http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_13762562.html Obviously it would be quite a long shot for it to actually be selected as one of the venues. Probably about 1% with the types of renovations they would have to make to fit a FIFA regulated sized field as well as probably having to add other amenities. Also, Columbus isn't exactly the #1 tourist destination. But, how cool would it be to be at a packed Ohio Stadium for a World Cup? It would be a sight to behold for sure. Unfortunately, it's probably just another stadium to fill the list to show FIFA how ready the US already is for a World Cup.
Maybe in 9 years, after they build a roof, pave the parking lot, and frankie announces his imminent reitrement, CCS will have also added 30k more seats. A lot can happen in 9 years.
If they could host games in a city like Pontiac Michigan, in an indoor stadium that doesn't have air conditioning, they could host games in Columbus.
No no no, frankie will be playing in the 2018 WC, where he will score the goal that sends us to the final on a fluke cross/shot. Shortly After his statue will be constructed outside CCS2, the brand new 40k stadium to be built in the arena district.
I don't think "#1 tourist destination" really matters much. 80,000 people would invade Oxford, OH if they had a suitable venue. We're just a name on the list. Yes, Ohio Stadium could have real grass brought in to go over the fake stuff, but it won't happen. Chicago, NY, Boston, DC, Denver, LA, SF are all more likely cities. If there's 70 venues, we're probably around #50 at most.
Mentioned this in the other teams news thread, but I would have to think Cleveland would have a good shot, columbus and cincy prob not so much. The stadium was built to accomodate international soccer I believe. Plus weather in the summer will be better in Cleveland than it will in Atlanta or Florida or Texas. Boston, NY, Chicago, and LA are probably gimmes. Phoenix, UofP stadium with the field that rolls outside, and Dallas, new retractable dome, are probably attractive sites too.
Agreed... Watching Germany vs. England in 1993 and then Brazil vs. Sweden in 1994 was close to unbearable. It was like watching a game in a greenhouse.
Back in 1992 when they were selecting the venues for the 94 World Cup the City of Columbus made a formal bid to be a site. It went far enough that they sent a delegation - including the World's Largest Mayor - out to LA to make a presentation. At the time, the word was that they didn't think Columbus had enough hotel rooms.
Cleveland definitely does not have enough hotel rooms. A few years ago, I think the Plain Dealer did a piece on Cleveland's Super Bowl hosting capabilities (if Browns Stadium had a roof) and they said the area was well short of the lodging it required. I can't believe the World Cup would demand any less.
So, considering it'll be at the height of summer, how likely is it that we'll get one of the nearby domes like Ford Field or Lucas Oil Stadium? The weather in places like Foxborough and Seattle should be comfortable enough. New York is a lock too. The new Cowboys Stadium with a roof is a top-notch venue.
If I had to guess 12 stadiums that would be on the short list, I'd say: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale AZ Dallas Cowboys New Stadium, Arlington TX Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford NJ Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia PA Qwest Field, Seattle WA Reliant Stadium, Houston TX Rose Bowl, Pasadena CA Soldier Field, Chicago IL Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver CO Raymond James Stadium, Tampa FL Ford Field, Detroit MI Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA
You would have to think that at least one of Ford Field, Lucas Oil, or Cleveland Browns Stadium would be a lock. I remember when the US played a World Cup tune up game at Browns Stadium, and it seemed to work out pretty nice as a soccer stadium.
as nice of a stadium raymond james is, i'd like to think Tampa and Houston would not be on the short list due to July heat+humidity edit *they may be on the short list, i just hope they wouldn't actually be picked
Not to mention about 30k showed up. More than either of the other two send off matches. The lower bowl was pretty much full if not sold out.
I agree, I went to the MNT game against Ecuador on March 25th 07. The atmosphere was awesome but it was so freaking hot even in March, can't imagine the hot stickiness of July in that stadium.
Just to pile on what everybody else said, I think Tampa's too hot, and wasn't the deal with Lincoln that it's too narrow - just like most other newer football stadiums?
Reliant Stadium in Houston is a retractable dome. As for heat & humidty in Tampa, in 1994 WC games were played just up the road in Orlando. And Lincoln has hosted WWC matches, so it can't be that narrow.
Lincoln Financial Field facts Apologies to HHM - he's correct. The field measures 270' x 424' (90 yards by 141 yards). A little narrow, but certainly usable. Ohio Stadium Didn't find dimensions post-revamping, but old dimensions when the Crew played there were only 62 yards wide x 106 yards long. While the track removal obviously opened up a few yards along the sides, most were used for seating...
Is it air conditioned? I've spent plenty of time on the Gulf coast of South Texas, and I can assure you the heat+humidity is suffocating at times. Ave highs are in 100+ in the summer with 90+% humidity. Yes I realize MLS plays there through the summer. Just not ideal weather for WC soccer.
If you're looking for other potential venues in the Southeast, the Georgia Dome is on the list. I don't know that it's ever hosted soccer, but this summer Mexico is playing an exhibition there and Milan and Club America are also scheduled to play there.
Reliant is air conditioned. It is actually a very good venue for soccer. It is fairly box shaped as opposed to an oval. Plus is was built with soccer in mind so it is wide enough for a nice size pitch.
If/When the US hosts the World Cup again, I'd hope they have teams play in one region. For example, Romania played in Pasadena, then Detroit, then Pasadena. South Korea played in Dallas, Foxboro, then back to Dallas. If you are trying to follow a team, you can't just jump on a train like you can in Europe. Group A in Columbus, Cleveland and Detroit. Group B in New York and Boston and Philadelphia. Or something like that.