If you're hanging on the edge of your seat wondering whether you'll get to see a San Francisco Summer Olympics in your lifetime, we've got news. The U.S. Olympic Committee announced Friday that San Francisco is one of four cities it's still considering as a site for the 2024 Summer Games. That means several other potential U.S. host cities — San Diego, Dallas and Philadelphia — are out of the running.
Just to be clear about what today's announcement means: San Francisco is among cities that can still hope to persuade the USOC they'd be the best host for the games. If the USOC decides to sponsor a bid for the 2024 Games, then the U.S. candidate would get a chance to present its case to the International Olympic Committee, which would, of course, be considering bids from cities worldwide. In other words, the process is a long, long way from the finish line.
Mayor Ed Lee said he is "thrilled" with Friday's USOC announcement, noting that the city has played host to a series of high-profile sports events in recent years, including the World Series in 2010 and 2012 and last year's America's Cup regatta. But he cautioned that "serious work" remains as a small local committee of civic leaders continues to explore the possibility of making a full-on bid for the games. Lee also said the next phase of the panel's work will include consultations with leaders in San Jose, Oakland and other cities. Lee's statement says, in part:
I believe that the San Francisco Bay Area could transform the 2024 Games through our technology and diversity, and the natural splendor of our region. Hosting the Games could also inspire and positively transform our region, accelerating and delivering tremendous long-term benefits that help meet our most pressing challenges, including thousands of units of new affordable housing, improved transportation, jobs, new parks and athletic facilities for our residents. ...
... Ultimately, we should only move forward with a bid if we believe that we can win for America, deliver spectacular Games for the world and leave a tremendous legacy for the Bay Area’s economy, transportation systems, housing and youth.
San Francisco has made serious bids for the games at least three times: as part of a crowded field for the 1956 games (hosted by Melbourne, Australia); for the 2012 games (hosted by London); and for the 2016 games (to be hosted by Rio de Janeiro)
Here's the latest Associated Press write-through on the U.S. Olympic bidding process: