In just 15 days, the International Olympic Committee will vote on whether to name Salt Lake City the host of the 2034 Olympics. Local organizers plan to livestream the meeting in Paris out to various watch parties in Utah. In addition, video from the watch parties is expected to be live streamed back to the IOC’s presentation hall in Paris.
So, during Monday’s press conference officially announcing Salt Lake City’s election bash — dubbed “Celebrate 2034″ and planned for the wee morning hours of July 24 at the City and County Building downtown — local bid committee board chair Catherine Raney Norman suggested a dress code.
“I’m looking for the best pajama outfit at 3 a.m. in red, white and blue,” she said. “I hope that that’s out there.”
Emboldened by the IOC’s glowing reviews of the Salt Lake City-Utah group’s plans for 2034, local bid organizers are drumming up parties across the state that day. Many will coincide with Pioneer Day festivities already in place, though dedicated Olympics parties are planned for Park City and Provo. The only live announcement event currently planned, however, is the one set for 3 a.m. in downtown Salt Lake City, where many people will likely already be camped out for the Days of ‘47 parade.
Because of the early hour of the Utah group’s presentation, which is slated for 11 a.m. in Paris, and the ensuing IOC vote, Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the city has coordinated with food trucks to sell breakfast and “caffeinated beverages.” It also hopes to draw in revelers with the promise of giveaways.
The mayor said she wants to hear Utahns’ cheers for the anticipated “yes” vote 5,000 miles away in Paris, where she will be one of the presenters.
“We’re asking you to come bright and early right here to Washington Square,” she said during Monday’s press conference in front of the City-County Building, “and we’ll reward you with a parade later that morning on Pioneer Day.”
For late risers, afternoon celebrations are planned at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City and at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo. Both venues are slated to host events during the 2034 Games, and both parties are expected to begin at 4 p.m.
Olympians and other local athletes will sign autographs at the Park City event from 4-6 p.m. That event will also offer food trucks, vendors and giveaways. A free Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by the live band Freedog at 7 p.m. High Valley Transit will provide free transportation to the event.
In Provo, Olympic fans will be treated to Zamboni photos, a free public skating session, an athlete meet-and-greet and fireworks.
Heber Valley’s Charleston Town Pioneer Day parade will be full of Olympic touches, starting with the raising of the American and SLC-UT 2034 flags at 6:45 a.m.
Jeff Robbins, the CEO and president of the Utah Sports Commission, said he’s working with other communities around Utah to incorporate Olympic spirit into their Pioneer Day celebrations.
“What we’re doing today is not only iconic,” Robbins said Monday, “but it’s also a chance to have the state celebrate not just our communities here along the Wasatch Front.”
And if people want to wear their night clothes to those parties, even if they’re in the middle of the day? Raney Norman said that would be perfectly acceptable — especially if they’re red, white and blue.
“’Celebrate 2034,’ she said, “is going to be the best pajama party ever.”
Salt Lake City
Washington Square, Salt Lake City (east side of City-County Building)
July 23
5-11 p.m. — Live advance coverage on video boards in Washington Square
July 24
3 a.m. — SLC-UT 2034 presentation to IOC live
4 a.m. — IOC election
4:20 a.m. — Anticipated announcement time
5:30 a.m. — Unveiling of SLC-UT 2034 transition logo
9 a.m. — Days of 47 Parade
Park City
Utah Olympic Park
July 24
4-9 p.m. — Celebration that will include a festival with vendors, food, activities and giveaways.
4-6 p.m. — Athlete meet-and-greet
6:30 p.m. — Flying Ace All-Stars freestyle show
7 p.m. — Live music
Provo
July 24
The city is planning an evening event at the Peaks Ice Arena. Activities will include “Zamboni photos, free public skating, athletes, and fireworks.”
