When the United States Olympic Committee met this past Thursday, they chose the next American nominee for the 2024 games. After 16 months of debate, the winner for the U.S. nomination was announced at the Denver International Airport. Boston, Mass. was chosen over such cities as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the nation’s capital.

This announcement came after two years of dialogue which, experts say, could have brought the games to Los Angeles. California hosted the Olympics in 1932, during the great depression, which around half of the participants could not even afford to attend. They also held the 1984 summer games after Tehran, the only other city interested, did not place a bid. Promoting their past triumphs and venue efficiency, was what LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, had in mind when bidding for the Olympic opportunity. Los Angeles would have joined London in the only cities to have hosted the Olympics three times.

Washington, DC was among those cities in the running for the 2024 games. The Wizards owner Ted Leonisis and the former NFL commissioner were leading the support in DC.

The San Francisco bid would also be defeated despite the picturesque scenery for the outdoor events. They even revamped their bid Wednesday with a new stadium proposal. Unfortunately the centerpiece for the ceremonies and the proposal were of concern going into the conference.

With the bid submitted by the Massachusetts city, Boston has promised to keep the games simple and affordable. They will be getting away from the pricey and failing venues which have become an issue for cities like Sochi and Beijing. Boston has over a hundred different colleges and universities which will accommodate events and provide lodging for the athletes and press.

Shortly after accepting the chance to host, Boston came under scrutiny from their well-organized protest group, which is against the Olympics coming to their city. The group, No Boston Olympics, says that the state needs to focus their attention on internal matters rather than the Olympics. The declaration from the group stated that an Olympics would threaten to divert attention and resources away from these challenges, all for the opportunity to host an event that, according to economists, would not leave the local economy better off.

Their history of providing unsuccessful events has also been a determining factor as well. Only two years ago, the city was devastated by the marathon bombing which resulted in three deaths and over 200 injuries. The disappointment of the Big Dig will also be taken into account for the Olympic proceedings.

The most recent attempts by America to receive the Olympics have ended up in failure. The U.S. placed fourth in the 2012 and 2016 opportunities. In the next two years, Boston will be working with the USOC to put the city on the worldwide map. Only known for the marathon, Boston has the ability to establish a fresh relationship with the Olympic community.

The USOC also needs to be in good standings with the rest of the world, which was not the case six years ago. Chicago finished in last place to Rio de Janeiro, who came in first.

The ultimate choice for the 2024 games will not be made until 2017. Boston and Rome are currently the only international cities to official places bids. France, Germany, and Hungary will also be selecting cities to represent them in the final judgment.