What would you do with $750,000? Facts and Numbers of the Games

With four days until the Opening Ceremony the world is turning its attention to British Columbia. You have probably heard lots about the athletes, the venues, the torch run and maybe some things about how much things are going to cost.

Have you ever considered how much it would cost for a prime-time ad slot during the Olympics? On NBC the going rate for a 30-second prime time slot is $750,000. Although they were predicting taking a $200-million revenue hit during the Games sales have picked up and NBC have sold $820-million in sales. For NBC this is a good thing since shows such as American Idol and Grey’s Anatomy will be competing for ratings on other networks.

Revenue in other areas of the Games is looking good as well. Ticket sales are on track to reach the $251-million target and Canadians have bought over half a million hoodies, toques and scarves and don’t forget the red mittens! They have become the hot item to have for the Games at $10 a pair and are constantly sold out at retail locations.

We have been hearing about the cost of the Games in Vancouver over the past few months and there is a good chance we will be hearing about it for months to come. Some articles that can be found in the SIRC Collection surrounding the cost of the Games include:

Cohen, Andrew (2009). Oh, Canada. Athletic Business, 33(1), 20-22.

Mickle, T. (2010). A Mountain to Climb. Street & Smith's Sportsbusiness Journal, 12(37), 1-16.

Mickle, T., & Ourand, J. (2010). NBC readjusts Games sales goals. Street & Smith's Sportsbusiness Journal, 12(37), 1-27.

Wilner, Barry (2009). VANOC to Glow in the Dark. SportBusiness International, (142), 9.

Although the Games are taking place during a time of recession things are looking brighter the closer we get. Tune into the Opening Ceremonies this Friday to cheer on Canada that’s what we will be doing at SIRC.

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics!

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games starting this week in Vancouver, Olympic fever is upon us. It is hard to walk down the street without seeing someone wearing the famous red mittens or open the paper and not see stories about the Vancouver Olympics. These Games are sure to be an action packed two weeks but what will make the Vancouver Olympic Games stick out? Not only have they created what they claim to be the fastest speed skating and luge tracks … ever, they have also created the most sophisticated and comprehensive anti-doping programs yet. It does not end there! VANOC is hoping to pull off the “greenest” Games so far by including initiatives such as planting two trees for every tree that was cut down during the preparation for the Games. So put on your Canadian colours, cheer on our athletes and make these the best Games ever.

SIRC would like to wish all athletes good luck at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics!

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/february10/index.html

Words from Whistler

Canada Wins Gold in Skeleton

The atmosphere is electric at Whistler as Jon Montgomery wins gold today in skeleton. Canadians are celebrating throughout the village, flags are waving and the mood is one of pride and excitement.

In fact, all day family, friends and visitors exude a positive energy as they embrace the Olympic spirit. People everywhere are wearing their Canadian apparel and talking about the Olympics. Families boarding the plane in Ottawa wear their Canadian sweaters, passengers from Calgary are pumped about attending the Canada hockey games and amateur photographers on the bus traveling to Whistler are scrambling to take photos of the venues and magnificent west coast scenery. National pride is shining brightly.

Walking through town you feel a common bond with strangers just because they are wearing Canada proudly on their sleeves. Earlier this week, while skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, I felt the same kindred spirit with fellow skaters sporting the easily recognized "red mitts". The Olympics have given Canadians something to talk about, to unite around and to celebrate together. So let's enjoy the moment, appreciate the national passion stirring within us and keep cheering "Go Canada Go".

Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as our very own Debra Gassewitz, President and CEO, spends the next week at Whistler. You can find Debra at Canada House, Whistler.