Quote:
Originally Posted by FireGilbert
You make a lot of good points that I don't have an issue with although I wouldn't call hosting the Olympics and investment, more of a very risky gamble. My problem is your surprise that many posters are against a bid and calling it a no brainier. It is not at all a surprise some people would rather have a hospital than a ski jump and whether or not to host should be a very difficult full brained decision.
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All investments are gambles. We are guaranteed to get certain benefits (infrastructure) out of it. Is it exactly what we would want/when we want if the Olympics weren't in question? Probably not in all cases. Would some of these things happen at all (in near-mid future) without some impetus? Probably not in all cases.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
It is foolish to think that somehow Calgary's 88 infrastructure is in any way satisfactory or enticing to attracting a new bid.
If Calgary bids on the Olympics it will be inclusive of massive renovations to each existing proposed venue.
Calgary is going.to have to.do extensive.renovations on each existing venue which will likely cost more than a from scratch build.
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Most venues are due for upgrades.
Not sure how the wikipedia thing you quoted was supposed to support any of your arguments? We won't (shouldn't) be renovating McMahon. Pretty sure rebuilding BC Place would have been a lot more expensive than renovation. In what situation would a new build be cheaper than renovation?
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireGilbert
If the idea is to increase tourism wouldn't Calgary be better off spending money on a multi year international ad campaign as opposed to the Olympics, a two week advertising blitz only watched in a handful of winter sporting nations?
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Tourism advertising is more art than science, and anyone claiming to have conclusive data is FOS. It is worth noting that almost all winter sporting nations are affluent, developed countries. The value per eyeball is going to be more beneficial than a Brazilian living in a slum that might tune into a World Cup game, etc. I won't claim that the investment is 'worth it', but I think it's a bit asinine to totally discount it.