06.21.2024

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Going for gold, failing to qualify

Remembering when Portland tried and failed to host the Olympics

A black and white illustration shows renderings of a massive domed stadium surrounded by sprawling parking lots that radiate outwards.

At 1,000 ft in diameter and 300 ft in height, the Delta Dome would’ve covered five blocks, surpassing the Hilton by seven stories. | Photo via Portland City Archives

With just over a month until the Paris 2024 Olympics, we thought we’d take a stroll, nay a sprint, down memory lane, to the time when Portland threw its hat, or perhaps its discus, into the rings to host the 1968 Summer Games.

The year was 1962 and civic leaders had dreams of pole vaulting to the top of the sports world. For Mayor Terry Schrunk and Portland Olympic Council Chairman Milo McIver (of state park fame), the plan hinged on the city’s “unique natural assets” and “a vast recreation complex.”

Eyes turned toward Delta Park in North Portland with the intent to build an Olympic stadium, a 60,000-seat outdoor swimming facility, and athlete housing, plus a boating center in Sellwood, not to mention the use of existing venues like Memorial Coliseum and the Portland Expo Center.

All told, the fantastic visions came with a very real price tag — $63 million, or approx. $655 million today.

The effort’s legs got wobbly trying to lift its heaviest weight — the Delta Dome, a state-of-the-art covered arena that proponents hoped would attract professional football and baseball teams. When Portland voters rejected the project in 1964 (by only 9,000 ballots), Seattle eventually became the preferred expansion for the NFL and MLB — and any Olympic aspirations Portland had crumbled.

Ultimately, Mexico City won the bid for 1968. Some would argue Portland not getting out of the starting blocks back then was a blessing in disguise, but that didn’t stop another recent yet still unsuccessful attempt.

Asked

Although the US did not host the 1968 Summer Olympics, what city did the national committee choose as its candidate to host?

A. Los Angeles
B. New York
C. Detroit
D. Chicago

Can you make the podium?

Events

Friday, June 21

Grand Opening | Friday, June 21 | 3-10 p.m. | Three Mugs Public House, 16755 SW Baseline Rd., Ste. 110, Beaverton | Free | Check out this new place for a brew in the ‘burbs.
“The Seagull” | Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 30 | Times vary | Twilight Theater Company, 7515 N. Brandon Ave., Portland | $20-$30 | Blinking Eye Theatre presents this dark comedy by Anton Chekhov centered on themes of unrequited love and obsession.
“Transatlanticism: A Circus Tribute” | Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23 | Times vary | A-WOL Dance Collective, 513 NE Schuyler St., Portland | $30-$42.50 | Get ready for “The Sound of Settling” and the sight of acrobatics with this “only in Portland’ show that pairs circus performance with Death Cab for Cutie.

Saturday, June 22

PDX Parent Family Festival | Saturday, June 22 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd., Portland | Free | Pile the kids in the car and head to Sauvie Island for some summertime games, music, and fun.
Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | Saturday, June 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Providence Park, 1844 SW Morrison St., Portland | $25-$253 | It’s been rough sailing for Gary Neville’s crew in the Cascadia Cup this year, let’s see if they can right the ship against our rivals way up north.
Iron & Wine - Light Verse 2024 Tour (Night 2, all ages) | Saturday, June 22 | 8 p.m. | Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside St., Portland | $50-$60 | Listen to the folk sounds of Samuel Ervin Beam, who is known for songs like “Call It Dreaming” and “Boy With a Coin.”

Sunday, June 23

Portland Beer and Cheese Fest | Sunday, June 23 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Bauman’s Cider, 930 SE Oak St., Portland | $50 | You’re in for a gouda time at this celebration of suds.
Portland Thorns vs. Kansas City Current | Sunday, June 23 | 1 p.m. | Providence Park, 1844 SW Morrison St., Portland | $33-$154 | You’ll want to be there for the rematch of the season opener, which saw nine goals scored in a 5-4 thriller.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Health

Oregon health officials reported three cases of measles, one in Marion County and two in Clackamas County, although the exact exposure location is unknown so there may be more unreported cases of the disease. Doctors stress the importance of being up-to-date on vaccinations to limit the spread. (KGW)

Tech

Meet LASSIE — no, not the beloved collie of the silver screen, but NASA’s “Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments” project. Researchers are using a dog-like robot (named Spirit) to explore the surface of Mount Hood, where terrain resembles that of the moon and Mars. (KGW)

Award

Congratulations to Jordan Valls, the bar manager at Palomar, for being named a finalist in Punch’s 2024 Best New Bartenders. That list will be cut in half, with the top 10 announced on Aug. 13. Quick, somebody make him a drink. (Punch)

Travel

The warm winds of summer are blowing in Lincoln City, which will host its annual Summer Kite Festival tomorrow and Sunday. Head to D River State Recreation Site to watch hundreds of fliers take to the skies, with a make-your-own workshop, art, and carnival games. Wondering where to park?

Real Estate

Anyone want to chip in to buy this West Linn property that comes with two fairways? Developers recently purchased the plot, a former golf course, with the intent to build a custom house in the neighborhood of $6 or $7 million. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Sports

We’re five days away from the NBA Draft. Will Portland’s franchise have fortune in its future or are we destined to be cellar dwellers for the foreseeable? Locked On Blazers has the latest buzz.

Fact or Fiction

Esketamine, aka Spravato, is a game-changing medication that can help adults with treatment-resistant depression. See the answer.*^†

Home

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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. PDXtoday advises consumers to consult a physician before trying new products and to always read a company’s and/or product’s full terms and conditions. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by PDXtoday.

Today Is

🧘 International Day of Yoga

Flow at these Portland yoga studios

Eight people practice yoga, standing on mats with their arms raised toward the sky, on a tiled rooftop.

The Breathe Building offers rooftop yoga, dance, meditation, roller skating, and more. | Photo by @breathebuilding

We don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say that Portlanders love yoga. Here are some studios where you can find your flow.

The Breathe Building, 2305 SE 50th Ave.
Build a strong and diverse fitness foundation with classes ranging from alignment-based yoga to roller skating, dance, and bodyweight training.

Rhythms, 1005 NW 16th Ave.
Feel an immediate sense of belonging and relaxation when you enter this calming space where all bodies are welcome and encouraged to find fun, fluidity, and friendship in physical challenges.

Forge Hot Yoga & Hot Pilates, 1301 NE Alberta St.
Dip your toes or dive fully into Bikram Hot Yoga, Hot Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, and Inferno Hot Pilates. Students are encouraged to try any class (there are indoor, outdoor, and online options) and instructors will help modify poses based on individual needs.

12 more studios

The Buy

The Buy 6.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Our Place’s take on a pressure + slow cooker. The Dream Cooker has the brand’s signature modern finish with multi-cooking capabilities. If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that also has countertop appeal, this is it.

Answered

What marketing ploy did Airstream try with great success in 1947?

French cyclist Alfred Letourneur pulls an Airstream trailer behind his bike in 1947. The shiny aluminum exterior reflects a dry desert surrounding. — That’s one way to work out your quads.
|
Photo courtesy of Airstream

Airstreams are so lightweight, you can pull them by bike, as long as you have a hitch. That was the pitch the company tried in 1947, and it sure took off (and even became their logo).

For our quiz, 38% guessed correctly, followed by 25% who were fooled by frying an egg on the outside — although, that’s not unimaginable.

Stay at an Airstream hotel

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

Next Tuesday, I’m heading to my first outdoor concert of the year (and my first at McMenamins Grand Lodge). We’re seeing Icelandic blues rock group KALEO and I’ll be reminiscing about my trip to the Nordic country the whole time.

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