Gay Games Struggling To Woo Spectators

CHICAGO (WBBM)  -- Aside from a few popular events, Gay Games VII has struggled to woo spectators so far this week.

WBBM Newsradio 780's Bob Roberts reports some Gay Games veterans say the Chicago games has suffered because contests are spread out so far across the city.

But Gay Games organizers are taking issue with those who say the venues are too spread out -- and so are some of the athletes.

Gay Games co-vice chair Kevin Boyer admits he has heard the complaints, but said he has heard far more compliments.  He said  those who have had experience at a number of international events, previous Gay Games or Olympic Games know that it's impossible to put everything into one compact area.

"In Sydney, for example, there were some venues that were much further away than the venues we have here," he said.

Swimmer Sean Frampton said at the Sydney Gay Games, the distance from housing to venues made it impossible to see other sports.  Here, he said, he has been able to see martial arts, ballroom dancing, volleyball and other events.

"That's really neat that they're close enough that you can pop in, even it's just to see only five minutes," he said. 

Powerlifting champion Chris Morgan agreed, saying he loves Chicago as a venue, and said it has had a "beautiful vibe" all week. 

Morgan is a world champion and noted that Chicago is seeking the 2016 Olympics. 

Boyer said organizers tried to group the sports into "villages" in which similar competitions focused on one area.  He said he believes it has been largely a success. 

"If you are on the South Side and you are watching golf in Jackson Park and you need to go to (Northwestern University) Welsh-Ryan (Arena, in Evanston) to watch physique, that is a bit of a hike," he said.  "But in general, at any Olympics or any Gay Games, the sports are in locations where it makes sense for them to be."

Boyer said the Gay Games Organizing Committee has kept track of attendance only at those events at which attendance is charged, and said each has met expectations. 

He said Crystal Lake Police informed organizers that rowing events in drew more than 650 people.  He said ticket sales continue for Saturday's 3 p.m. closing ceremonies at Wrigley Field, and said he currently is expecting more than 20,000 to attend.