SPORTS

Another Utah Olympic bid? Not a matter of “if” but “when”

Sep 7, 2021, 4:57 PM

utah olympic bid speedskater derek parra...

FILE: Derek Parra sets a new world record in the Mens 5000m speed skating event with a time of 6:17.98 at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns Saturday, February 9, 2002. Photo by Jason Olson, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — A bid for Utah hosting another Winter Olympic Games isn’t a matter of “if.” It’s a matter of when. That’s because the state has already been selected by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a host for a “future winter Games” in the United States, whenever they come back.

The group that is trying to make this happen, again, is focusing on the years 2030 or 2034. The first option, 2030, is preferred by the president and CEO of the Salt Lake City Committee for the Games, Fraser Bullock, because he, admittedly, is among those who are “aging quickly.”

But there’s a potential problem with 2030, he told the Dave & Dujanovic show on KSL NewsRadio this week.

The problem is Los Angeles, which has already been awarded the 2028 summer games.

“We have to carefully navigate the issues that arise from back-to-back games,” Bullock said.

So the Salt Lake City Committee is working with the US OPC to determine which games to pursue.

Lots of things in Utah’s favor

In preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Utah built from the ground up. Specifically, the Olympic committee built the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah Olympic Park in Summit County, the Ice Sheet in Ogden, and Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park.

And when the flame went out and the 2002 games wrapped up, the venues stayed open. Utah has hosted World Cups and competitions and offered training venues for athletes from across the world ever since.

Other things in Utah’s favor right now? Bullock mentioned Utah’s new and larger airport and expansion at the University of Utah.

“Wherever you look, we’re actually in better shape. And our venues are really ready to go,” Bullock said.

Utah’s new governor, Spencer Cox, is also ready to go. As reported by the Deseret News, Cox has brought new members into Utah’s Olympic Committee, many of them local Olympic athletes. 

What still has to happen for a Utah Olympic bid?

But it’s not a given – not yet. There are new winter sports that have come on the Olympic scene since 2002 (like slopestyle). Where those would be presented must be determined. And there’s the matter of the 1,000-plus page document that is the official bid that must still be put together.

Finally, Utahns need to support hosting another Winter Games. But that doesn’t seem like a hindrance to Bullock.

“Well, that really is our secret weapon,” Bullock said. “We have unanimous support from our political leaders. The business community is behind it. And when we’ve done public polls in the past, it’s been always in the 80s. One of them was 89% public support.

“Utahns love the games.”

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Listen on Google Play Music

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Sports

national ban on transgender...

Adam Small

Would a national ban on transgender involvement in sports affect Utah’s ban?

Could a national ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports affect Utah's ban? One expert says it could make minor impacts.

11 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Mark Jones

WATCH: The feasibility of Major League Baseball coming to SLC

A Utah marketing expert says factors to consider include Salt Lake's growth but also competition from other cities.

12 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

How does Salt Lake City stack up to Major League Baseball expansion competition?

The league last expanded in 1998, and it's still unclear when it might expand again, but Salt Lake City certainly isn't alone in the pursuit of a major league team.

12 months ago

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the third inning of a spring training bas...

Mark Jones

Matheson reflects on lessons of Major League Baseball opening day

Boyd Matheson, of Inside Sources, talks about the lessons to be found in baseball.

1 year ago

a man plays golf -- a study looked at weekday golfing...

Elizabeth Weiler

Weekday golfing has gone up thanks to remote working, study finds

If employees' productivity does not change, should employers care if they are golfing during the work day? 

1 year ago

Utah Valley University coach Mark Madsen directs his players during a basketball game against BYU a...

Mark Jones

Utah Valley University men’s basketball team has a winning culture

Utah Valley University men's basketball coach Mark Madsen joined Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson on Tuesday to discuss what made the team so successful this season.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Another Utah Olympic bid? Not a matter of “if” but “when”