Denver Winter Olympics referendum, 1972

The Denver Winter Olympics Referendum was held in 1972 following the awarding to Denver of the 1976 Winter Olympics. However, a 300% rise in costs and worries about environmental impact led to Colorado voters' rejection on November 7, 1972, by a 3 to 2 margin, of a $5 million bond issue to finance the games with public funds. It was the only time a city awarded the Games rejected them.

Richard Lamm was an obscure state legislator when he led the campaign but with the referendum's success he went on to become governor of Colorado.

Innsbruck, Austria would be selected as the replacement city, hosting the Winter Olympics for the second time.