The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg, a project that has become a symbol of political mismanagement due to its massive cost overruns and delays. The hall's troubled history influenced Hamburg's decision to reject hosting the 2024 Olympic Games in a referendum. The author reflects on the potential benefits that the Olympics could have brought to the city, such as improved sports infrastructure and urban redevelopment, but also acknowledges the opportunities now available to invest in other pressing needs like affordable housing. The article suggests that significant urban development seems contingent on hosting major events, yet it also presents the possibility of using the funds earmarked for the Olympics for alternative development projects that could address social inequality and environmental sustainability.