For three decades, Colorado Springs has been home to the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters and a major training center for world-class athletes. It has been a wonderful marriage for both the city and the Olympic organization, and it would be a shame to see it break up.
We were troubled and puzzled to hear that the USOC is considering offers to move to other cities. It seemed that Coloado Springs’ leaders and the USOC had been engaging in productive discussions about how to improve athletic facilities and office space. And now, suddenly, the USOC is talking to other suitors?
USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel did not return a phone call Monday, but he told the Colorado Springs Gazette last week that the USOC is “evaluating several different proposals” for a new home. He declined to name the cities.
Some Colorado Springs’ officials were caught off-guard by the statement. They had been negotiating with the USOC for months about finding upgraded space for the group. Apparently, the USOC wants a proposal from Colorado Springs’ officials in the next couple of weeks.
It couldn’t be that the USOC is trying to pressure city leaders to kick it into high gear, could it? That’s a move you’d more likely see when a professional sports team is trying to persuade a city to build it a new stadium.
Then again, the USOC board is chaired by former Major League Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth, so you’ll forgive us for being a bit suspicious about the tactic.
Regardless of whatever maneuvering that may or may not be going on, both entities have a lot to gain from forging a solution to the USOC’s concerns.
Colorado Springs provides a beautiful setting for athletes to train at altitude, which provides significant cardiovascular advantages.
The complex, located on a former U.S. Air Force base, is vast. There is a 45,000-square-foot aquatics center, a 59,000-square-foot multisport gymnasium and an aquatic research facility that includes a state-of-the art swimming flume used for training and testing. Also, there is a world class velodrome, a banked track for bike racing, and the largest indoor shooting facility in the Western Hemisphere.
Ancillary businesses that support the athletic operations have popped up over the years. Furthermore, some two dozen USOC member organizations have their national organizations on or near the complex.
The benefit that Colorado Springs gets from its association with the USOC is great, both in terms of prestige and economic impact, which is estimated in the hundreds of millions annually.
Springs’ officials say they want to keep the organization and are willing to do what it takes to make the USOC happy. We’re hopeful the group will give the city the opportunity to do so.
