Boston Olympic bid moves forward with details, opposition

If Boston officials have their way, the 2024 Summer Games will transform the city into a giant Olympic park, with sailing in the harbor, baseball at Fenway Park and beach volleyball at the famed Boston Common.

The Massachusetts capital recently won a competition -- defeating Los Angeles, among other cities -- to be the sole U.S. candidate to host the Games.

But even as the bid committee continues its work, critics have threatened to pursue a referendum that would put the effort up to a public vote.

“We are still thinking through the right strategy,” said Chris Dempsey of a group called No Boston Olympics.

The bid cites a $4.7-billion operating budget that officials say would be covered by broadcast revenue, ticket sales and sponsorships. A temporary stadium and an athletes village at UMass-Boston would be built.

The proposal also involves $5.2 billion in public transportation and infrastructure projects said to be already planned or underway.

The Boston Globe reported that Mayor Marty Walsh has prohibited city employees from speaking negatively about the bid.

The International Olympic Committee has already begun the bidding process for 2024 and will select a host in 2017.