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You may have heard the buzz recently about Salt Lake City being named as the preferred host for the 2034 Winter Olympics. More than two decades after Salt Lake City stepped into the international spotlight as the Winter Games host city, the community is still reaping benefits.
The 2002 Olympic Games kickstarted a transformative wave of economic growth, and the ripple effects of that growth changed the state's landscape forever!
Here are six ways Utah benefited from hosting the Olympic Games that permanently changed the state's identity and future.
Economic boost
The Olympics brought a surge of tourism and development to Utah—no less than a few billion dollars' worth. This translated to a big economic boost that created long-lasting benefits throughout the state.
The University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute published an in-depth report on the economic impact of the 2002 Olympics. According to this report, the Games produced $6.1 billion in economic output.
The money that made it back to the state directly wasn't too shabby either. The Games produced a surplus of $163.4 million, $59 million of which was paid back to the taxpayers who helped fund infrastructure changes and venue construction.
All told, the Salt Lake City Olympics were a resounding financial success despite the minor economic slump the country was experiencing in 2002.
Job creation
Hosting the games directly and indirectly boosted job creation in Utah. The preparation for and hosting of the Olympics created job opportunities in various sectors, from construction and hospitality to event management and security. It's unclear exactly how many jobs were created during this process, but the Gardner Institute's report found a total of 45,700 job-years of employment resulting from the Games.
The industry affected the most was Utah's leisure and hospitality industry. In the first quarter of 2002, the Utah Department of Workforce Services reported an average of 6,926 more direct private leisure and hospitality jobs.
In the years following the Games, the average number of leisure and hospitality workers was 47% higher than before the Games. In other words, many ski instructors and other leisure and hospitality employees have the 2002 Olympics to thank for their jobs!
A winter sports legacy
At its core, the Salt Lake City Games helped to establish Utah as one of the world's premier destinations for winter sports — at both an elite competitive level and a recreational level. But aside from the increased popularity of skiing Utah's famous snow, the sporting legacy the Olympics had on elite competitions in Utah cannot be overstated.
Since 2002, dozens of USA and World Championships have been hosted in Utah's Olympic venues. The Luge World Cup, the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships, the Speedskating Olympic Trials, U.S. Figure Skating Nationals, and the IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton World Cup are just a few major sporting events Utah has hosted in the past 20 years.
Additionally, the Utah Sports Commission was formed because of the Olympics, and it has since become a major force in bringing more professional sports to the Beehive State. The commission played a part in bringing events like UFC 278, pro skateboarding, Supercross, and all the traditional winter snow sport competitions to Utah.
Infrastructure development
When you take your kids sledding at Soldier Hollow, you're enjoying the result of Olympic infrastructure development. When you drive on certain parts of I-15 or I-80, you're using an Olympic infrastructure enhancement. Even when you stay at a ski resort for a weekend on the slopes, you very well may be utilizing an Olympic infrastructure improvement.
All this development, plus the obvious additions like Utah's Olympic Park, the Olympic Oval, four new ice rinks and more are a result of the 2002 Games. Hosting the Olympics put Utah on a fast track to building infrastructure usually reserved for much larger and more populated metropolises. Now, thousands of Utahns enjoy access to world-class facilities thanks to the Olympics.
Tourism and international exposure
The global attention attracted by the Olympics helped showcase Utah's beauty, amenities, and capabilities, gaining notice from potential tourists and business investors.
The University of Utah's Gardner Policy Institute report found huge increases in the number of ski visitors to Utah following the Games. "Utah experienced a 43 percent increase in the average number of annual skier days in the 14 years after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games compared to the 14 years before the Games," the report says.
Utah's National Parks received a 25% increase in visitors in the 14 years after the Games. The state has also seen a 59% increase in visitor spending, which translates back to those economic ripple effects!
Community pride and spirit
It's no secret that Utahns love sports, and they showed this at the 2002 Olympics. According to the International Olympic Committee's official website, Utahns bought 40% of tickets to the events and games during the Salt Lake City Olympics. Most of these events had sold-out crowds! It provided a definite home crowd advantage for the American athletes.
Perhaps most importantly, the Games allowed Utahns to bond over a common pride for their beautiful state. Many volunteers helped make the event a success, creating a lasting sense of community spirit. Today, the three main Olympic venues remain busy and vibrant. Everyone from families enjoying a day of leisure to youth participating in sports programs to elite athletes training for the next Olympics all make use of the Olympic venues.
The state isn't likely to forget the 2002 Olympics anytime soon — and now Utah should reap more benefits as a repeat host in 2034.
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