Categories: Sports & Recreation

Chicago 2016 Olympic Games

Author: Jody Robbins

Chicago's Bid
The city of Chicago will submit its Olympic bid package in September, 2007. Chicago was awarded the games in April, after winning out over four other cities in order to represent the United States in the international Olympic site selection process. The announcement of the location for the 2016 Olympics will take place Oct. 2, 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• A History of Success—Bringing the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago would obviously be a huge touchstone moment for a city that's accustomed to doing things on the large and complex side on a fairly regular basis. Hence, rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; hosting the groundbreaking and hugely successful World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the 1933 World's Fair.
• Celebration of Sport—Sport, athletic endeavor, and the viewing of said activities have been a part of Chicago since the Chicago Cubs first batted a ball. The athletes of more than 200 countries will find a city bursting with locals and visitors from around the world on hand to cheer on their every throw, lap, or point.
• Global Reputation—Billions of people from around the planet Earth will have their eyes glued to the action in Chicago , showcasing the results of decades worth of Renaissance-type development in Chicago that has resulted in a city b in all areas of culture and is beautiful and clean to boot.
• Urban Revitalization—And as host cities regularly discover, the Olympic Games leave long-lasting legacies on host cities—the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the Summer Games in 1932 and 1984, has become part of the city's urban landscape. An even of this magnitude should act as an economic infusion for all of Chicago , and most especially for neighborhoods that are on the verge of blooming into something more.

Other Bid Cities
Riding race horses for a living is not an easy way to make a living, but the jockeys do it for the excitement and the thrill of success. Jockeys are mostly self employed, and work their way up through the ranks at the track.

• Tokyo , Japan —A city of 12.5 million, Tokyo lasted hosted the Olympic Games in the winter of 1998. The city hosted the summer Games in 1964.
• Madrid , Spain —Holding the Olympic Games here would recall the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona ; now, though, it would be the turn of the capitol city of Spain.
• Los Angeles —The other finalist besides Chicago , Los Angeles was predicted by some to be named the U.S. candidate city, but it didn't happen this time. Don't worry: the city has a long Olympic tradition and will be in the running again soon.
• Philadelphia —Armed with a b bid and a plan to use Philadelphia 's Center City as a central point for the 2016 Olympic Games, this historic city in Pennsylvania made a b go at the games, but were possibly short-circuited by the absence of the city's mayor as a presence in the planning process.

The Players Behind the Bid
Giving it all they've got to bring the Games to Chicago are the City of Chicago and the Chicago 2016 Bid Committee, composed of the city of Chicago's best, brightest—and most influential—power players.

• Richard M. Daley, Mayor, City of Chicago—The popular-through-times-good-and-bad Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, is known for making things happen, and the Olympics could be the high points of his long mayoral career.
• Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman—Founder and executive chairman of Aon Corporation, a global leader in risk management, insurance brokerage, and consulting, Ryan is a top-level entrepreneur, and also sits on the Board of Trustees of Northwestern University. An active and generous philanthropist, Ryan is chairing the Chicago 2016 Bid Committee.
• Linda Mastandrea, Co-Chair, Chicago 2016 Athlete Advisory Committee—A 1996 Paralympic gold and silver medalist in wheelchair athletics, Mastandrea is also an accomplished lawyer who works with disabled youth and adults. This effort represents one more avenue for this top Paralympic athlete to give back to the sport and the disabled community.
• Bob Berland, Co-Chair, Chicago 2016 Athlete Advisory Committee—1984 Olympic silver medalist Bob Berland was a powerhouse in the field of Judo, and the first American to even make the finals. He has walked in four Olympic opening ceremonies, and Chicago is his hometown.

The Venues: Old & New
Chicago Olympic organizers are looking to utilize many of the facilities already in use today, update others, and construct completely new ones in an attempt to handle this gathering of the world right in the heart of Chicago , amidst its daily business and the life of its residents. The plan encompasses, parks, neighborhoods, athletic venues as far away as Milwaukee and as close as the Chicago lakefront.

• Olympic Stadium—The centerpiece of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Stadium will be designed and built specifically for the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago . The plan is for it to occupy 100 acres worth of parkland in the Washington Park neighborhood, and will play host to the opening and closing ceremonies. It should hold around 80,000 spectators during the Games, but will be reduced to a 5,000-seat amphitheater once the Games are over.
• Olympic Village—This are will be home sweet home for the Olympic athletes as they call Chicago home for weeks at a time. It should accommodate around 17,000 athletes and officials, and the Chicago plan would have most athletes within 15 minutes of their competition arenas.
• McCormick Place—Chicago's always-busy convention center can handle a crowd, and will do so during the Olympic Games by hosting a wide range of sports, including volleyball, weightlifting, handball, wrestling, Judo, fencing, and much more.
• Other Proposed Venues—Basically, just about every viable athletic facilities in Chicago and anywhere close will be utilized to handle the 2016 Olympic Games. Beach volleyball on Northerly Island ; tennis at Lincoln Park ; rowing and kayaking on Lake Michigan; boxing at the UIC Pavilion; basketball at the United Center , home of the Chicago Bulls; soccer at Soldier Field; and more.

Getting Into the Games
There is so much going on while the Olympic Games are in town that athletic event aficionados don't know which way to turn.

