Utah Leaders Tout Readiness for 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City

Governor Cox and Mayor Mendenhall express excitement and confidence in Utah's ability to host the games.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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With just over 2,900 days until the 2034 Winter Olympics kick off in Salt Lake City, Utah leaders including Governor Spencer Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall have expressed enthusiasm and readiness to host the games. They highlighted Utah's young population, strong volunteerism, and the large number of Olympians who call the state home, as well as the lasting legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Why it matters

The 2034 Winter Olympics represent a major opportunity for Utah to showcase itself on the global stage and build upon the success of the 2002 games. As one of the youngest states in the U.S. with a strong sports culture, Utah is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional Olympic experience for athletes and spectators alike.

The details

At a press conference in Italy, officials from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the Utah 2034 organizing committee, and Utah state and local government leaders touted the state's readiness to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. They highlighted Utah's demographics, with an average age of 32 and a high rate of volunteerism, as well as the large number of Olympians who train in the state. The organizing committee, led by a team of 15 with over 275 years of Olympic experience, has already raised over $250 million through its Podium 34 fundraising effort.

  • The 2034 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin on February 10, 2034.
  • Officials estimate that 3 billion people will watch the games in Utah in some form.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who expressed excitement about Utah's young population and strong volunteerism rate, as well as the large number of Olympians who call the state home.

Erin Mendenhall

The Mayor of Salt Lake City, who highlighted the similarities between Utahns and Italians and said that Salt Lake City is preparing to bring the Olympics "in full form" to the city.

Sarah Hirshland

The CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who praised Utah as a "perfect place" for the games due to the state's commitment to healthy sports cultures.

Brad Wilson

The CEO and vice chair of the Utah 2034 organizing committee, who noted that the team of 15 people working on the games has over 275 years of Olympic experience between them.

Podium 34

An organization started by the Utah 2034 organizing committee to raise funds for the games, which has already seen more than $250 million in charitable contributions.

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What they’re saying

“I'm here to emphasize to all of you how excited we are about the journey ahead with the Utah 2034 team across the board. It's an incredible place, Utah. If you've not been, I encourage you to make time to visit.”

— Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

“People will remember from the 2002 games, the tens of thousands of volunteers who showed out.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah

“Salt Lake City can't wait to host. Our legacy is alive and well. Our venues are alive and well, and our passion and learning from Milano Cortina and the beautiful community here about what legacy can look like is part of why we are here today.”

— Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City

What’s next

The Utah 2034 organizing committee will continue its fundraising efforts through Podium 34 and work to finalize preparations for the games, which are scheduled to begin on February 10, 2034.

The takeaway

Utah's enthusiasm, experience, and strong sports culture make it well-positioned to deliver a successful and memorable 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, building upon the legacy of the 2002 games and showcasing the state's vibrant communities to a global audience.