1
VOLUME ONE
CONTENTS Introduction
p. 4 – 5
1
Concept and Legacy
p. 6 – 10
2
Poltical Structure and Climate
p. 11 – 13
3
Culture
p. 14 – 15
4
Environment
p. 16 – 18
5
Finances
p. 19 – 20
6 Marketing
p. 21 – 22
INTRODUCTION
VOLUME 1
Baton Rouge 2023 plans to create the best Pan-American experience possible, through cultural exploitation, sport, and celebration. Baton Rouges games will be a games of International Celebration. Our vision is founed on lessons learned over the course of 300 years and aims to utilize existing venues and infrastructure, while at the same time engaging a new generation of athletes, architects, and artists to create a games unfied with sustainability and culture. The efforts of Baton Rouge are championed by our bid committee comprised of civic leaders, athletes, citizens, architects, artists, and busisness people. Through out the bid Baton Rouge has maintained a high level of civic engagement, this will continue during the years leading up to the games and especially during the games themselves. Unifiying all of our goals are five values that both our bid committee and city take seriously.
Honor – The ability to host a games that honors all cultures and people Responsibility – The promise to host a games that will be responsible in spending, organization, and construction. Courage – The drive to change how people see large sporting events and the willingness to take the risk that comes with staging such an event. Accountability – Being accountable in all decisions we make. Service – The duty to serve all people of our city by hosting a games that will benefit all people.
These values have not only been at the core of our bid, but have been values that all Baton Rougians hold deeply. In addition to our values and goals, Baton Rouge has pulled experience from over thirty years of event hosting to ensure the success of the Pan-American Games. Even greater are the lessons learned over the past 300 years. Baton Rouge is a city with a unique mix of different cultures that come together to make the unique culture found in the city today, it is a culture deeply embedded with our history. It is this culture and history that Baton Rouge will showcase if awarded the 2023 Pan-American Games.
The games of Baton Rouge will be uniquely athlete centered. Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, the Pan-American Village will be located centrally allowing for short travel time for all athletes. As a result of hosting Baton Rouge will be creating ‘Pan-American Priority Lanes’ and the athletes will have their own fleet of buses and light rail trains. Baton Rouge 2023 will utilize existing sporting venues such as the Pete Maravich Center, Tiger Stadium, and the River Center. All of these venues were developed with large events in mind and will not only be able to handle the crowds expected for the games, but also evoke the spirit of the games. A very small number of permanent venues will be constructed for the games. Instead we have decided to renovate many existing venues in order to ensure a positive legacy and keep costs down. These venues will be The Aquatic Center, Velodrome, The IBM Superdome, and the Pan-American Stadium. Likewise the International Broadcast Center and Main Press Center will be a part of an expansion and renovation of the Baton Rouge River Center. For games time many temporary pavilions will be constructed. These venues will be constructed to the highest quality and placed in front of many famous city sites. Additionally, these venues will be constructed in each cluster appropriately. Baton Rouge’s games will leave an amazing legacy for the city as a whole. With investments on infrastructure, park land, sporting infrastructure, and sports programs for younger athletes, the effects of the games will be felt for years to come. We will inspire the America’s and bring much needed unity to the United States. This unity will come from sport exposing the beauty of sport and the unifying qualities so fervently sponsored by PASO. Baton Rouge is ready to host these games and bring the Americas together with sport and the hope for a brighter future.
1 Pan-American Games Concept and Legacy ____________________________________________ The Baton Rouge Pan-American Games will showcase “L'Inspiration des Jeux”. The simple but effective concept of “One Village, One City” an athlete centered plan, and the promise to create a positive and sustainable legacy.
1.1
Proposed Dates
Volume One
Proposed Dates The proposed dates for the Baton Rouge Pan American Games are from Friday June 20th - Saturday July 8th 2023. These dates fall within the requested time period by PASO. The proposed dates for the Parapan games are Friday July 14th – Saturday July 22nd 2023. These dates were selected because:
They offer the best air quality Best weather during the summer Distance from the high points of Hurricane Season Best natural environment Fall during the Independence Day of the United States which will allow for all athletes and spectators to celebrate the birth of freedom in this continent They fall in between major sporting seasons They will be in the summer holiday for the people of the US allowing for many spectators
1.2
Vision for the Games
Volume One
Vision The Baton Rouge vision can be summed up in the motto “L’Inspiration des Jeux”. This simple, but powerful statement embodies the United States relationship with sports and global friendship. It is at the heat of our vision for Baton Rouge’s games. Translated it means “The Inspiration of the Games”, and this inspiration is defined by the legacy of the games, athletes, sports, artistic programs, and civic engagement. The organizing committee is committed to providing the best possible experience to the PASO family by combining American excellence and love of sports with an international flair. This committee will provide the PASO family with the best games, through:
Creating a powerful relationship between the local, state, and national government Placing the athletes at the heart of our games Understanding and taking into account the needs of all participating NOC’s Focus on phenomenal organization of the games Creating an event that is as unique as it is familiar
The vision for our games was inspired by the legacies studied during our bid. These legacies come from both Olympic and Pan-American host cities with the goal to fix what went wrong and to repeat what went well. These cities were:
Toronto Rio London Atlanta Sydney Barcelona Indianapolis Los Angeles Lima
Over the course of our bid we have learned much and grown even more. We have a firm vision of a games that inspire, leave behind a positive legacy, and bring the magic of the Pan-American Games to a new generation of sports lovers. Like we did in 1983 with the International Summer Special Olympics, Baton Rouge will welcome the world and truly embody “L’Inspiration des Jeux”. Concept The Baton Rouge 2023 Concept for staging the Pan-American games centers around the creation of a new athletic center along the cities interstate. Our goal is to create a plan focused on the idea of ‘Two Clusters and One Village’. Our main clusters intersect on the Athletes Village, creating easy access for all athletes. The first cluster will be the Downtown Cluster, this cluster is located along the Mississippi River and focuses on venues in the Louisiana State University area and Downtown Baton Rouge. The second cluster, or the Legacy Cluster is located in South Medical District. It is centralized around the Pan-American Park and temporary venues located in the new Westminster Park. The Athletes Village will be located in between these two clusters. It will have direct access to light rail, interstate, and high speed rail connection. The village will offer fantastic facilities for the athletes and new housing opportunities after the games. In partnership with the states of Texas, Georgia, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Mississippi, and Alabama a new high speed rail system will be created. This will be the nation’s first and will link Baton Rouge with other cities in the American south-east and south-west. This will allow for spectators around the nation to have easy and affordable access to the games and create a positive legacy which will help the United States continue to innovate, grow, and stay competitive. The most notable cities this line will connect are Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Jackson, Mobile, and Atlanta. Finally, to ensure safe and easy travel athletes will have the option of bus, and expanded light rail system, or city owned bikes.
1.3 Legacy
Volume One
Legacy The most notable legacy of the games will be the new parks, athletic facilities, and housing opportunities. Beyond that will be a rejuvenated city, intercontinental rail connection, strengthened international relationships, and a generation of young people inspired to pick up sport. The Baton Rouge games will be the legacy games and it is our goal to use these games as a catalyst for growth in both the city and state. Additionally we want to further American economic growth through other national projects. Our games will also be environmentally and fiscally friendly. We plan on using as many temporary venues as possible and all permanent venues will be maintained by the BRAFA or Baton Rouge Athletic Facility Association. They will maintain the cleanliness and proper use of both the permanent venues and temporary venues. The new parks will be given to the city and maintained by BREC (Baton Rouge Ecology Committee) and will be added to the cities pre-existing parks program. The Athletes Village will become the location of new dorms and housing for LSU. The training facilities will be repurposed into community centers, shops, and restaurants. The village itself will integrate with the City Park next door, University Lakes, Garden District, and LSU campus. We are also pledging the creation of the WSA or World Sport America. This organization will build upon the legacy of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid legacy. During Chicago’s bid, World Sport Chicago, a city wide youth athletic program, was created. As a result of Baton Rouge hosting and bidding for the games, World Sport America will be created. This program will bring new athletic opportunities to cities across America through their own local branch. In the summer all of these athletes will come together in an American city to compete in the World Sport America Olympics. This organization will inspire millions of young Americans to be active, involved with their community, and teach them valuable life lessons.
