Athens 2004 Olympics: Unprecedented Security Plan & Costs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the security measures implemented for the Athens 2004 Olympics, including their costs and implications for attendance. Participants express various opinions on the necessity and impact of heightened security, as well as their personal interest in attending the event.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants detail the extensive security measures in place, including armed missiles, surveillance cameras, and a large security staff, noting the high costs associated with these measures.
  • Others express indifference towards security concerns, stating they have no plans to engage in illegal activities.
  • Several participants indicate a preference to visit Athens after the Olympics rather than during the event, citing crowd size and personal interests.
  • One participant mentions the decrease in ticket sales as indicative of public fear regarding safety at the event.
  • Some express a desire to attend specific events, such as boxing, but cite financial constraints as a barrier.
  • There is a recurring theme of questioning whether increased security might paradoxically make the environment feel less safe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the implications of the security measures, with no consensus on whether the heightened security is justified or effective. Some are concerned about safety, while others are more focused on personal preferences regarding attendance.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the impact of recent events, such as the unexpected success of Euro2004, on the readiness for the Olympics, suggesting that this may have contributed to delays and heightened security concerns.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the intersection of security, public events, and personal safety, as well as those following the Athens 2004 Olympics and its preparations.

Would you go to the 2004 Olympics?

  • Of course!

    Votes: 4 33.3%

  • Probably...

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Probably not...

    Votes: 2 16.7%

  • Are you insane!?

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Total voters
    12
Dagenais
Messages
293
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Security @ Athens:

1. Dozens of armed Patriot defense missiles
2. Hundreds of surveillance cameras
3 300 closed-circuit cameras monitoring main avenues
4. Three police helicopters
5. Zeppelin airship with security cameras hovering above capital
6. Dozens of new Pac 3 armed and in position in capital
7. 11 surveillance vans
8. 70,000 security staff as well as thousands more cameras on Aug. 13

Athens, Greece's security plan costs more than 1 billion euros. Ticket sales have lowered 30% than Sydney and less visitors are expected in Greece this year than the last. A lot of the above was put into operation today.

If you were given a chance, would you head to the Olympics?
 
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Sure. I love athletic competition.
 
Why would I care about police, surveillance cameras and helicopters? I'm not planning on doing anything illegal.
 
I would wait until it was over and go to Athens to see Athens.
 
Nah, I'd skip it. Nothing to do with security or lack thereof. The pickpockets are probably more of a threat. I just have no desire to attend something with that large of a crowd. I'm content to watch it on TV, though they never show enough of the equestrian events, which are my favorites.
 
Why would I care about police, surveillance cameras and helicopters? I'm not planning on doing anything illegal.

The point of all of that stuff is because Athens is a target. Something bad is expected to go down.

And the decrease of ticket sales show that people are afraid.
 
Have they even finished the stadium yet?
 
I am not sure what the conditional is upon (as implied by the word would). I would go IF i was in athens, however, I am not going as I am not there. Looking forwards to it, although it is not going to be as good as Euro2004 football.
 
plus said:
I am not sure what the conditional is upon (as implied by the word would). I would go IF i was in athens, however, I am not going as I am not there. Looking forwards to it, although it is not going to be as good as Euro2004 football.


FOOTIE! The greatest sport ever invented.
 
  • #10
selfAdjoint said:
I would wait until it was over and go to Athens to see Athens.
Ditto.

I prefer the Winter Olympics anyway.
 
  • #11
plus said:
I am not sure what the conditional is upon (as implied by the word would). I would go IF i was in athens, however, I am not going as I am not there. Looking forwards to it, although it is not going to be as good as Euro2004 football.

It is a major problem for them, that they won the Europ soccer thing, because it was so unexpected, it triggered like an entire week a constant partying. As a result, they are really late for the Olympics.
 
  • #12
i would love to go and see the boxing but alas i havnt the money...

Dagenais said:
The point of all of that stuff is because Athens is a target. Something bad is expected to go down.

if there were fewer cops around would it feel safer?

the idea of there being so much security there doesn't make me want to go any less, unless they start doing strip searches or cavity checks before entering into any viewing areas. in that case i would pass if i was within walking distance