Why do cities continue to bid to host the Olympic Games, considering that, invariably, costs go over budget, there is some scandal or other, as well as concerns over how the Games will be financed and

Why do cities continue to bid to host the Olympic Games, considering that, invariably, costs go over budget, there is some scandal or other, as well as concerns over how the Games will be financed and what will happen to the Olympic facilities afterwards?

Political narcissism. And pork.

Yeah, like most policies, it benefits a politically-connected segment of the economy to the detriment of those without much power, costs can be displaced to the rest while profits are privatised. And there is political and national vanity involved too.

Have your say dear leaders.

PORK!

The tide has clearly turned against the Olympics. Only several decades ago hosting the event was seen as a significant source of pride by residents of host cities, now most seem to regard it as a curse. I imagine that after Tokyo 2020 the IOC may find it hard to find host cities under any conditions or price structures.

Escalating IOC demands over the years to make the games a big money event is certainly a big part of the growing cynicism. Returning the games back to more modest roots and keeping moneyed interests at bay might help return a sense of the games' authenticity which is now all but lost.

Agree with all the above. I think Sensato is spot on. People really don't want to host international events anymore. The security hassle is going to be much more trouble than its worth.

Cities don't bid; it is their elected officials with vested interests who see a 'once in a lifetime chance' to line their pockets (and their relatives) with the largesse that sponsors and others provide, who encourage and drive these bids.

There have been proposals to build a permanent venue in Greece and hold the Olympics there every four years. Probably would not stop all corruption but it would certainly reduce it.

a.Why do cities continue to bid to host the Olympic Games? Human brain acts very dumb when it comes to pride factor. So why not make some money in the process. For example... -It stimulates prostituion, sex racket and drugs business a lot better than the 3 illusive arrows of Abenomics did so far. -Its a welcome distraction for the dumb masses from real global crisis like starvation, migrant crisis, terrorism, epidemic etc. Helps governments to buy some time to find solutions to the core domestic problems. During my school days we never bothered what Olympic event was because it never affected our day to day lives in any way. I bet it still doesn't. In several nations Olympians sell their medals to earn some extra cash when they get old.

b. invariably, costs go over budget...blame it on incorrect estimation in first place to satisfy all stake holders.

c. there is some scandal or other...result of incorrect estimation made above and stake holders start pulling strings. So things need to be fixed within deadline somehow.

d. concerns over how the Games will be financed..non-issue, funding such events is a lot more easier than funding for core domestic problems.

e. what will happen to the Olympic facilities afterwards...not important, once the money os adequately recovered above.

Because the need to appear successful is more important than your own well being. Same reason why people are willing to risk being in debt buying a house, a car, a second car, big screen TV, etc.

It' natural to think first of the summer Olympics. Yet these issues have been picking off venues for the Winter Olympics for decades now.

Beijing is going to get the Winter Olympics in a few years time, and I am sure they will make everyone know that they are the only city to have achieved this. And lots of people in other cities will secretly be thinking, 'Suckers!'

And that is it: cities host Olympics. Countries don't, but these days inevitably bail their host cities out.

Olympics need to be held in just the one spot -- much easier for people to travel there than for cities to build facilities in these miserable economic times.

Tokyo has a huge population and a great mass transportation system. Visitors to Japan are trending up and may peak with the 2020 Olympics. Japanese movies and dramas are on Netflix and other World-wide streaming venues.

Weaknesses: Many Japanese are poor/weak at other languages and may not be able to give basic assistance or directions.

Costs seem under control at this point. Getting the facilities built in time is the main concern.

For the vast amount of graft the games create, of course. And the more cost overruns there are, the more graft there is for our leaders to divide amongst themselves and their friends. Scandals? Who cares? committee members are appointees, and unaccountable, and politicians are compulsive liars who make up such great lies that despite catastrophic failures and gross incompetence, most can talk themselves into being reelected.