By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

Munich_2018_poster_on_beer_kellerFebruary 24 - Munich has started to dress up ready for the arrival next week of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, which will be visiting the city to inspect its bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.


Munich 2018's partners, including BMW and Lufthansa, have activated a wide range of marketing initiatives just as the Bid Committee prepares for the most critical week of its campaign with the arrival next Monday (February 28) of the Commision on its last stop on its worldwide tour which has seen them travel to rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang already.

With transport links and public buildings proudly sporting the Munich 2018 emblem and colours, two-time Olympic champion and chair of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, Katarina Witt, is eagerly anticipating the upsurge in Olympic spirit set to sweep the city.

"It is really impressive to see how much our partners are getting behind us right there in blue and white," she said.

"This striking display of unified support is a sign of the successes of our 'Friends of the Bid' programme and our recent positive public opinion polls.

"Munich 2018 is everywhere you look and it proves that the entire city is getting behind the bid.

"It will give us great impetus as we make our final preparations for staging an excellent Evaluation Commission visit."

Munich_2018_shop_front_supporting_bid
A large number of retailers and service providers have decorated their buildings and windows with pro-Munich 2018 messages. Sporthaus Schuster's gigantic 'Pack Ma's' ('Let's do it') banner is one of the most eye-catching examples.

Immo 2018, a partnership of almost 30 companies from the real estate sector, has draped some of Munich's most prominent buildings with huge banners and flags.

Spokesman Peter Bigelmaier expressed the partnership's passion for raising public interest in the bid.

"We're making the most of our resources and using big, attention-grabbing banners on highly frequented buildings and streets," he said.

"We want to strengthen the awareness for this exceptional chance to welcome the world to an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Munich."

Information screens at the metro stations will carry Munich 2018's engaging TV spot, encouraging tens of thousands of daily users to wonder, "What if we all celebrated a winter fairy tale together?"

Outdoor advertising specialists Ströer have provided 400 billboards and over 1,000 posters on advertising pillars across the city.

Munich_2018_beer_mats

Some 24 bars, restaurants and cafés around the historic Marienplatz will distribute 50,000 beer mats bearing the Munich 2018 logo and the slogan, "Enjoy ice cold".

And Munich Municipal Savings Bank is advertising the bid in 91 branches, 50 service points and 185 cash machines.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2011:
Munich 2018 still confident despite Garmisch-Partenkirchen referendum call
February 2011: Expertise, passion and dedication reinforce Munich 2018's Olympic promise
February 2011: Munich 2018 opens new exhibition designed to make sure Nazi mistakes are not forgotten
February 2011: World Ski Championships give Munich 2018 Olympic bid chance to shine