(Newswire.net — September 1, 2015) — The city of Los Angeles has officially released its bid book for the 2024 Olympics. This book explains the complete layout for the more than 30 venues hosting specific activities. Used as an initial blueprint, the plan shows several renovations and changes to many facilities. Fortunately for the city of Los Angeles, bidding to become the host of the Olympic games is a long drawn-out process and it is most likely that there will be many changes to these plans.
As of now the proposal has the locations split into several different clusters located throughout the city, such as the downtown cluster, Hollywood cluster, Valley cluster, Coastal cluster, South Bay cluster and other venues. Several of these clusters consist of some very high-profile venues. Many locations will undergo proposed renovations or new construction all together.
The downtown cluster consists of 9 venues and is perhaps the most important area. The Coliseum is located in this neighborhood. Considered the most important venue, this is where the opening and closing ceremonies will take place, along with track and field competitions. Next to the Coliseum, the city is planning to build a soccer stadium. Strangely enough, this newly-built soccer field would host the swimming and diving activities of the games. This means that the city would have to spend about $100 million in installing a temporary pool. Also located in this cluster is the Galen Center. This 10,000 seat arena was once the ‘it’ place to host boxing tournaments, so it is only fitting that it be the home of the Olympic boxing competitions. Weightlifting will take place in the historic Shrine Auditorium. Built in the 1920’s, the city is also proposing that it undergo several renovations to make it more up to date. The city’s convention center will serve as the space for many smaller competitive categories, such as badminton, table tennis, wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, and martial arts. Of course, the well-known Staples Center will have a prominent role in the 2024 games. Gymnastics, trampoline and basketball would all be housed in the home of the LA Lakers. The Microsoft Theater would give the sport of fencing some much needed exposure. Surprisingly, Dodger Stadium was also added to the lists of venues, even though it is unclear if baseball and softball will be placed back into the Olympic games program. These sports were taken off the roster after many international countries did not show much interest in the games, such as softball. Also, during the Olympics, America is in the middle of major league baseball season. Therefore, some of the world’s best players are unable to participate in the Olympics.
Next up is the Hollywood cluster. A neighborhood known more for riches and fame and not sports, this cluster only consists of 6 locations. Hollywood Boulevard would serve as the starting and finishing line for the Olympic marathon, as well as the epicenters for walking and road cycling events. The city is taking advantage of famous landmarks, such as the Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre, claiming that they would make one-of-a-kind backdrops for the finishing line. Mountain biking and BMX courses would be added to Griffith park. The city claims that space would be made for more than 8,000 spectators. The former host of the L.A. open will also be on hand for the games. Wilson Golf Course is proposed to be the site for the golf competition. Of course, there would be a huge $25 million renovation to add a fancy new clubhouse.
“Picking these venues is all about the feel. Golf is a more upscale event, so the newly-renovated Wilson Golf Course would make an excellent home for the action,” explains Venuefinder’s spokesperson. “Hollywood Boulevard is an iconic location and people would tune in just to see these famous backdrops.”