The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 organizing committee is looking toward a legacy of community engagement and hospitality, drawing lessons from the recent World Cup's ability to connect international visitors with local culture. As the committee awaits a final decision from the International Olympic Committee in Paris, organizers are emphasizing a sustainable, privately funded approach to hosting the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Lessons in Global Hospitality
The 2034 bid follows a period of massive international movement during the recent World Cup, where travelers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America arrived in the United States with varied expectations. According to reporting by the Associated Press in July 202/6, many visitors found that the reality of American hospitality contradicted much of the divisive political imagery seen on social media.
International tourists, such as Londoners Sebastian Reader and Harry Gunns, reported experiencing unexpected warmth from locals in cities ranging from Chicago to Dallas. Gunns noted that while some feared a lack of acceptance due to political perceptions, he found 'hospitality in its absolute abundance' from everyone from hotel staff to Uber drivers. This spirit of welcoming strangers is a central theme that Utah organizers aim to replicate as they prepare for the 2034 Games.
Privately Funded Financial Strategy
The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 committee has established a $2.83 billion operating budget for the 2034 Games, a figure that aligns with the escalated 2002 Games' actual costs of $2.84 billion. In a June 10, 2024, announcement, SLC-UT 2034 President and CEO Fraser Bullock emphasized that this operating budget will be raised entirely from commercial and private sources, specifically stating there will be 'no use of state or local taxpayer dollars.'
The total projected budget stands at $3.99 billion when including revenue sharing with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), sponsorship fulfillment, sales costs, and legacy funding. A primary pillar of this financial strategy is a targeted $260 million legacy contribution intended to support Utah community sport programs. Bullock noted that while the number of events has increased by nearly 40% since the 2002 Games, the 2034 plan maintains sustainability by avoiding new venue construction.
Compact and Sustainable Venues
The proposed venue lineup for the 2034 Winter Games features 13 local sites, designed to be the most compact layout since 2002, with all venues located within an hour of the athlete village. The plan includes several prominent Utah locations such as Snowbasin near Ogden for alpine skiing, Soldier Hollow in Midway for biathlon and cross-country skiing, and Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
In a significant shift for the downtown Salt Lake City landscape, organizers have proposed using Block 85—the former site of the 2002 Medals Plaza—as a venue for ski and snowboard big air competitions. This move aims to bring high-profile events directly into the heart of the city. Additionally, the Salt Palace Convention Center has been identified as a venue for Olympic curling, Paralympic wheelchair curling, and the Main Media Center.
Governance and Leadership Structure
The leadership of the 2034 Organizing Committee was officially announced on February 14, 2025, by Utah Governor Spencer Cox and USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. The governing board is led by Executive Chair and President Fraser Bullock, with Brad Wilson serving as Vice Chair and CEO. The committee's structure is unique in that Olympic and Paralympic athletes comprise one-third of the Board.
The executive committee includes notable figures such as Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn and Team USA bobsledder Chris Kinney. Other key leaders include Vice Chair Steve Starks, the CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company, and honorary chairs including Governor Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. This diverse leadership is intended to manage the complex governance and fiduciary responsibilities required for a decade-long lead-up to the Games.
The Road to Paris
As the 142nd IOC Session approaches in Paris, the Salt Lake City-Utah bid remains the lone preferred host being considered for the 2034 Winter Games. The committee continues to work with international sports federations to refine event placements and ensure that the 2034 Games provide a lasting positive impact on all 29 counties of Utah.
