Welcome to Los Angeles, California; where Hollywood stars reside,
famous athletes and a host of many venues to soak in. Back in the
moment of truth, LA was hosting the Summer Games. How modern
technology changed the landscape of viewership and leaving fans in
awe. It became a lot bigger over time but 1984 was the beginning of
something special.
The man behind this monumental innovation was Peter Ueberroth, a
world renowned sport business leader and entrepreneur, who wanted
to make the LA Olympics worth every minute of viewers time. A former
athlete himself; letting in football, baseball, and swimming. What
Ueberroth had in mind was about to change how we view the
Olympics. Out of this world advanced technology which set the
standard of sporting events.
It was here in 1984, where athletes would have the introduction of
electronic emails. Informing them as to what events and time schedules
for them to arrive. This was a first for all, including broadcasters and
sideline reporters. With each event came time clocks for plenty of the
events as track and field, swimming, you name it. With this being
privately financed by Ueberroth, it was a calculated gamble.
This opened the doors for sponsorships for athletes, teams, networks
and all the makings in succeeding on US soil. Ueberroth’s vison was
fully accomplished, while surpassing $250 million dollars. It became the
gold standard to Olympic competition. This also opened the doors for
the USOC to jointly recruit sponsors and share revenue.
You can arguably say 1984 Summer Olympics was very successful in
achieving milestones in finances and viewership. There was some doubt
as if Ueberroth could make this possible by using his own money to
make history. The bar was set very high, and every four years became
must see television. With all the advanced technology we have in the
Summer Games, none of it would be possible without Peter Ueberroth.
As you watch the Paris Games here in a few weeks, be appreciative of
the impact and legacy Mr. Ueberroth left. Without him, there is no
technology in place. He’s the reason we tune in every four years to see
world class athletes and all the new gadgets implemented. The
Olympics is truly the greatest sporting event around the world. Enough
coverage from start to finish in what’ll be exciting for all spectators. In
the end, Peter Ueberroth is the gold standard in how we view the
Summer Games. Thank you Mr. Ueberroth for all the contributions
made in making the Olympics what it is in present time.
