Bids for the 2007 Pan American Games

Two cities submitted bids to host the 2007 Pan American Games that were recognized by the Pan American Sports Organization. PASO selected Rio de Janeiro, Brazil over San Antonio, United States as the host for 15th Pan American Games on August 24, 2002, at its general assembly held in Mexico City, Mexico by a vote of 30 to 21.[1][2]

Bids for the
2007 (2007) Pan and Parapan
American Games
Overview
XV Pan American Games
III Parapan American Games
Winner: Rio de Janeiro
Runner-up: San Antonio
Details
CommitteePASO
Election venueMexico City, Mexico
40th PASO General Assembly
Map
Location of the bidding cities
Important dates
DecisionAugust 24, 2002
Decision
WinnerRio de Janeiro (30 votes)
Runner-upSan Antonio (21 votes)
Part of a series on the
2007 Pan American Games


Host city selection
2007 Pan American Games bidding results
City NOC Round 1
Rio de Janeiro Brazil 30
San Antonio United States 21

Candidate cities

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Main article: Rio de Janeiro bid for the 2007 Pan American Games

As early as 1999, Rio de Janeiro decided to bid for the 2007 Pan American Games over the 2008 Summer Olympics.[3] Rio de Janeiro representatives cited that their beaches were superior to the San Antonio River Walk, their conditions for the games were better, and that hosting the games would mean more to Brazil than the United States.[4] Additionally, Brazil agreed to host the 2002 South American Games in four cities, including Rio de Janeiro, after the games had to be relocated away from its initial host Medellin, Colombia, due to city violence concerns, with just three months of planning.[5] Rio also took advantage of the world climate post the September 11 attacks in the United States, touting that they were a terrorism-free city.[6]

San Antonio, United States

On October 16, 1999, San Antonio was selected over Houston, Raleigh-Durham, and South Florida to be the running host city for the 2007 Pan American Games by the United States Olympic Committee.[7][8] In many circles, San Antonio was the clear front-runner to hold the games. Financially, $4.6 million of the $5.5 million the city promised for the games was already in the bank, and the city promised free airfare, hotel rooms, food, and long-distance calls for all of the athletes and delegates.[4] Additionally, the bid noted that the city had every venue already built, sans a main track and field stadium and a velodrome.[2]

Much to many peoples surprise, San Antonio did not win the host rights. San Antonio's bid committee members were "reeling in disbelief," due to the fact that San Antonio had hosted numerous multi-sport international games and had been trying to hold the Pan American Games for 15 years.[2] Some sources claim that the city's chances of winning were hampered by the political relationship between the USOC and PASO.[9]

Canceled bid
Guadalajara officially entered the bidding process on August 17, 2001 at the PASO general assembly meetings in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.[10] However, the city decided to withdraw early due to the discouraging outlook.[11]

References
  1. "Two big decisions regarding US cities and future games will be made this month". International Games Archive. 21 August 2002. Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  2. "Rio de Janeiro shocks San Antonio. 2007 Pan-American Games to Brazil". International Games Archive. 23 August 2002. Archived from the original on 7 March 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  3. McGillivray, David; Turner, Daniel (2018). Event Bidding: Politics, Persuasion and Resistance. ISBN 978-1317193814.
  4. "San Antonio, Rio de Janeiro fight to host Pan Am Games". My Plainview. 23 August 2002. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  5. "South American Games a Week Away". International Games Archive. 24 July 2002. Archived from the original on 12 February 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  6. "Rio de Janeiro To Play Host in 2007". The New York Times. 25 August 2002. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  7. "S. Florida Trails in Pan Am Games Bid". Sun Sentinel. 16 November 1997. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  8. "San Antonio Wins Bid for 2007 Pan-Am Games". WRAL News. 21 October 1999. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  9. "U.S. Olympic Committee faulted for failed Pan Am Games bid". San Antonio Business Journal. 2 September 2002. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  10. "City faces new competitor for 2007 Pan Am Games". San Antonio Business Journal. 17 August 2001. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  11. "Guadalajara 2011 Pan American Bid". 7 February 2005. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
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