Salt Lake City Named Host Of 2034 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games

TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 23: The Olympic Rings are seen outside the stadium as fireworks go off during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially awarded the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake City, Utah, marking a return of the event to the city that last hosted in 2002. The decision was announced during the IOC’s 142nd session in Paris.

Salt Lake City was the sole candidate for the 2034 Winter Games after the IOC granted the city exclusive negotiating rights last year. This accelerated process led to the formal award of the Games to the United States.

Salt Lake City’s journey to securing the 2034 Winter Olympics began last year when the IOC granted the city exclusive negotiating rights.

Utah’s delegation, which included Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and renowned Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, celebrated the announcement alongside IOC President Thomas Bach.

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The announcement was met with a crowd in Utah, where a public watch party gathered at 3 a.m. local time to witness the broadcast from Paris. Crowds at Washington Square cheered as the news broke, celebrating the return of the Winter Games to their city.

This decision brings the Winter Olympics back to Salt Lake City 32 years after its first hosting in 2002. The 2002 Games were widely regarded as a success, showcasing Utah’s capability to host large-scale international events.

The city’s existing infrastructure, experience from the 2002 Games, and strong support from local and state officials played a significant role in securing the bid.

The announcement has sparked excitement and anticipation among Utah residents and sports fans worldwide. As preparations begin, the 2034 Winter Games are expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the region, further solidifying Salt Lake City’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports.