The roof of B.C. Place was ripped by winds today causing it to deflate. (Story)

As the site of the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics, this is getting some international play on the news wires.

Three years out, I'm sure this story will be largely forgotten when the festivities commence, but it got me thinking about the over all pros and cons of hosting an Olympic Games. Are they worth it?

What does everyone think?

Cost vs. revenue.

I'm thinking revenue would win.

I'm not sure I agree. The costs always tend to exceed the budgeted target (Especially when the goverment is involved.) and I wonder how they come up with the actual revenue projections and if they accurate. We better start to have some colder winters or there won't be much of an Olympics anyway.

I'm quite glad Toronto didn't get the Olympics.

We strive for such greatness ... but the people in power seem to lack the foresight to look around themselves and see the problems that need to be fixed before we can ever achieve any of this envisioned greatness.

The cost vs revenue factor is important. I think the jury is still out on that one though. Athens has struggled to deal with their post-Olympic games chaos for example.

It makes for great entertainment and city promotion, and if they are sure they can get the bang for their buck, then I say what the hell: go for it.

But I also agree with 420. This shouldn't be made a priority in detriment of other immediately pressing city issues.

Drove right by it on the way to work yesterday and didn't notice. :P Wondered why people were gathering around the TV at break... :rolleyes: I'll check it out from the roof today.

I like that a lot of areas are getting cleaned up, but I have no idea what the overall outcome will be, except that the False Creek area will be all purdied up and that will be nice for the seawall walk. ^_^

I think simple... :P

If a city has existing infrastructure to host the Games, that's great--but most don't and end up having to build tons of new facilities. So for most places it isn't worth it at all.

Of course the "concrete and steel lobbies" are usually important players when it comes to making decisions on city development. Olympic games are no exception.

I heard on the news that they now think that the snow melter wasn't turned on for the roof. While it absolutely poured all day here in Victoria, Vancouver got some snow out of it.