US Olympic Committee, Colorado Springs mayor cut ribbon on new headquarters

Ribbon cut on new USOC headquarters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — U.S. Olympic Committee leaders have cut the ribbon on their new headquarters, the cornerstone of a $53 million project that will keep the organization in Colorado Springs for the next 30 years.

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun and Mayor Lionel Rivera were among those cutting the ribbon Monday.

Blackmun joked it was a good thing the scissors weren’t available during a difficult negotiation process that resulted in lawsuits, delays and consideration of relocating the headquarters.

The city approved a deal requiring it to pay $1.7 million a year for the next 30 years to repay “certificates of participation” that pushed the project forward. Critics said the money could be better spent.