This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
US Olympic Committee names Los Angeles a finalist for bid in 2024 Olympics
Los Angeles is one of four cities still in the running to be the United States' bid for the 2024 Olympics, the U.S. Olympic Committee announced today.
L.A. joins San Francisco, Boston and Washington, D.C. on the short list. Dallas and San Diego were also considered but failed to make the top four.
"I'm very pleased," L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. "Los Angeles is the ideal Olympic city, with endless diversity, attractions and scenic beauty. I look forward to working with the USOC to ensure we present the strongest possible bid for our nation."
RELATED: LA steps up effort to snag 2024 Olympics
The USOC had previously reached out to 35 cities to gauge their interest, according to the Committee.
"We’re extremely pleased with the level of interest U.S. cities have shown in hosting the Games," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement. He added that each city has "given us reason to believe they can deliver a compelling and successful bid."
It will likely be another year before the USOC decides whether to make a bid for the 2024 games and, if so, which city should represent America. A host city will be named in 2017.
The city's 2024 proposal calls for building an athletes' village adjacent to the Los Angeles River. There would then be four venue clusters, including Exposition Park. A representative for the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games was not immediately available to comment.
"Los Angeles always has their track shoes on, and now we have to break from our stance and show the USOC our skill, devotion and hospitality," said L.A. City Councilmember Tom LaBonge in a statement.
The United States has not hosted the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1996 when the games were in Atlanta. Los Angeles previously hosted in 1932 and 1984, and the U.S. also hosted the summer Olympics in 1904 in St. Louis.
This story has been updated.