Madrid's 2016 Olympic Bid

People walk by a giant poster promoting the Madrid 2016 bid in downtown Madrid on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. To an outsider, Madrid would seem an ideal candidate to host the 2016 Olympic Games: Some 70 percent of venues completed, a superb transport system, full financial backing and the overwhelming support of its people, politicians and even the King of Spain.

A computer-generated image of the Aquatics Center for the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid. Other cities in contention to host the 2016 Olympics are Tokyo, Chicago and Rio de Janeiro.

A view of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. The Santiago Bernabeu, home of the Real Madrid soccer team, is one of the main stadiums for the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid.

The Madrid 2016 banner is seen in front of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. A decision on which city will get to host the 2016 games will be made on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

A computer-generated image of the Gymnastics' Center for the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid.

Thousands gather while they participate at an event in support of Madrid's 2016 Olympic bid around the Cibeles fountain in Madrid on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. Madrid has a population of 6.2 million in its greater metropolitan area and has never hosted an Olympics.

The Caja Magica (Magic Box) in Madrid, where tennis tornaments are held. To an outsider, Madrid would seem an ideal candidate to host the 2016 Olympic Games: Some 70 percent of venues completed, a superb transport system, full financial backing and the overwhelming support of its people, politicians and even the King of Spain.

Seen here is a view of Madrid's Gran Via. To an outsider, Madrid would seem an ideal candidate to host the 2016 Olympic Games: Some 70 percent of venues completed, a superb transport system, full financial backing and the overwhelming support of its people, politicians and even the King of Spain.

A view of the Metropolis Building, center, in Madrid's Gran Via. Madrid is one of the four cities hoping to host the 2016 Olympic games. The other contenders are Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Chicago.