Whether you’re for or against the 2024 Boston Olympics bid, it’s time to start crossing your fingers, as the Boston 2024 Partnership has officially submitted its proposal to the United States Olympic Committee ahead of a Monday deadline.

“Boston 2024 is excited about the submission of its bid to the US Olympic Committee, which outlines the many reasons why Boston would be an ideal host for the Summer 2024 Games, including our world-class university partners; the region’s thriving innovation, technology, financial, medical and hospitality sectors; our widespread government, business, and community support; and a unique plan for a walkable, sustainable and cost-effective Olympics,’’ the group said in a statement.


The USOC will decide whether to move forward with the Boston plan, or a competing bid from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco, later this winter, most likely in January.

There would then be a period of several months during which the USOC would work closely with the chosen bid’s organizing committee to consider whether to officially submit it to the International Olympic Committee, against bids from across the world.

If Boston is selected, Boston 2024 says, that period will feature public meetings and other opportunities for input. The group has caught some flack in recent weeks for not hosting any sort of public forum prior to offering the city up to the USOC.

A group called No Boston Olympics has been fighting the bid, and local activists have also begun planning protests against the proposed Games. Critics argue that the Olympics bring little in the way of economic benefit; doubt that construction costs in Boston can be covered with $4.5 billion in private financing (as suggested by Boston 2024); and that even if cost is not an issue, the state would be better served by focusing on other priorities.

The San Francisco bid had been officially submitted as of 11 a.m. this morning, a spokesperson for that city’s organizing committee told Boston.com. Spokespeople for the D.C. and L.A. bids did not return phone calls seeking comment, but both were expected to submit their bids.


The IOC will decide on a host for the 2024 Games in 2017.