Salt Lake City is poised to be officially awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics following a vote by the International Olympic Committee in Paris. This will mark Utah's second time hosting the Games, with the first being in 2002.
A watch party is scheduled at 3 a.m. local time to celebrate the announcement, coinciding with a state holiday commemorating the discovery of the Salt Lake Valley by Mormon pioneers. Enthusiastic Olympic fans have already started gathering downtown, showcasing the city's excitement.
Salt Lake City is the sole contender for the 2034 Olympics, as many cities have been deterred by climate change and high operational costs. Utah's bid team has positioned the city as a willing and capable repeat host, aligning with a proposed permanent rotation of Winter Olympic cities.
The bid team has emphasized the city's enduring Olympic spirit, with remnants of the 2002 Games still present throughout Salt Lake City. The plan for the 2034 Games boasts a compact layout, with all venues within a one-hour drive of the athletes' village at the University of Utah campus, requiring no new permanent construction.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox views securing the bid as a means to solidify the state as North America's winter sports capital. Local leaders and winter Olympians are actively involved in the bid process, showcasing their commitment to hosting a successful event.
American freestyle skier Christopher Lillis, a gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics, expressed excitement for the 2034 Games, highlighting the top-notch sports facilities in the area. Residents like Matthew Lindon from Park City, where many events would be held, reflect on the city's growth since the 2002 Olympics, transforming it into a world-class skiing destination.
