Could Philadelphia host 2024 Olympics?

It's a long ways off, but could Philadelphia host the 2024 Olympics?

Mayor Nutter sent a letter to the United States Olympic Committee today confirming the city has an interest in bidding on and hosting the Olympic games.

"The city of Philadelphia shares the USOC's dedication to building a spectacular experience for Olympic athletes, the Olympic family and the watching world," Nutter said in a statement. "We have had great success partnering with other organizations to host world-class events and we are committed to working cooperatively and effectively under the direction of the USOC in the months -- and hopefully -- years ahead."

USOC reached out to the 25 largest cities in the country in February to see which would be interested in hosting the Olympics. The last time the U.S. hosted the summer Olympics was in 1996 in Atlanta. Though the winter Olympics was held in Salt Lake City in 2002. The U.S. has hosted the Olympics eight times. New York City and Chicago failed in their bids to host the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, respectively.

Philadelphia was one of five finalists in a bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, said Mayoral spokesman Mark McDonald. The city first began efforts to host the Olympics in 2005, he said.

"It's a process that will go for many years," McDonald said. "The Mayor believes this is a national city on the upswing and in a decade will be prepared to handle a national event."