Paris Promises Low Cost Games in 2024, No White Elephants

With existing infrastructure at the heart of the project, leaders of the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympics are promising limited spending and long-lasting benefits if the French capital is chosen to host the games.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, projected on a giant screen, delivers his speech during the official presentation of Paris as candidate for the 2024 Olympic summer games in Paris, France, on Feb. 17, 2016. Paris, which hosted the Olympics in 1900 and 1924, is competing against Budapest, Rome and Los Angeles for the games. The International Olympic Committee will choose the host city in September 2017. AP Photo/Francois Mori

PARIS—With existing infrastructure at the heart of the project, leaders of the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympics are promising limited spending and long-lasting benefits if the French capital is chosen to host the games.

At a presentation Wednesday at Paris’ Philarmony concert hall attended by Prime Minister Manuel Valls and more than 300 athletes, Paris officials said they could offer a “new era” for the Olympics with a plan that involves 95 percent existing or temporary venues.

The Stade de France, a new cycling track on the outskirts of Paris, the Roland Garros tennis stadium and many Parisian landmarks including the Grand Palais and Champ de Mars will be used if Paris gets the games.

The Eiffel Tower-shaped bid logo for the Paris 2024 is projected on a screen during the official presentation of Paris as candidate for the 2024 Olympic summer games in Paris, France, on Feb. 17, 2016. AP Photo/Francois Mori