SALT LAKE CITY – Today Governor Gary R. Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced their decision that Salt Lake City and the State of Utah are ready, willing, and able to host another Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision came after the two reviewed a 36-page report from the Utah Olympic Exploratory Committee (UOEC). The report recommends Salt Lake City and Utah pursue a bid if the US Olympic Committee (USOC) decides to submit a bid for the 2026 Winter Games.
“We want the USOC to know Utah is not only ready, willing, and capable, but that we are the best choice,” Governor Herbert said. “Utah has become the winter sports capital of the USA. By hosting another Winter Games, our commitment to support ongoing Olympic movement initiatives will only be strengthened.”
The USOC is in the process of deciding whether to pursue a Summer 2024 or a Winter 2026 Olympics. A committee has been organized to research options and determine direction. The UOEC has researched Utah’s abilities to host another Olympics and provided a report breaking down the following aspects: public opinion, hospitality and venues, transportation, finance, and competitive analysis. This report has been sent to the USOC for their consideration.
“I am confident in declaring Salt Lake City as a wise option for the USOC. We have the infrastructure, are confident about the financials, and know we have a very compact footprint,” said Mayor Becker. “More importantly, we are a growing and prospering community that will be capable of achieving even greater heights than we did as host of the successful 2002 Winter Olympics.”
The full report and recommendation that the Governor and Mayor based their decision on is found on the Utah Sports Commission website or by visiting, https://bit.ly/WEyuX0.