The poll found 72 per cent of Chicagoans surveyed want the Games in Chicago and nationally the figure is 82 per cent.
 
Zogby International, which has been tracking public opinion since 1984, conducted the poll last week and surveyed more than 700 respondents in Chicago and 800 national respondents.

Chicago or Rio de Janeiro are the favourites to be awarded the Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session on Friday.

The poll was commissioned after one undertaken earlier this month by the Chicago Tribune, which claimed that nearly as many city residents opposed the Olympic plans, 45 per cent, as support them, 47 per cent, with many of them fearing that the local taxpayer would end up having to cover any financial shortfall.
 
This latest poll was conducted following publication of a report by the Civic Federation of Chicago that described Chicago 2016’s operating budget as “fair and reasonable,” and a unanimous vote by the Chicago City Alderman to sign the IOC Host City Contract, should Chicago be awarded the Games.

Patrick Ryan, the chairman and chief executive of Chicago 2016, said: "We are gratified by these results and believe this poll reflects the excitement and enthusiasm people have for bringing the Games to Chicago in 2016.

"Moving into the last days of the bid and our final presentation to the International Olympic Committee, we appreciate the continued support, locally and nationally, for our efforts."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected].


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