With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dear LAist: Is Our Olympic Torch Lit?
()
This query made its way into the LAist inbox, and we tracked down the answer:
Just wondering, is the Coliseum cauldron lit for the Olympics right now?
First stop on the investigation (besides some people mentioning they've seen it lit during other Olympics before) was good old Wikipedia; the entry for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum explains that the cauldron is lit on special occasions, such as "during the fourth quarter of USC football games, and other special occasions (e.g., when the Olympics are being held in another city)."
Support for LAist comes from
But just to be sure, LAist's Adam Rose went right to the source, and got in touch with Jon Lee, a spokesman for the Coliseum, who told us: "There was initially a press conference conducted here at the Coliseum right at the start of the Games. The IOC asks that the torch NOT be lit as a matter of proper protocol. They stipulate that the only Olympic flame illuminated should be at the venue currently in use." However, Lee also mentioned that they've had the torch lit during the Olympics in the past, but not this year or last, either.
So, no, the Olympic Cauldron at LA's Coliseum is not lit up in honor of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. You're welcome to light one of your own at home, but, remember, it's not proper protocol, and it's also fire season, so maybe you're better off just cheering along as you watch the games on TV. Incidentally, the Coliseum is the only venue in history to have been host to two Olympic games, 1932 and 1984.
Photo of the Olympic cauldron at the Coliseum lit for a USC game by maveric2003 via Flickr
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist