*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues For 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK (April 8, 2009) - The USA Bid Committee mailed letters last week to public officials and stadium operators in metropolitan markets across the United States in an initial and important step toward preparing a formal bid to play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

The letters mailed last week from the USA Bid Committee to public officials and stadium operators throughout the United States outline the bid process and criteria for venue selection. FIFA calls for each bidding nation to propose a minimum of 12 stadiums, each capable of seating 40,000 or more spectators. Stadiums with a minimum capacity of 80,000 are required by FIFA for consideration to play host to the Opening Match and Final Match. Out of the 70 stadiums under consideration, more than 65 have a capacity above 60,000, and more than 20 have a capacity above 80,000.

In 1994, nine U.S. stadiums were used when the United States played host to FIFA World Cup, which then featured a 24-team and 52-match format compared to today's field of 32 nations competing in 64 matches. Despite the smaller field and schedule of matches in 1994, the United States set an overall attendance mark of 3,587,538, a record that broke the previous tournament mark by more than one million fans and still stands today.

The 70 stadiums identified by the USA Bid Committee as candidates to play host to World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022 include National Football League stadiums, college football stadiums, and domed and retractable roof stadiums. The 70 stadiums represent 31 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

MARKETS AND VENUES
Metro Market Stadium Location
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta, Ga. Sanford Stadium Athens, Ga.
Austin, Texas Royal Texas Memorial Stadium Austin, Texas
Baltimore, Md. M&T Bank Stadium Baltimore, Md.
Baton Rouge, La. Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, La.
Birmingham, Ala. Legion Field Birmingham, Ala.
Birmingham, Ala. Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Boston, Mass. Gillette Stadium Foxborough, Mass.
Buffalo, N.Y. Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park, N.Y.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, Iowa
Champaign, Ill. Memorial Stadium Champaign, Ill.
Charlotte, N.C. Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, N.C.
Chicago, Ill. Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.
Cincinnati, Ohio Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
Columbia, Mo. Faurot Field Columbia, Mo.
Columbia, S.C. Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, S.C.
Columbus, Ga. Jordan-Hare Stadium Auburn, Ala.
Columbus, Ohio Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio
Dallas, Texas Cotton Bowl Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas Dallas Cowboys New Stadium Arlington, Texas
Denver, Colo. Invesco Field Denver, Colo.
Detroit, Mich. University of Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Mich.
Detroit, Mich. Ford Field Detroit, Mich.
Detroit, Mich. Spartan Stadium East Lansing, Mich.
Fayetteville, Ark. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, Ark.
Green Bay, Wis. Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wis.
Greenville, S.C. Memorial Stadium Clemson, S.C.
Harrisburg, Pa. Beaver Stadium University Park, Pa.
Houston, Texas Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas Rice Stadium Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas Kyle Field College Station, Texas
Indianapolis, Ind. Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, Ind.
Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville, Fla. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, Fla.
Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City, Mo.
Knoxville, Tenn. Neyland Stadium Knoxville, Tenn.
Lexington, Ky. Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, Ky.
Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles, Calif. Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.
Madison, Wis. Camp Randall Stadium Madison, Wis.
Miami, Fla. Dolphin Stadium Miami Gardens, Fla.
Minneapolis, Minn. TCF Bank Stadium Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn. Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, Minn.
Nashville, Tenn. LP Field Nashville, Tenn.
New Haven, Conn. Yale Bowl New Haven, Conn.
New Orleans, La. Superdome New Orleans, La.
New York, N.Y. Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
Oklahoma City, Okla. Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Norman, Okla.
Omaha, Neb. Memorial Stadium Lincoln, Neb.
Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla.
Philadelphia, Pa. Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, Pa.
Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.
Phoenix, Ariz. Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, Ariz.
Pittsburgh, Pa. Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa.
Roanoke, Va. Lane Stadium Blacksburg, Va.
Salt Lake City, Utah LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah
San Antonio, Texas Alamodome San Antonio, Texas
San Diego, Calif. Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oakland, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Stanford Stadium Palo Alto, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. California Memorial Stadium Berkeley, Calif.
Seattle, Wash. Qwest Field Seattle, Wash.
Seattle, Wash. Husky Stadium Seattle, Wash.
South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, Ind.
St. Louis, Mo. Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, Mo.
Tallahassee, Fla. Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, Fla.
Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium Tampa, Fla.
Washington, D.C. RFK Memorial Stadium Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. FedEx Field Landover, Md.

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues For 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK (April 8, 2009) - The USA Bid Committee mailed letters last week to public officials and stadium operators in metropolitan markets across the United States in an initial and important step toward preparing a formal bid to play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

The letters mailed last week from the USA Bid Committee to public officials and stadium operators throughout the United States outline the bid process and criteria for venue selection. FIFA calls for each bidding nation to propose a minimum of 12 stadiums, each capable of seating 40,000 or more spectators. Stadiums with a minimum capacity of 80,000 are required by FIFA for consideration to play host to the Opening Match and Final Match. Out of the 70 stadiums under consideration, more than 65 have a capacity above 60,000, and more than 20 have a capacity above 80,000.

In 1994, nine U.S. stadiums were used when the United States played host to FIFA World Cup, which then featured a 24-team and 52-match format compared to today's field of 32 nations competing in 64 matches. Despite the smaller field and schedule of matches in 1994, the United States set an overall attendance mark of 3,587,538, a record that broke the previous tournament mark by more than one million fans and still stands today.

The 70 stadiums identified by the USA Bid Committee as candidates to play host to World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022 include National Football League stadiums, college football stadiums, and domed and retractable roof stadiums. The 70 stadiums represent 31 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

MARKETS AND VENUES
Metro Market Stadium Location
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta, Ga. Sanford Stadium Athens, Ga.
Austin, Texas Royal Texas Memorial Stadium Austin, Texas
Baltimore, Md. M&T Bank Stadium Baltimore, Md.
Baton Rouge, La. Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, La.
Birmingham, Ala. Legion Field Birmingham, Ala.
Birmingham, Ala. Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Boston, Mass. Gillette Stadium Foxborough, Mass.
Buffalo, N.Y. Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park, N.Y.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, Iowa
Champaign, Ill. Memorial Stadium Champaign, Ill.
Charlotte, N.C. Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, N.C.
Chicago, Ill. Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.
Cincinnati, Ohio Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
Columbia, Mo. Faurot Field Columbia, Mo.
Columbia, S.C. Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, S.C.
Columbus, Ga. Jordan-Hare Stadium Auburn, Ala.
Columbus, Ohio Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio
Dallas, Texas Cotton Bowl Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas Dallas Cowboys New Stadium Arlington, Texas
Denver, Colo. Invesco Field Denver, Colo.
Detroit, Mich. University of Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Mich.
Detroit, Mich. Ford Field Detroit, Mich.
Detroit, Mich. Spartan Stadium East Lansing, Mich.
Fayetteville, Ark. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, Ark.
Green Bay, Wis. Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wis.
Greenville, S.C. Memorial Stadium Clemson, S.C.
Harrisburg, Pa. Beaver Stadium University Park, Pa.
Houston, Texas Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas Rice Stadium Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas Kyle Field College Station, Texas
Indianapolis, Ind. Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, Ind.
Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville, Fla. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gainesville, Fla.
Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City, Mo.
Knoxville, Tenn. Neyland Stadium Knoxville, Tenn.
Lexington, Ky. Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, Ky.
Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles, Calif. Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.
Madison, Wis. Camp Randall Stadium Madison, Wis.
Miami, Fla. Dolphin Stadium Miami Gardens, Fla.
Minneapolis, Minn. TCF Bank Stadium Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn. Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, Minn.
Nashville, Tenn. LP Field Nashville, Tenn.
New Haven, Conn. Yale Bowl New Haven, Conn.
New Orleans, La. Superdome New Orleans, La.
New York, N.Y. Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
Oklahoma City, Okla. Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Norman, Okla.
Omaha, Neb. Memorial Stadium Lincoln, Neb.
Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla.
Philadelphia, Pa. Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, Pa.
Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.
Phoenix, Ariz. Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, Ariz.
Pittsburgh, Pa. Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa.
Roanoke, Va. Lane Stadium Blacksburg, Va.
Salt Lake City, Utah LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah
San Antonio, Texas Alamodome San Antonio, Texas
San Diego, Calif. Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oakland, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Stanford Stadium Palo Alto, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. California Memorial Stadium Berkeley, Calif.
Seattle, Wash. Qwest Field Seattle, Wash.
Seattle, Wash. Husky Stadium Seattle, Wash.
South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, Ind.
St. Louis, Mo. Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, Mo.
Tallahassee, Fla. Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, Fla.
Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium Tampa, Fla.
Washington, D.C. RFK Memorial Stadium Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. FedEx Field Landover, Md.

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

My first guess is that some of those would be out of the running based solely on the age of the structure when the planned World Cup takes place. However, I would imagine that that was taken into consideration when selecting this list.

Hell, Legion Field is on the list as being contacted. I would be shocked if it was standing in 2018.

In regards to one of the sights, Pat Bowlen had Mile High built with a World Cup bid in mind. The first "x" number of rows in the stadium contain orange seats. These rows were designed to be removed in order to allow a large enough field to be built to host a World Cup game.

 

[patdog]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

I think the US will get the 2022 bid. 2018 will go somewhere in Europe after 2 straight World Cups elsewhere. But I think we're looking real good for getting 2022.</p>

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

more on 2022 than 2018 because it seems to almost be decided already that England will get 2018.

If I had the time, I'd do it, but it would be interesting to see how old each of those stadiums will be once 2022 rolls around. Not only that, but what will their capacity be by then? You know the college venues listed will expand, probably multiple times, by 2022.

 

[patdog]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

in exchange for Europe's support for a 2022 USA bid. I really don't know where else they could put the 2022 Cup. Can't go to South America or Africa because its too soon. Australia's pretty much a non-entity. The only possible threat would be China.

 

[JohnDawg]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

That would be in tents.

 

[lawdawg02]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

i'd say pretty good... fayetteville is on the list? really??</p>

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

in favor of Asia. I would think Mexico would join us in going for 2022.

 

[Uncle Leo]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

In regards to one of the sights, Pat Bowlen had Mile High built with a World Cup bid in mind. The first "x" number of rows in the stadium contain orange seats. These rows were designed to be removed in order to allow a large enough field to be built to host a World Cup game.

Did not know that. I do remember noticing the rows of orange seats at the bottom when I was there last November (to see the Broncos lose to Miami). I just figured it was purely for aesthetics.

 

[Liverdawg]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

US Soccer would worry more about making sure we have a viable team in 2018. It's time to pull the trigger on Bradley and go after a real coach.

 

[jsireland]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

maybe we could blow a lead and end up giving up three away goals. heh, heh.

 

[MSUCostanza]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

it was Chelski that benefitted.

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

stadium. I guessed that the orange chairs marked the "mile high" mark in the stadium, much like the marking you can find on the capitol steps in Denver.

Nope, not a mile high marking or just for looks. Bowlen was impressed with the World Cup in 1994 and thought far enough ahead to plan for that in Denver.

It would be nice if Birmingham had ONE person in the city who could come up with a plan like that.

 

[topdawg.sixpack]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

Way they are shooting each other up down there, who the hell knows who will be in control.

RFK Stadium in DC should be taken off the list as well. Need a conceled weapon to get in and out of the place, plus it is a dump.

 

[NapoleonDynamite]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

I second the nomination for New Orleans getting some World Cup action. Its a perfect city for that event.

And I agree about some of those stadiums not being around in 2018. If RFK is still standing, the rats will be as big as Great Danes by then. And the rumors in DC are that Dan Snyder is already working behind the scenes to build a new stadium on the RFK site in the next 5-10 years. He is enough of an egomaniac that, once he sees the team he hates most, the Cowboys, in their new stadium, he will go to work to build one bigger and better if it kills him. DC United is still trying to get a new stadium and their latest hope - in the Maryland suburbs - fell apart this week so its back to the drawing board (or moving to St Louis) for them.