The legacy of the Baton Rouge games will not be limited to city or state borders, but instead spread across the nation and continent, achieving the goal set forth by the Olympic movement.
2 Political Structure and Climate ____________________________________________ The United States is a global leader economically, culturally, military, and politically. Founded on principles of freedom, equal opportunity, and democracy this nation has gown into a world super power. Divided into fifty states and many territories, the United States has connected nearly 400 million people and continues to do so to this day.
2.1 Political Structure
Volume One
Political Structure The United States is a constitutional republic. It has three main branches of government that handle varying jobs of the government. The nation is divided into fifty states, 49 continental and one island. These states manage domestic affairs in each state while the national government handles national and foreign issues. The three branches of government are: Executive: President and his cabinet Legislative: The Congress which includes the Senate and House of Representatives Judicial: The Supreme Court Baton Rouge is the capitol city of the State of Louisiana and is located in the nations south-east. It too has the same branches of government with the added feature of Napoleonic Code. The East Baton Rouge Parish is the cities metropolitan area and is controlled by the Metropolitan City Council. The council and state government will be the main governmental partners during the games, but the national government will provide security for the games. The United States government is not only easy to work with, but open to events such as the Pan-American Games.
2.2 Political Climate
Volume One
Political Climate The United States is one of the most politically stable nations in the world. Every four, two, and six years, there is an election. A governor and president can only serve two, four year terms, representatives two years with unlimited terms, and senators serve six years with unlimited terms. There are two main political parties in the nation, these parties are the Republican Party, and Democrat Party. Each work well together in governmental affairs. As of September 2014, the Republican’s hold a majority in the House of Representatives and the Democrats hold a majority in the Senate. Current President Barack Obama is a Democrat. In the State of Louisiana there is a Republican majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Our Governor Bobby Jindal is Republican. The Metropolitan City Council has neither a majority of either party and the mayor Kip Holden is a Democrat. Both the nation and state have smooth power transitions between administrations and very rarely do violent riots or protests occur. The United States is a secular nation, practices free speech, rights to assemble, and the right to worship freely. This very rarely leads to violence or revolt. The United States will be a safe and responsible host of the Pan-American Games and welcome to the world to a nation of nations.
3 Culture ____________________________________________ Baton Rouge lye’s at the crossroads of Cajun, French, and Spanish cultures. It is uniquely Baton Rouge and uniquely Louisianan. The city is colorful, young, and exciting. This unique blend is reflected in our events, architecture, and will be in our games.
3.1 Culture
Volume One
Culture When most people think of Louisiana they think of New Orleans culture, but Louisiana is so much more. Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana’s complex cultural mix and a perfect place for the various cultures of the Americas to gather. Founded in 1719 by the French, Baton Rouge gained prominent French culture. This was expanded upon as Baton Rouge grew into the cross roads of American’s coming from the east, immigrants from the south, and French settlers from Canada or Cajuns. When Louisiana became part of the Spanish Empire, Baton Rouge gained an influx of Spanish culture that survives today. Now the city is home to a very diverse population and two major universities that have brought new life to the city. Home to one of the nation’s largest ports, Baton Rouge receives cultural gifts from around the world. Baton Rougians are proud of their culture and city, they are proud of their achievements and optimistic about what the future brings. However, being the states capitol, Baton Rouge is also home to state wide favorites. The most notable being the Mardi-Gras celebrations which are held every year in the cities historic Spanish Town in the downtown area. The parades of the season and other yearly events have a unique Baton Rouge flair to them that not only separate them from New Orleans, but exploit the cities strong cultural mix. Baton Rouge is an athletic city, this is reflected in our culture. Year round Baton Rouge is host to runs, marathons, cycling events, and of course college football. Louisiana State University is the heart of the city and Game-day holds traditions all Baton Rougians love. The games in Baton Rouge will offer athletes and spectators the opportunity to experience a new culture. A culture embedded in history, refreshed with youth, and electrified by sport.
