University of Utah Olympic planning records

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 2004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The University of Utah Olympic planning records (2000-2002) contain various signs and banners, a flag from the Paralympics, and a book for volunteers.

Dates

2000-2002

Creator

University of Utah. Facilities Planning Department (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

In 1988 the Salt Lake Olympic Bid Committee was seeking to obtain the 1998 Winter Olympic Games for Salt Lake City. They contacted the University of Utah to find out if the University would allow Rice Stadium to be used as the Olympic Stadium and if the University would host the Olympic Village. The University agreed provided that disruption could be minimized and that all costs pertaining to the Olympics would not be paid by the University. When agreed, a committee was formed and the University of Utah began planning for the Olympics. Salt Lake City did not get the 1998 Olympics, but won the 2002 Olympics in 1995. Full planning went forward from there. In addition to the rennovation of the stadium (renamed Rice-Eccles stadium from a generous rennovation grant from Spence Eccles), new dormitories were built on lands the University took over from Fort Douglas. Most of the on-campus facilities were completed by 2000. A light-rail line was built to the Stadium and finished in 2001. As the University made its final preparations to host Olympic Athletes and the ceremonies, the motto was "Business Almost As Usual." Spring Semester 2002 began early and used the time of the Olympics for the semester break, rather than a later break during the spring. During the Olympics, all students living in Fort Douglas Heritage Commons were moved out to older dorms closer to the lower campus. Libraries and research facilities remained open and the campus was fitted with Olympic decorations. As part of the University's Olympic slogan, "Educate, Participate, Celebrate," several cultural events were held around the campus, including an exhibit on the 1936 Berlin Olympics at the Marriott Library. University Health Care provided clinic services at the Olympic Village and the University Department of Meteorology helped in forcasting the weather. After the main Olympics ended, classes resumed, although Paralympic athletes were housed in the Sage Point residences through March. When it was over, the University had commencement exercises close to their normal time and the Olympics did not disrupt long-term schedules. Moreover, the University had hosted athletes from around the world successfully without disrupting basic campus activities. Remnants of the University's participation in the 2002 Winter Olympics are still on campus: the Olympic Caldron rests next to Rice-Eccles statium and a mural signed by athletes who stayed at Fort Douglas is located in the Peterson Heritage Center Dining Hall.

Extent

2.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The University of Utah Olympic planning records (2000-2002) contain various signs and banners, a flag from the Paralympics, and a book for volunteers. The University of Utah hosted the Olympic Village as well as the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.