I'm wondering who is leading the bid to bring the World Cup to Indy. I'm guessing the Indianapolis Sports Corporation. They have the petition on their front page now: http://www.indianasportscorp.com/. I'm predicting another bad draw for the US. Worst case scenario: USA, France, Brazil, Paraguay.
I just spoke with Indiana Sports Corp. US Soccer will narrow the field to 18 cities at the end of December. That is when the jockeying really begins as those 18 cities compete. I was told that nothing can really be done before the cities are narrowed; we're just in a holding pattern. I don't know what US Soccer is doing besides their Game is in US petition to determine the 18. I figure the petition will weigh less than other factors in narrowing the field. Still, a late surge wouldn't hurt. So write your newspaper, post online, and tell your friends to sign the petition.
Firstly the cities must sign the Host city agreement, which highlights all the obligations a city must adhere to. A lot comes down to the stadium situation, the number of hotels and infrastructure also. Initially i thought Indy had no chance as Lucas Oil Stadium wasnt wide enough : But I was wrong, as it indeed can be widened: This will result in a lower capacity though, but another plus is that it is indoor which helps in summer and putting grass in wont be a problem. You guys are hosting a superbowl so hosting world cup games shouldnt be a problem. Good Luck, im sure you will be one of the final 18.
Well, my USA group prediction was wildly (and pleasantly) inaccurate. Lucas Oil should be a fabulous venue for a game. The problem with our bid is that we don't have high profile soccer events to parade out. We have a great 'event' city, great hotels, stadiums, youth teams, and college teams. But since soccer began to rise in America (1990), our city's soccer profile has not risen with it. One thing the city must do if we make the 18 is host some soccer events. How about starting an annual preseason tournament (similar to the Carolina Challenge Cup). Or getting in on the big European teams' off season tours. Or have the Nats play here. Do something to raise the profile.
In the first picture it looks wide enough for a soccer pitch without reconfiguring the whole stadium. If I remember correctly an NFL field is 55 yds wide and a FIFA regulation field is 70 yds. So, you need 7.5 yds on each side line. It's hard to tell from the picture, but there appears to be at least 10 yds on either side of the field.
This is the regulations for the 2010 World Cup. Article 30. The fields of play, accessory equipment and all facilities for each match of the final competition shall be in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of the Game and all other relevant regulations. The pitch shall have the following dimensions: length 105m, width 68m. Thats 115 yds x 74.4 yds. The total surface area shall have the following dimensions: length 125m, width 80m, in order to provide sufficient space for warm-up areas and pitch-side photographer positions. Thats 136 yds x 87.8 yds. I think FIFA would be willing to compromise on the surface area part, but im not sure they would with the playing field itself.
Given the embarrassment of riches when it comes to stadiums in this country, why would FIFA have to compromise at all? We're in much better shape stadium-wise than we were in 1994, and, to be honest, there are enough stadiums in enough places that there's no real need (that I can see) for FIFA to bend on stuff when they can just as easily go to the next place in line. Because there are several places in line and only a certain number who will actually get games.
I can't find confirmation of this anywhere, but I seem to remember the stadium was built with international soccer in mind and that it can fit a regulation size field. Frankly, it'd be incredibly short sighted to build a stadium that big (anywhere) and not make sure its compatible with international soccer.
Just as shortsighted as building a brand-new multi-kabillion-dollar stadium and then not having budget to actually run it.
I created a facebook group for Indy and surrounding area USMNT supporters. Search "Indianapolis Area USA Soccer Supporters." Our cool logo below.... Bryan (North-East Side)
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Nice job on the Indy soccer Facebook page, Bryan. I check daily for US Soccer's announcement narrowing the WC cities. Is there an expected date for that? And, out of curiosity, does anyone on this post have information about Heating Oil & Commodities? Maybe free oil prices? Articles & Analysis on Oil? Natural gas? . . . Metals? . . . Anyone?
Indy makes the final 18 for the World Cup bid as a host venue. Chicago out. Very interesting developments!
If the US gets the WC, Indy has an excellent chance of hosting games. Chicago is out. So are St. Louis, Detroit, and all of Ohio. The closest cities are KC and Nashville. Really that makes Indy the flag-bearer for the entire midwest. I was at Kilroys when the announcement was made. The people from Indy Sports Corp all erupted when the announcement was made. They deserve congratulations for their work on this. The countries won't be announced until December. I still think 2018 is going to Europe and the US's best bet is 2022. Still, I'd love to see steps being taken to raise soccer's profile in Indy, such as: host the men's national team, host a preseason MLS/USL/NASL tournament (invite the Fire, Columbus, ACStL), host the U23s, or try to get in on the World Football Challenge; even hosting the NCAAs would be something.
In a city starved for soccer atmosphere let me just say that the Chatham Tap is awesome! And no I don't work there or own the place.
FWIW, they're showing Premier League all morning Saturday. Doors open at 7:30 for Man United/Everton (game at 7:45).
A few (very few) of us have been watching Barcelona's Champions League games at . . . BARcelona Tapas. I'll be there again for the Inter matches - at least the second half (can't get off work much more than that. Heck, I can't get off work for the second half but somehow I usually manage). Plus, appetizers are only $3 from 3-6.