Bids for the 2007 Pan American Games

As early as 1999, Rio de Janeiro decided to bid for the 2007 Pan American Games over the 2008 Summer Olympics.^[3] Rio de Janeiro representatives cited that their beaches were superior to the San Antonio River Walk, their conditions for the games were better, and that hosting the games would mean more to Brazil than the United States.^[4] Additionally, Brazil on in a emergential basis, agreed to host the 2002 South American Games in four cities, including Rio de Janeiro, after the games had to be relocated away from its initial host Medellín, Colombia, due to city violence concerns, with just three months of planning.^[5] Rio also took advantage of the world climate post the September 11 attacks in the United States, touting that they were a terrorism-free city.^[6]

On October 16, 1999, San Antonio was selected over Houston, Raleigh-Durham, and Miami to be the running host city for the 2007 Pan American Games by the United States Olympic Committee.^[7][8] In many circles, San Antonio was the clear front-runner to hold the games. Financially, $4.6 million of the $5.5 million the city promised for the games was already in the bank, and the city promised free airfare, hotel rooms, food, and long-distance calls for all of the athletes and delegates.^[4] Additionally, the bid noted that the city had every venue already built, sans a main track and field stadium and a velodrome.^[2]

Much to many peoples surprise, San Antonio did not win the host rights. San Antonio's bid committee members were "reeling in disbelief," due to the fact that San Antonio had hosted numerous multi-sport international games and had been trying to hold the Pan American Games for 15 years.^[2] Some sources claim that the city's chances of winning were hampered by the political relationship between the USOC and PASO.^[9]

• Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara officially entered the bidding process on August 17, 2001 at the PASO general assembly meetings in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.^[10] However, the city decided to withdraw early due to the discouraging outlook.^[11]