On Monday, the U.S. Bid Committee for the World Cup soccer games announced that Boston, along with 17 other U.S. cities, will be included in the final submission for the United States’ application to host World Cup soccer in either 2018 or 2022. The World Soccer Federation (FIFA) will announce the host nations for 2018 and 2022 on Dec. 2, 2010.
"I’m pleased that Boston has been chosen to be part of the United States’ bid for World Cup Soccer," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "This world-class sporting event is a civic celebration that will showcase our rich diversity, deep pride and vibrant culture. It will also bring millions of dollars to the state’s economy, creating thousands of new jobs."
A 2009 economic impact study indicates that the total economic impact for a host city ranges from $300 million to $500 million. It is also expected that between 5,000 and 8,000 new jobs would be created by the preparation and operation of the World Cup. The last World Cup Soccer match held in Boston was 1994. The matches will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
"We are very pleased that Boston is among the 18 cities that will be included in the United States’ World Cup bid," said Robert K. Kraft, chairman of The Kraft Group and member of the board of directors of the U.S. Bid Committee. "For many American fans, including my family, the 1994 FIFA World Cup was a defining moment in our love of soccer. So many New Englanders had the opportunity to witness the greatest sporting event in the world in their own backyard and we look forward to bringing the FIFA World Cup back in 2018 or 2022."
