For the first time in the 21st century, Salt Lake City was not the top U.S. market for the Olympic Games.
Minneapolis was the top market for NBC’s primetime coverage of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, averaging a 19.4 rating — up 2% from Vancouver in 2010 (19.1), and up 7% from Turin in 2006 (18.2). Other than Denver in 2008, which tied for the top spot, Minneapolis is the first market other than Salt Lake City rank as the top Olympic market since before 2000.
Salt Lake City ranked in second place with a 19.0 rating, down 13% from 2010 (21.9) and down 12% from 2006 (21.6). The 19.0 is the lowest average for any Olympics in the market since before 2000. Rounding out the top five were Denver (18.3, -14% from 2010), Milwaukee (17.0, -19%) and Kansas City (16.6, -6%).
Several other markets had declines from 2010, including Portland (15.7, -11%), Boston (14.6, -11%), Chicago (14.5, -8%), Seattle (14.2, -28%), and Oklahoma City (14.0, -18%). Seattle and Portland, it should be noted, are in close proximity to the 2010 host city Vancouver. Indianapolis was one of the few markets to have an increase, averaging a 16.0 rating — up 2% from 2010 (15.7).
Keep in mind the local averages do not include the first Thursday of competition.
Top Local Market For the Olympic Games
Dating back to 2000
(Local numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
