by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Remember what it was like around here the first week of February in 2005? You know, 100,000 people in town for the Super Bowl, partying and spending money in Jacksonville hotels, restaurants and stores.
That same scene could repeat itself in a decade or so if the U.S. Soccer Federation convinces FIFA — the world governing body of soccer — to award either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to the United States. If that happens, there’s a chance Jacksonville could host several matches, something that didn’t happen in 1994.
“We have not yet commissioned an economic impact study and arguably it’s difficult to forecast as far out as 2018 or 2022, but it would be on the order of hosting a Super Bowl,” said David Downs, executive director of the USA Bid Committee.
Downs said there are similarities and differences in hosting a Super Bowl and hosting World Cup matches. Both draw enormous crowds, but the Super Bowl tends to be a one-week affair. If Jacksonville, which Downs invited to submit in writing its interest in hosting matches, is awarded games, there could 5-7 games here — all drawing in excess of 70,000 fans and foreign journalists.
“If you have five matches over 14-16 days, that’s not unlike the buildup to the Super Bowl,” said Downs, who took over his position Feb. 1, the day before the U.S. Soccer Federation officially announced its intention to host either World Cup. “I’d say, give or take a little, in today’s money it would have the impact of having the Super Bowl in your community.”
In 2005, that impact was pushing $400 million.
Mike Bouda, the sports director for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, said he’s very interested in submitting the city’s interest by the April 17 deadline. He, JEDC interim Chair Zim Boulos and SMG General Manager Bob Downey traveled to Chicago in September to meet with U.S. Soccer Federation officials and talk informally about the intended World Cup bid and Jacksonville’s potential to host matches.
“It went very well,” said Bouda, adding he is pursuing other soccer matches that would occur well before either World Cup the U.S. is seeking to host. “If we got something like that, it would be fabulous.”
In a letter to Mayor John Peyton inviting Jacksonville to participate in the process, U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati stressed the importance of securing venues for the 32 nation, 64 match tournament.
“Venue selection will be a key priority for the Bid Committee,” wrote Gulati. “We believe we have the best stadiums and infrastructure in the world, vastly upgraded since we last staged the tournament in 1994. We also know that there will be unprecedented demand from our fine cities to serve as hosts for the teams, officials, media and spectators.”
Gulati also said 10 other entries were sent to FIFA seeking either World Cup: Australia, Belgium/Netherlands, England, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Qatar, Russia and Spain/Portugal. South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup while Brazil gets the tournament in 2014.
Downs said FIFA used to award the World Cup based primarily on what geographic region of the world was essentially “next.” FIFA no longer abides by that policy and is now awarding the tournament based on several criteria, none of which include which country’s turn it is.
Downs said he sent the letters of inquiry to about 70 cities across the United States, with several of those markets having more than one suitable stadium. If Jacksonville is facing one obstacle, Bouda and Downs both said it’s the stadium — specifically the size of the field inside Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
“We are a little short in the corners,” said Bouda.
Downs said within the next couple of weeks he expects FIFA will pass legislation establishing the minimum field size requirements for a World Cup soccer match. Right now, the field inside the stadium in Jacksonville meets the requirements found in a sliding scale. However, there is the possibility FIFA could adopt a standard that Jacksonville can’t meet.
Downs said he has until May 14 of next year to formally submit the U.S. bid to host either World Cup. That bid must include potential host cities and proper documentation of security, venues, accommodations and other assurances FIFA is looking for. The final decision on both World Cups will come in December of next year.
“I would say it’s going to be very competitive,” said Downs when asked what the odds were the U.S. would land either tournament. “We know we have the capability to host a great World Cup and we have gotten better since 1994.”
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