There are a sufficient number of both outdoor and indoor venues in existence or projected to be constructed in the Reno-Tahoe area to host an excellent Winter Olympic Games. Outdoor venues exceed the needed requirements and offer numerous choices for any number of sports on the Olympic Program. Specific questions regarding the choice of (1) a ski jump location, (2) a biathlon and cross country venue(s), (3) a luge/bobsled/skeleton run, and (4) a downhill race location (requiring a 2800′ drop on the course) will be validated for bid purposes after more site-specific research is completed. Considerations will include a review of wind patterns, topography and potential alternate venues.
At this stage of the preparation process, a series of venue choices are under consideration. The ever-changing growth of our region regularly offers new opportunities for possible venues. For instance, the new downtown Reno Triple-A baseball stadium could be a prime location for the medal ceremonies and cultural experiences, including concerts. While a plan of proposed venues is a continuous process, one of the Reno-Tahoe areas greatest strengths is the relative proximity of Games venues in terms of:
- Their proximity to the Games core (Reno)
- Their overall proximity to the access airport (Reno/Tahoe International Airport)
- Their overall proximity to all proposed Village sites
- Their overall proximity to the main and satellite media and broadcast centers
- Their potential for “grouping” or “clustering” to minimize Games administrative and logistics costs
Virtually all of the possible venues, which could be proposed in a variety of combinations, are near enough to others to allow for a variety of plans for “clustering.” Significantly, all proposed venues are less than one hour from key Games support elements. This capability will allow for a compact Games without sacrificing the quality of any of the events.
It is always assumed that there will be facility additions during the bid period and during the Games planning and preparation period. Any gaps can be addressed more specifically during the actual bid process when plans for added venues must be presented.
