host City enters the international phase.
International cities competing for the 2016 Olympic Games were officially announced on September 14, 2007, and include: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Madrid, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; Tokyo, Japan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; and Chicago, IL, USA.
Q:Is traffic and transportation a concern?
A: Chicago's extensive rail, transit, and motorways infrastructure, combined with the world-class O'Hare and Midway International airports, make Chicago one of the most accessible cities for local residents and International visitors.
While we are still in the early stages of planning, smooth transportation for athletes, spectators and the citizens of Chicago going about daily lives is one of the Chicago 2016's highest priorities. Detailed plans will be available in the future.
Q:How can I show my support?
A: Thank you for your interest - your support is greatly appreciated and necessary to a successful bid! There are several ways you can show your support for Chicago’s 2016 aspirations:
• World Sport Chicago, an organization formed to celebrate amateur sport in Chicago, recently sponsored its inaugural event, an international wrestling meet with world champion wrestlers from the United States and Russia. Find out about upcoming events and how you can support World Sport Chicago. Click here for more information.
• Visit our “Stay Informed” page. There, you’ll be able to sign up for news updates and indicate your volunteer interest. And be sure to link to the Chicago 2016 website and spread the word.
• Tell us why you support the bid. We want to hear from you - and put your words on our site. On our home page, just under the top graphic, we'll continue to feature your testimonials, your stories.
• Consider donating to the bid effort. Your financial contribution will help us present the best possible bid in support of Chicago as host.
• Check back with Chicago2016.org often - news, updates, events, and more content will be added to the website frequently over the next few eventful months