Knise responded by reminding Turanchik of USOC rules that forbid officials from one city from publicly comparing it to another bid city.
Turanchik said he believes Tampa will be selected because it would generate enormous profits for Olympic stakeholders."When you combine the Florida brand with the marketing power of the Olympic rings and the attractions of Disney resorts, you create an unparalleled marketing force," Turanchik said.
But Knise said he would advise Florida officials not to underestimate Washington-Baltimore.
"I'm not sure you can compare Disney World to the National Mall, the Smithsonian and Inner Harbor," Knise said.
Tampa officials concede possible drawbacks to their Olympic bid include Florida's hot summers and the potential for hurricanes. The USOC will name a U.S. candidate city in October 2002 that will compete against international competitors. The International Olympic Committee will choose a host city for the 2012 Games in 2005.
If the Florida bid is selected to hold the Olympics, about 50 percent of venues will be in Tampa, with the remainder scattered across central Florida. Organizers plan to build a waterfront village for 17,000 athletes and a 100,308-seat stadium in Tampa's downtown on what is currently a public housing site.
A 30-acre Olympic Village, Aquatics Center and Eco Sports Center will also be constructed nearby.
Under the plan contained in Washington-Baltimore bid, the events would be concentrated in a 20-mile corridor that runs from Morgan State University to the north to George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., to the south.
But Florida officials make it clear they think that playing host to the Super Bowl gives them a powerful advantage.
The Florida 2012 logo has been put on the scoreboard at Raymond James Stadium, where the Super Bowl will be played.
"The whole world will be watching us Sunday night," Greco said. "We will speak for ourselves without having to say a word to anyone."
