It’s Official – The 2034 Winter Olympic Games are Coming to Utah!
On July 24, 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games to Salt Lake City, Utah. This long-anticipated decision is a historic moment for the state and an exciting announcement for us Parkites, evoking cherished memories of the 2002 games.
Fun Times in 2002 Living in Park City
Living in Park City during the 2002 Winter Olympics was an unforgettable experience. My real estate office was on Main Street in Park City, right in the hub of the celebrations, directly across from what was at the time the historic location of the Kimball Art Center. Every evening, a stage set up in front of the Art Center hosted music concerts and celebrations. With my children being 13, 14, and 15 at the time (yes, it was crazy having kids so close in age), we were right in the middle of all the excitement. Public schools in Park City were closed during the Olympics, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the festivities. A funny memory from that time is when my daughters, determined to get an autograph from Jimmy Shea, outsmarted the crowds by sneaking around the back of a business on Main Street and catching him just as he was slipping out the back door after winning his gold medal. She still proudly keeps her autographed blue Olympic hat as a treasured memento.
Thinking about owning a home in one of the world’s top winter destinations? Explore Park City real estate ahead of the Olympic spotlight.
Salt Lake City is Hosting the Olympic Games Twice
Salt Lake City will be the fourth region to host the Olympic Winter Games twice, and the fifth Winter Games in the U.S. Before Salt Lake City in 2002, there was Lake Placid in 1980 and 1932, and Squaw Valley — now known as Olympic Valley — in 1960. After 32 years, for its second turn, Salt Lake City will get almost 10 full years to prepare — the longest lead-in for a modern Winter Games. It will not require any new permanent construction as all 23 venues are already in place, each having played a role in the 2002 Games. All venues are within an hour's drive to the athlete's village, which will be at the University of Utah.
Events will happen across the state, including Snowbasin Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain, Utah Olympic Park, Soldier Hollow, Delta Center, Peaks Ice Arena, Maverik Center, Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Palace Convention Center, Utah Olympic Oval, and in downtown Salt Lake City for the Big Air event.
Park City will be key to the 2034 Games, hosting events at the Utah Olympic Park, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley. The announcement will renew the city’s Olympic legacy and define the next decade of Park City’s history as preparations are made to bring back the Olympics.
2002 Winter Olympic Tidbits
Here are some interesting 2002 Olympic facts: Utah set Olympic attendance records in 2002, selling more than 1.5 million tickets, with more than 70,000 fans in attendance per day — the highest attendance ever for a Winter Games. In addition, the 2002 Games sold a greater percentage of the available tickets than any previous Winter or Summer Olympic Games. The 2002 Winter Games had 2.1 billion viewers in 160 countries and territories and amassed 13.1 billion viewer hours, breaking records for broadcast, ticketing, and sponsorship at the time. During the Games, Utah had 22,000 volunteers and 2,399 athletes. I was one of those volunteers and still have my 2002 Olympic Volunteer Ski Jacket!
10 Years to Go!
“The next decade will be all about preparation. From our local athletes, some of them just getting started in their sport, to the state as a whole, we now have a call to action to host the most sustainable games ever while showcasing our legacy as an Olympic Host City,” Park City Mayor Nann Worell said after the announcement was made.
My son, Robert, is my business partner, and his wife Jamie from Tennessee is always saying, “The Olympics was over 20 years ago, get over it.” Well, we’re ready to host another Winter Games, and we can’t wait to welcome the world back to Utah in 2034. And Jamie, soon you'll understand why hosting the Olympics is such a proud tradition for Utah.
I am thrilled to welcome the world back to our beautiful state!
Thinking about owning a home in one of the world's top winter destinations? Explore ski-in/ski-out properties ahead of the Olympic spotlight.
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