Images of proposed Olympic stadium, village released

January 22, 2007 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Chicago's Olympic bid organizers divulged more of their plans today to try to lure the 2016 games to the city. Get the first glimpse of the proposed stadium, village and lakefront view.

The details of the new bid were released Tuesday as Chicago competes with Los Angeles to become the U.S. city to make a formal appeal to host the games.

It was Daniel Burnham who said "make no little plans" and Chicago's Olympic organizers are obviously taking that cue. From a stunning stadium design to an Olympic village that would reshape the near South Side, it's clear from the planning, fundraising and politicking going-on, the city is going for the gold.

A stirring stadium that would seat 80,000 people would be located in Chicago's Washington Park, which is eight miles south of the Loop. A special skin on the outside would allow images of events going on inside to be projected on the stadium. There would be no parking lots in the park.

When the Games are gone, the entire stadium would be torn down -- replaced with a grassy berm that forms Ravinia-style seating around an amphitheater for 5,000. The total price tag is $366 million.

"We have probably the most prominent stadium construction firm in America that has stepped-up to say they will build that stadium at that figure," said Doug Arnot, Chicago 2016 Sports and Operations.

The truck staging yard just south of McCormick and west of Lake Shore Drive would be covered-over with a 36-acre, privately financed development, used for athlete housing.

Olympic planners believe the series of 8-to-16 story condo towers along with new beach access would be snapped-up by citizens after the Olympics. The price tag for the Olympic village is $1.1 billion.

"The city is so excited about this development that it will go forward, irrespective of whether we win," said Patrick Ryan, Chicago 2016 Chairman.

Olympic planners also promise a new harbor near 31st Street for sailing events. Rowing would take place in a much-expanded Monroe Harbor.

"This venue gives the world a daily view of the lake, the parks and the skyline. It's absolutely spectacular," said Doug Arnot.

On the north end of Northerly Island, a temporary stadium would be home to sand volleyball. BMX racing would also take place on the peninsula.

Ed Hula covers the Olympic bidding process. He believes Chicago has a good chance of beating Los Angeles for the right to host the 2016 Games. But, he says, Chicago still must prove to the U.S. Olympic Committee that it can pay for and build all of these venues.

"I think Chicago still has some hard yards to travel to be able to convince the USOC that certainty is a fact with this project," said Ed Hula, "Around The Rings" Reporter.

Chicago planners say they have half-dozen developers who have expressed interest in paying for and building the Olympic village. The stadium would be paid for in part through sponsorship money. That financing method isn't always popular with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

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