Provided is a list of frequently asked questions about BASOC's plan to bring the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Q.

What is BASOC?

A.

The Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee (BASOC) is a non-profit, 501 (c)3 organization formed in 1987 to enrich the lives of Bay Area families and children through the support and organization of athletic activities. Today, BASOC is committed to bringing the 2012 Olympic Games to the San Francisco Bay Area. Our Board of Directors includes Olympians, civic leaders, athletes and notable business, non-profit, educational, community and other leaders from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Olympians are involved in every aspect of the San Francisco Bay Area's Bid and we are the only U.S. 2012 Bid committee led by an Olympian (Anne Cribbs, 1960, Swimming).

Q.

What is the selection process for the 2012 Olympic Games?

A.

The San Francisco Bay Area is competing with Houston, New York and Washington, D.C. to be the U.S. Candidate for the 2012 Olympic Games. Initially, eight U.S. cities submitted bids to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), but the USOC pared the field to four in late 2001. On July 14 and 15, 2002, the USOC Bid Evaluation Task Force conducted a second site inspection of the San Francisco Bay Area. On August 27th, the USOC narrowed the number of cities to two: New York and San Francisco. On November 3, 2002, the USOC will select the U.S. Candidate for the 2012 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select the 2012 Host City from an international field that includes the U.S. Candidate in 2005.

Q.

What are the "legacy projects?"

A.

BASOC will leave new facilities (Equestrian, Tennis, Whitewater, Velodrome/Cycling and Shooting), new housing, transportation improvements and even a cleaner environment, because the Olympic Games were held here. In addition, BASOC will create an endowment—Legacy 2012—to support amateur athletics and sports opportunities for Bay Area youth.

Q.

How does technology play a part in your Bid?

A.

The Bay Area is the world's capital of technology. We have utilized Silicon Valley's corporate genius, vision and excitement during this Bid Process, as we've asked them to look at the future of technology and how it will affect the Olympic Games.

Q.

How will the San Francisco Bay Area benefit from the 2012 Olympic Games?

A.

Hosting the 2012 Olympic Games will generate over $7.4 billion for the California economy, according to an Econ One Research study, generating jobs and income for businesses and workers across a wide spectrum of industries. Other benefits include the construction of over 2,500 new units of transit-accessible, environmentally-sustainable housing at the Olympic Village (many available at below-market rates after the Olympic Games), a foundation to fund youth sports opportunities, environmental and arts, cultural programs throughout the Bay Area, improved transportation systems, new and renovated athletic facilities and regional cooperation for the long-term benefit of San Francisco Bay Area residents.

Q.

What do San Francisco Bay Area residents think about hosting the 2012 Olympic Games?

A.

An overwhelming eighty-four percent of Bay Area registered voters support our Bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, according to a survey conducted for the Bid effort. Similar surveys, including one of San Francisco residents conducted by the USOC, reflect an equally high level of support. Bay Area residents cite the economic benefits, regional pride and opportunities for voluntarism and participation as reasons for support.

Q.

How much will it cost?

A.

From the beginning, BASOC has been committed to hosting a privately financed Olympic Games in 2012, backed first by a $250 million private insurance guaranty and, as a last resort, a $250 million guaranty from the State of California. With 80% of the venues we need to host the 2012 Olympic Games already in place, BASOC offers a financially responsible Bid with the greatest prospect to produce a substantial surplus for the USOC and Bay Area residents. Using conservative, tested budget and revenue scenarios, BASOC projects that the 2012 Olympic Games will generate $2.8 billion in revenue to cover $2.4 billion in expenses. Surplus funds would endow Legacy 2012, a foundation to support amateur athletes-in-training throughout the U.S. and youth sport, arts and cultural and environmental programs here at home.

Q.

What about the traffic?

A.

BASOC has designed a Bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games that will disperse crowds and traffic throughout our 'Ring of Gold' venue plan. Our transportation plan was designed in conjunction with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Bay Area's public transportation agencies, CalTrans and Olympic transportation experts. We have proposed the first 100 percent public transportation Olympic Games for 2012, with 92 percent of our venues—all but two—within walking distance of a rail or rapid transit station. The MTC reports that over $90 billion will be invested in transportation improvements throughout the Bay Area over the next 20 years, much of it by 2012, including express 'baby bullet' trains from San Francisco to San Jose, BART extensions and other bridge and highway improvements. Even Los Angeles, with its crowded freeways and limited public transportation, minimized transportation issues during the 1984 Olympic Games.

Q.

Why is the San Francisco Bay Area the best choice for U.S. Candidate for the 2012 Olympic Games?

A.

As the world's favorite U.S. City in survey after survey, as one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in the world, with deep and historic ties to the growing economies of Asia and Latin America, with our ideal weather, outstanding, existing facilities and athlete-friendly Olympic Village and 'Ring of Gold' venue plan, San Francisco 2012 offers the best Bid for the athletes and a U.S. Candidate known and beloved around the world. Our financially responsible Bid offers the greatest prospect for a substantial surplus after the Olympic Games, and our unique commitments to interactivity and sustainability will leave true legacies in environmental protection and technology for the Olympic Movement. The San Francisco Bay Area's Bid for the 2012 Olympic Games builds a unique 'Bridge to the Future' for the people of the Bay Area, the USOC and the Olympic Games and offers the USOC the best invitation America can extend to the world for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Q.

2012 is 10 years away! Why should I get involved now?

A.

The USOC will select the U.S. Candidate for 2012 this November! If you share our dream of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in the San Francisco Bay Area, then it's important to get involved today!

Q.

What do you need? How can I help?

A.

We need your time, your talent and your financial contributions today! BASOC offers many ways to help, depending on your availability and area of interest: Volunteer at BASOC activities and local events, including many national and international Olympic sport championships throughout the Bay Area this summer! Training for 2012 - help teach kids Olympic values at schools and community centers. Talking for 2012 - help bring the message of our Bid to Bay Area residents. Contribute or raise money to support the Bid Use your skills and talents to support and promote the Bid (marketing, public relations, fundraising, writing, etc.) Sign up and volunteer today!