Chicago would make a good Olympic host city

Chicago has a good TV presence so if there's one thing to be learned from Atlanta's success it's to promote that. Also, it's in the central time zone, making it ideal for nationwide TV viewing. Traveling challenges were the deciding factor in the NYC bid. Chicago has a good transit system and there are two major airports nearby and some other airports not much farther. But NYC also boasts a decent transit system and more than two airports in the area so the Windy City will need to find a way to set themselves apart from the Big Apple. Brazil, one of the countries Chicago's competing against, currently has restrictions on tourist visa for Americans -- mainly because the U.S. does the same to Brazil. This issue will be a challenge for both countries and it will be interesting to see if Rio and Chicago make it to Round 5 together. That is, if the voting goes that long.Celebs, like President Obama, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and Oprah Winfrey, all support the bid. In order to garner public support, Mayor Richard Daley promised that city and state taxes would not fund the event. Federal money would pay for security and infrastructure and the private sector would take care of the rest.As far as venues go, there isn't an Olympic stadium yet but the city currently features Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Allstate Arena, the Sears Centre, the United Center, U.S. Cellular Field, Toyota Park and not to mention all the facilities at the many universities in the area.Chicago was able to pull off the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition against a host of obstacles. They can probably pull off an Olympic event pretty easily. So it'll all be up to the Committee.


By Tessa