Philadelphia Emerging as an Epicenter for Soccer
City profile as a sports destination continues to grow — one of 18 U.S. finalists to host 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™
In a city known for its passionate love of sports, Philadelphia has seen its profile as a soccer event destination continue to grow in 2010. The eyes of the soccer world are watching, and more importantly, coming to Philadelphia.“I am so proud to see the Philadelphia region be rewarded for its passion for all sports, and in this case, soccer,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “People are paying attention to Philadelphia, allowing us to raise our profile as a world-class destination, while making a great local impact. I am excited about being a finalist to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™.”
How has the soccer ball been bouncing Philadelphia’s way? Just look at soccer activity in Philadelphia.
• Philadelphia has been selected as one of 18 U.S. finalists to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™.
• Today in Zurich, Switzerland, the USA Bid Committee submitted its official bid book to FIFA, soccer’s governing body, which included Philadelphia as a host city.
• The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, and is expected to generate between $300-500 million for each host city. Cumulative television viewership from the 2006 event in Germany was estimated at 26 billion.
• A decision on host countries for 2018 and 2022 will be announced by FIFA this December.
• On May 29, Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Field will play host to the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team when it faces Turkey for its Send-Off match prior to departing for South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Tickets are on sale now, begin at $25, and can be purchased through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers, and the Lincoln Financial Field ticket office.
• This spring Philadelphia welcomed two new professional sports teams, when the Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer) and the Philadelphia Independence (Women’s Professional Soccer) kicked off their inaugural seasons – ensuring a constant soccer buzz.
Philadelphia Union kicked off their home schedule at Lincoln Financial Field with a 3-2 win over DC United in front of more than 36,000 raucous fans. In June, the squad moves into its new home, PPL Park, a state-of-the-art facility in Chester, PA.
• During July, Philadelphia Union will compete against two international soccer teams. On July 14, the squad will take on Celtic F.C. (from Scotland) at PPL Park, 8 p.m. A week later, on July 21, Philadelphia Union will host Manchester United at Lincoln Financial Field as part of Man U’s North American Summer Tour. To purchase tickets, call 1-877-21-UNION or visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
• In January, the City hosted the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) convention at the expanding Pennsylvania Convention Center. With more than 8,500 attendees, the total economic impact of the five-day convention was estimated at $13.7 million. The eyes of the soccer world were also on the convention for hosting the Major League Soccer Super Draft and the Women’s Professional League draft, which drew national attention.
• Soccer’s popularity is reaching Philadelphia’s youth:
• Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA) has worked throughout the region to foster the game of soccer with the region’s youth. EPYSA annually impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19.
• It is the third most popular sport in Philadelphia’s Police Athletic League.
• Indoor and outdoor soccer programs are offered through Philadelphia’s Department of Recreation. The department also works with the Starfinder Foundation to educate children through soccer at city recreation centers.This season, the Philadelphia Independence are playing their home games at West Chester University’s John A. Farrell Stadium before moving to PPL Park next season. To purchase tickets, call 1-877-WPS-PHIL or visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com.
“It really has been thrilling to see all of the soccer activity in the region in recent months,” said Larry Needle, executive director, Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s been a great partnership with all of the key players involved — the Union, Eagles, City, EPYSA and Sports Congress -- and we’re looking to keep building on our success going forward.”
Originally published May 14, 2010
