U.S. to Host 2018 World Cup?
"Drink and be thankful to the host! What seems insignificant when you have it, is important when you need it."
Franz Grillparzer
Franz Grillparzer
Commonly known as Fútbol in Spanish, Soccer has continuously grown in popularity amongst Americans since 1994 when the U.S. first hosted the World Cup. As admired as it is in Europe, the game has spread like wildfire since the late 20th century. Although, admiration and respect for the sport is not quite at a quantitative level that it should be. American fans are prone to viewing our own special pastimes like baseball and football (Fútbol Americano). It's important to understand this elevate it by discussing how physically demanding soccer really is. Even more so, it's pertinent that we help voice the message to bring the World Cup back to the U.S.
Imagine you're on a treadmill, running at a steady speed of 9.5 MPH for approximately 40 minutes – this is very similar to what a complete game of collegiate soccer feels like. A simple intramural game of soccer held on an indoor field can essentially equal over 8 miles of continuous running! Just as strength is important for weight lifting, endurance is just as important to play soccer. It goes without saying that endurance is one of (if not the most) important aspects of the game. Reaching a mature level of endurance will ultimately enhance any person's ability to perform athletically, but it's especially true for soccer players.
But enough of trying to convince you that soccer deserves its due; the game is respected greatly throughout Europe because it's caught in the crosshairs of early tradition and culture. Variations of the game date back to over 3000 years ago.[1].
The 1994 FIFA World Cup was held in the United States from 17 June to 17 July. It was also the highest-attended single sport event in U.S. history. [2] It's with this simple fact that we must revive the once heaving pounding heartbeat of fútbol in the U.S. by hosting the event on American Grounds. The U.S. is home to some of the largest arenas and has the ability to house enormous numbers as they did back in 1994. Efforts by some reputable figures are already underway for the 2018 bid. Counselor to President Bill Clinton, Doug Band, has officially accepted an request to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its effort to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to the United States in 2018 or 2022. This is demonstrative of a rally cry, one that has yet to be heard by a greater soccer audience.
By: Janil Brock
Posted by Ramzi
on 03:47.
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It would be AWESOME to have the World Cup in the US in 2018 or 2022. As you suggest "communicating the athleticism required for the game" is important. Establishing (rising) stars is as well. With the internet and it's vast reach, both of those things are very realizable today... as they've never been before. The thing is, it should begin NOW... and it should focus on players and potential players... and promote them as people... promote not only their games and the development of their futbol careers but also their "back stories" their whole storylines. Make them people the US public knows and cares about.
It's a unique opportunity, but someone... a good PR/MarComm manager... would need to make it their passion... their avocation.. and they'd need to create a narrative that the US audience would want to engage with. It should be done with the support of the USA Bid Committee. They need to realize that they need a group of experienced online evangelists who can focus building support for the USA Bid and make it viral.