• Swimming—This diverse sport has evolved into tightly controlled events where milliseconds count, as opposed to early events, which included events like obstacle swimming and plunge for distance. Think diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, and water polo—which was added as an official sport during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney , Australia .
• Athletics—When many think of athletics, the sprints, jumps, and long-distance laps of track and field exemplify the spirit of the athlete. Think track, field, road, and combined events, from the long, triple, and high jumps, to the discus, javelin, and hammer throw, and the end-all, two-day decathalon.
• Equestrian—The only Olympic sport involving non-human endeavor, the equestrian category dates back to the chariot races of old. Modern-day equestrian events are more about utilizing the grace, agility, and talent of the horse and rider to perform routines reminiscent of a scripted dance.
• Gymnastics—Strong and graceful exhibitions of the power of the human body probably date back to the earliest humans, though the sport has evolved into a series of physical vignettes performed upon equipment like the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and the floor—not to mention the trampoline.

Team Sports and the Paralympics
Not all the sports represented in the Olympic Games have ancient origins, and new sports are always finding a home when the world gets together to test its respective athletic mettle.

• Volleyball—Invented not long after basketball by William Morgan, volleyball is now a sport combining grace and power. While some volleyball events would be held at McCormick Place , beach volleyball would be held on Northerly Island . Indoors, six teammates play on a team; on the beach, two players per team try to dominate the court.
• Basketball—The 2016 rendition of the Dream Team would be a popular ticket, for sure and obviously, what with Jordan showing the NBA star-packed team around his adopted hometown. The United States team has its work cut out for it, as the world has caught on to this game, and talent is global now. Look for experienced players like Tim Duncan alongside young stars like LeBron James. The Olympic version of the game plays four 10-minute periods and teams must qualify ahead of the games through various championships.
• Football/Soccer—Whatever you want to call it—soccer in Chicago , football in Mexico City —soccer is one of the most exciting and watched Olympic sports out there. Women's soccer, introduced in 1996, has already resulted in two gold metals for the U.S.A. team. Professionals can play, but must be 23 or under (with the exception of three players).
• Paralympics—The Paralympic Games were founded in 1948, and have grown in scope and mission ever since. Thousands of athletes from more than 130 countries compete in different disability groups, pitting strength and skill against one another in classic athletic events. 

Olympic Profiles
Nothing happens without the athletes, who give their lives over to training and their bodies over to their respective sports. Chicago has a proud Olympic tradition of its own, and here are four you should know about.

• Linda Mastandrea, Co-Chair, Chicago 2016 Athlete Advisory Committee—A 1996 Paralympic gold and silver medalist in wheelchair athletics, Mastandrea is also an accomplished lawyer who works with disabled youth and adults. This effort represents one more avenue for this top Paralympic athlete to give back to the sport and the disabled community.
• Bob Berland, Co-Chair, Chicago 2016 Athlete Advisory Committee—1984 Olympic silver medalist Bob Berland was a powerhouse in the field of Judo, and the first American to even make the finals. He has walked in four Olympic opening ceremonies, and Chicago is his hometown.
• Michael Conley, Athletics—Participating in the Olympics in two decades (1984, 1992 and 1996), Michael Conley is one of the greatest jumpers in Olympic history. These days, he's been integral in the effort to bring the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago, his hometown, and is also a certified sports agent representing top-level athletes.
• Kevin Bracken, Greco-Roman Wrestling—A champion wrestler in every level of the sport in which he has participated, Bracken competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He lost a tough match in the quarter-finals to the eventual gold medal winner, and placed sixth overall in Sydney.

Check out places of interest near Chicago 2016 Olympic Games:

1492 Tapas Bar
42 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

Located in a sea of prestigious restaurants, this new tapas restaurant is giving the more expensive eateries a run for their money. Authentic hot and cold Spanish dishes are perfect to share with a date in the cozy setting of this four-level Victorian house.

Carlucci
1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515

Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends. 

 

Carlucci
6111 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.

 

Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605

Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.

Huddle House Grill
4748 N. Kimball Ave. , Chicago, IL 60625

Huddle House Grill is a 24-hr. greasy spoon diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

 

 

 

Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication, Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu.

 

Taqueria Zapata
4742 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Taqueria Zapata is a Mexican restaurant offering inexpensive authentic Mexican food for lunch and dinner.

 

ZED451
739 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience.  Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.

 

M2 Boutique
3537 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

M2 Boutique offers earrings, necklaces, purses, handbags and other accessories. 

 

Proline Golf
925 W. Chicago Ave,, Chicago, IL 60622

One-stop shopping for all golfing needs. Golf Chicago's public and private courses, but prepare at Chicago golf mecca, Proline Golf.

 

Mad River Bar and Grille
2909 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Mad River Bar and Grille offers an assortment of beers, cocktails, specialty drinks and more.

 

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz. 

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Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.

Get a glimpse of what's going on at the CAF in this great video!

Chicago Fire Major League Soccer
7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455

Chicago has burned its way into Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Chicago Fire, now playing through their 10th season. See the Fire blaze past opponents to score goals and win games. With the addition of Cuauhtemoc Blanco in 2007, the Chicago Fire are now a soccer force with which to be reckoned.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Conrad Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Ave. , Chicago, IL 60625

The Conrad Sulzer Regional Library houses a substantial collection of books of numerous topics including Chicago history.

 

Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

The newly-remodeled, state-of-the-art theater has intimate seating to some of Chicago’s best plays.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Historic home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is sacred space to Chicago's legions of Bears fans.    

 

U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

Home of the Chicago White Sox and the baseball darling of Chicago's South Side, U.S. Cellular Field is one of the nation's premier ballparks--Chicago baseball meets a good time here.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.