4 Environment ____________________________________________ Baton Rouge sits along the Mississippi River and is protected by a natural bluff. The city is surrounded by lush green parks, winding bayous, and public lakes. Roads are lined with beautiful rows of trees and landscaping cultivating a beautiful atmosphere for the games.
4.1 Environment
Volume One
Envitonment The natural environment of Baton Rouge is not typical for cities in this part of the state. It is surprisingly hilly and protected by a natural bluff from hurricanes. The city is split by two large rivers, the Mississippi and Amite. Throughout the city are many bayous, lakes, and large parks. The city as a whole is very green and you would be hard pressed to not find a park, tree lined street, or water spaces in the city. All of these parks come together to create a truly beautiful city. Baton Rouge has a mix between sprawl and density. Over the past decade any efforts have been made to make the city more dense, but there are still sprawled areas. In order to cope with this a new ring road and network of boulevard will be constructed in the lead up to the games. The existing light rail system will also be expanded with stops at all main venue clusters. During the games Athlete Priority Lanes will be created to give athletes and national delegations quick and easy transportation to and from venues. The final transportation addition that will be added is high speed rail (see pg. 8) During the games the weather will be warm and humid. Average temperatures run to 76-86 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-30 degrees Celsius. The evenings are much cooler and rain is very light and rare, while day time breezes are the norm. During the summer time many residents enjoy our beautifully shaded parks and recreational centers. Baton Rouge also offers fantastic indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. The venue plan has been designed to take advantage of the landscape and offer many different solutions for athletes and spectators to cope with the weather.
The games will be both enjoyable and easy to get around. They will be held in the cities best natural landscapes and provide the best possible experience for athletes and spectators.
5 Finances ____________________________________________ The Baton Rouge games will be affordable and privately funded. This will decrease the use of public money and leave behind a positive legacy without an expensive and public tab.
5.1 Budget
Volume One
Budget The budget of the games is projected at 3.5 billion dollars. Much of that money will go towards to new parks, athlete’s village, and infrastructure improvements. The entire games will be privately funded and not a dime will be taken from tax payers. We feel that the games are a private event that is not necessary for the city to survive and grow. Therefore we also believe that using public money would not be justified. If Baton Rouge wins the honor of hosting the games the organizing committee will create more detailed and full budget that will help guide us in funding and organizing the games.
5.2 Financial Legacy
Volume One
Financial Legacy The financial legacy of the games will be found in the billions of private money invested in the event and lack of tax payer dollars. It has become a recent trend for cities to spend billions of dollars on sporting venues that hold no real legacy and instead become a waste of money, time, and resources. Baton Rouge will not fall in line with this trend, instead each and every dime spent will hold some type of legacy value for the city. Baton Rouge will host a games that are fiscally responsible and legacy oriented. Not only will this leave a positive memory of the games on the public, but ensure future growth for the city.
6 Marketing ____________________________________________ The games will be marketed to a vast audience of millions of people around the nation and continent. We plan on marketing not only the city and event, but also the Pan-American Games.
6.1 Marketing Vision
Volume One
Brand The brand of the games is focused around the logo and our motto of “The Inspiration of the Games�. Very artistic style posters will be used during the games. The posters and banners will feature vibrant, and paint brush styles. The motto will be used in three different languages, all of which are spoken in the state. These languages will be English, French, and Spanish. The brand will be bilingual, communicating to a vast audience of people the values of the movement and goal of the games. The brand will be featured in all marketing materials, such as commercials, banners, posters, products, and other marketing materials. Television The games will be televised nationally by NBC. A year long marketing campaign will begin from the 2022 Winter Games to the Opening Ceremonies on TV. This will be the first time the games will be televised in this nature for American audiences. The games will be also be available for millions of audiences in the Americas. This will expand the Pan-American Games globally to a new audience. Internet The Internet has become a vital part of the modern world. It has changed the way we communicate, think, do business, and live. The Baton Rouge games will connect with the youth of the internet through a website, multiple social media accounts, and a YouTube channel that will stream live videos from the games and various other video types. This will bring the games to an even greater population of people globally in order to push the ideals and goals of the Olympic Movement. The marketing plan will not only bring the games to all, but fill them with a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.