World cities spend millions and millions, maybe billions of dollars vying to get the chance to host Olympic games. They pour even more money into constructing the various venues so that for a brief two weeks in time everything is shiny and new and perfect for everyone to see.
But what happens when the two weeks of competition are over? Here are 30 haunting photos of abandoned Olympic arenas in several cities which had their day. Beginning with Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, a city which a few short years after their olympics was part of a country torn apart, a country which no longer exists. But then we see the sport areas in other cities with less traumatic goings.
And we all were given to believe that after the olympics were finished the sporting venues would continue to be used. Maybe Syndey Australia did better? It looks like it.
I'm not one to praise Los Angeles often, but...... "Where ambitious construction for the 1976 games in Montreal and 1980 games in Moscow had saddled organizers with expenses greatly in excess of revenues, Los Angeles strictly controlled expenses by using existing facilities except a swim stadium and a velodrome that were paid for by corporate sponsors. The Olympic Committee led by Peter Ueberroth used some of the profits to endow the LA84 Foundation to promote youth sports in Southern California, educate coaches and maintain a sports library. The LA84 Foundation, formerly called the Amateur Athletic Foundation until changing its name in 2007, led an initiative in 2010 to raise funds to support high school sports in Los Angeles, in response to massive budget cuts in the school district.[3] The 1984 Summer Olympics are often considered the most financially successful modern Olympics." The swim stadium is near, and used by, USC. Interestingly the Swim Stadium from the 1932 Olympics is still in use.
I was able to attend Volleyball matches in the Long Beach Arena.
Posted by: Rand | February 26, 2014 at 01:07 PM
It's too bad the citizens of California didn't elect Peter Ueberroth, a Republican, to be their Governor in 2003. Just think what he could have done for the State of California.
Posted by: Ron | February 26, 2014 at 01:14 PM
Actually, we're good as is. Peter wasn't a candidate in 2003 and Republicans got what they wanted: the mess that was Arnold.
Posted by: Rand | February 26, 2014 at 01:34 PM
Actually, Rand your are wrong, as often the case. Peter was on the ballot in 2003. He ran as an independent.
Posted by: Ron | February 26, 2014 at 02:45 PM
I'm not sure everything has to be about politics.
Posted by: Diane Meyer | February 26, 2014 at 06:37 PM