I think many of the cities with MLS teams will get first looks for the WC sites probably. Plus, a few cities with large, new, nice stadiums. I would look for the finals in either New York at the new Meadowlands Stadium, maybe Chicago or at the Rose Bowl or whatever new NFL stadium is in LA at that point. Seattle could be a darkhorse (but very doubtful) because they are blowing the doors off of attendance in their first year in MLS - averaging around 30-35,000 per game I think.

Just some soccer rambling - I'll stop now.

 

[VegasDawg13]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

Soccer should be played outside.

Of course, people probably once said the same of football.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

and baseball

 

[patdog]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

FIFA has a rule for international matches that all have to be played on natural grass. Back in 94 when the US hosted the World Cup, the Silverdome in Detroit was the only indoor stadium used. They had to put the grass in just a couple of days before the matches started so it wouldn't die before they got finished. If the Superdome is used, I would assume they'd do something similar.</p>

 

[Pony Express.sixpack]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

<span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.</span> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">
Boston, Mass. Gillette Stadium Foxborough, Mass.
Chicago, Ill. Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
Dallas, Texas Dallas Cowboys New Stadium Arlington, Texas
Denver, Colo. Invesco Field Denver, Colo.
Houston, Texas Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas
Los Angeles, Calif. Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.
Miami, Fla. Dolphin Stadium Miami Gardens, Fla.
New York, N.Y. Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla.
Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.
San Diego, Calif. Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Stanford Stadium Palo Alto, Calif.
St. Louis, Mo. Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, Mo.
Washington, D.C. FedEx Field Landover, Md.</span>

 

[Maroon Eagle]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

...its capacity is 50,000 now. While the smallest stadium on your list, it'll still likely host a match or two.

 

[Pony Express.sixpack]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

There is an implied order, but France 98, Germany 06 broke the pattern of sharing the tournament already. Plus, the tournament has not been back to South America since 1978. The main reason against the USA is the redtape about visas and terrorism. When you have the tourney in Europe, everybody in western europe can come. It all comes down to paying off the selection committee:

Good cars for Europeans
Buicks for China
Elite Hookers for Arabs
Scholarships to american colleges or Disney passes for South Americans
2-year supply of "Kentucky Chicken" for South Asia

I think this was the formula that won the winter olimpics for Salt Lake City

 

[Maroon Eagle]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

...and I'm bored too, so here's how I would group the stadiums:

Group A
Boston, Mass. Gillette Stadium Foxborough, Mass.
New York, N.Y. Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.

Group B
Philadelphia, Pa. Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, Pa.
Washington, D.C. FedEx Field Landover, Md.

Group C
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.
Columbus, Ohio Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio

Group D
Chicago, Ill. Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.
Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City, Mo.

Group E
Dallas, Texas Dallas Cowboys New Stadium Arlington, Texas
Houston, Texas Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas

Group F
Denver, Colo. Invesco Field Denver, Colo.
Salt Lake City, Utah LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah

Group G
Los Angeles, Calif. Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.
Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.

Group H
Seattle, Wash. Qwest Field Seattle, Wash.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oakland, Calif.

Round of 16
Boston, Mass. Gillette Stadium Foxborough, Mass.
Philadelphia, Pa. Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, Pa.
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.
Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City, Mo.
Houston, Texas Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas
Salt Lake City, Utah LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, Utah
Phoenix, Ariz. University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.
San Fran/Oakland, Calif. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oakland, Calif.

Quarterfinals
Columbus, Ohio Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio
Washington, D.C. FedEx Field Landover, Md.
Denver, Colo. Invesco Field Denver, Colo.
Seattle, Wash. Qwest Field Seattle, Wash.

Semifinals
New York, N.Y. Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
Los Angeles, Calif. Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.

Third Place
Chicago, Ill. Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.

Championship
Dallas, Texas Dallas Cowboys New Stadium Arlington, Texas

 

[PosterFormerlyKnownAsRFAA]

*Soccer Post: USA Bid Committee Contacts 70 Venues Across United States as Bid Process Continues*

idea that North and South America should count as one continent.