In the summer of 2008, if a Boston planning committee of financiers, politicians and community activists has its way, Harvard's campus could be transformed.

Carl Lewis, trying for yet another gold medal, could be living in Pennypacker Hall. Fans may spot Jennifer Capriati and Venus Williams walking to the Dunster House dining hall for a bite to eat. Italy's Roberto Baggio, a bit past his prime, would be practicing his footwork on the Harvard soccer fields.

For four years, the Boston Organizing Committee (BOC) has worked to build a plan for holding the 2008 Olympics in Boston. And a key part in the blueprint is Harvard, which would serve as the Olympic village and host three events: judo, the modern pentathlon, and possibly the preliminary rounds of soccer competition.

The University has not been deeply involved in the planning so far. But Harvard representatives went to a public meeting October 12, and officials say they are willing to commit University resources.

"There is no way Harvard as a member of the community would not be involved," says Associate Vice President for University Relations John P. Reardon.

Planners say the Olympics would bring valuable publicity, tourist dollars and community pride to Boston and Cambridge. Students and Cambridge residents say they like the idea.

Even as a staff of 200 volunteers moves forward with planning, however, leaders acknowledge that winning the Olympics will not be easy. At least six other cities are competing for the chance, but community leaders say Boston's long-term organization may tip the balance.

"Boston is further ahead than any other U.S. city in thinking about the complexity of the summer Olympics," says Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs James H. Rowe '73.

Logistics

Bringing the Olympics to Boston and Harvard would be a complex undertaking.

For a summer Olympics, a city must house about 15,000 athletes, coaches and officials. Under the BOC plan, Harvard, MIT and Boston University would provide the nucleus of the Olympic village, converting dorms to house the participants.

Boston must provide 26 athletic

'Boston is further ahead than any other U.S. city in thinking about the complexity of the summer Olympics'  --Vice President James H. Rowe '73

Boston must provide 26 athletic venues, from a rifle range to a field for equestrian events. According to the BOC feasibility report, 22 sites are already available.

Three of those are at Harvard (please see graphic, this page). Under the BOC plan, the judo competition would take place in the University's Bright Arena.

The modern pentathlon would also take place at Harvard, though the specific facilities are not yet planned. Preliminary soccer competition could be in the Harvard Stadium, though planners say the Yale Bowl and Holy Cross stadium are other possible sites.