Despite the deficit and the technical problems that continue to plague the Olympic Stadium, the 1976 Games were considered a great success. The IOC even recognized their exceptional organization and smooth operations.
The Games’ brand image, logos, posters and all aspects of visual design were globally praised, notably by well-known design magazines.
Montreal implemented extensive security measures for the Games, which took place with no incidents of violence. These precautions were taken in response to the terrorist raid at the 1972 Munich Games, which had a profound impact on the Olympic world. In that attack, a Palestinian militant group known as Black September kidnapped members of the Israeli delegation. In total, eleven Israeli athletes, judges and coaches were killed. During the rescue attempt, five of the eight terrorists and one German police officer also died.
Finally, the new sports infrastructure built for the Games has enabled Montrealers to learn about new sports and encouraged the development of a competitive new generation of Olympians. Many of these facilities are still used today, demonstrating that the athletic legacy of 1976 is very much alive.