Brazil 2014!!!...Canada 2018?

[sadora]

Not since Argentina '78 has there been a World Cup held in South America but that will change with Brazil 2014. It will be good to have the World Cup this close to home and with the Stadio Mario Filho, or rather the Maracana holding 95,000 spectators there will be seats a plenty for the opening match and the final. The record for that stadium is 173,000 spectators for the World Cup final in 1950.

The biggest surprise came when FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced Canada as a potential host for the 2018 World Cup. The list of countries in the running include, Mexico, USA, Belgium, England, Spanin, Holland, Russia, China, Japan & Australia. It's a long shot for Canada, especially being on a list with England who is in the forefront right now, but hosting the u20 World Cup has definitely opened the eyes of FIFA officials to Canada.

With so many teams bidding for this World Cup, FIFA will begin using the International Olympic Committee model of having nations audition for consideration. The decision will be made in four years so I wonder what Canada's Soccer Association will come up with. Even if 2018 doesn't happen the doors are definitely opened now for Canada to host this prestigious tournament in the future.

[Thunderball]

Its apparently possible if Canada doles out about half a billion dollars in Stadia.

McMahon alone would need a minimum 50 million.

[sadora]

The revenue generated from an event like this can be insanely huge too.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by sadora

The revenue generated from an event like this can be insanely huge too.

It can also propel Soccer to the forefront of Canadian sport. Its something that The Government and CSA have to commit to full force, or not at all.

It has unbelievable potential to modernize stadia, improve global image and make money.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

It can also propel Soccer to the forefront of Canadian sport. Its something that The Government and CSA have to commit to full force, or not at all.

It has unbelievable potential to modernize stadia, improve global image and make money.

I agree and because of all these reasons I think that it would be great to see this happen here. I can't wait to see what plans they come up with.

[Juventus3]

How was the U-20 tournament perceived? (Or which ever one it was that we had) They are usually seen as a measuring stick for future soccer events, no?

[Kipper is King]

The womens world cup, and the U-20 world cup seemed to go quite well. It would be sooooo awesome to have Canada host a World Cup.

[corporatejay]

They said it would likely be a joint venture with the USA. I'm guessing Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver would get games if at all.

[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

It can also propel Soccer to the forefront of Canadian sport. Its something that The Government and CSA have to commit to full force, or not at all.

It has unbelievable potential to modernize stadia, improve global image and make money.

Actually if the NFL comes to Toronto a new 70,000 seat State of the art Stadium will have to be built. As such it can be designed with soccer in mind and we'd have a couple of quality soccer venues to host or co-host the event. Not to mention the NFL every year!

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

They said it would likely be a joint venture with the USA. I'm guessing Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver would get games if at all.

That's highly unlikely. The only reasons host countries share is if they lack the venues to adequately host, lack the finances to go it alone or as a political statement. Its only been done twice, and not likely to become a habit. (Austria -> Switzerland, South Korea -> Japan)

If the US was a co-host... it would quickly become sole host.

There has already been a feasibility study for Canada for 2010. I have it saved on PDF. It was done by Deloitte and Touche for the CSA.

Apparently, in 2000 dollars, a minimum of $165.5 million would be needed for new stadia/stadia upgrades. They expected about $500m in total costs, and a $22m profit. I think they were very minimalist, and the cost for stadia would be well over double that.

They indicated 10 host cities: Vancouver (BC Place), Calgary (McMahon), Edmonton (Commonwealth), Regina (Taylor), Winnipeg (CanadInns), Hamilton (Ivor Wynne), Toronto (SkyDome), Montreal (Olympic), Ottawa (Frank Clair) and Halifax/Quebec City (New Stadium). Essentially, the CFL cities.

McMahon Stadium would require the second highest cost to revamp (minimum $18.6m in 2000 dollars) but since this was published, a new Jumbotron was installed and the costs may be lower now. The requirements for McMahon alone would be:
-FIFA FieldTurf with removable lettering at minimum, natural grass pitch at maximum.
-Replacement of all benches with bucket seats
-Temporary seating at minimum, permanent seating at maximum (I think the minimum capacity is 40k, and the main venue is 65k+... so at least its not a whole lot needed)
-Temporary spectator roofing at minimum, permanent roofing at maximum
-New JumboTron (completed).

Ivor Wynne was considered the most dilapidated, and a completely new stadium was suggested. Surprising perhaps, but SkyDome was considered the most ready, with only $3.3m needed. BC Place and Commonwealth required about $10m between the two of them. Since this report, BMO Field was built, but its way too small for the World Cup.

Toronto didn't get the Summer games... but that was not considered. As Cowboy89 pointed out, should Toronto score an NFL franchise, a minimum 70k facility would be built, and would be ideal for the host venue.

[Juventus3]

If Calgary were to get a World Cup Soccer event surely they would need to build a new stadium. No way should we show off a city with this much money at that stadium.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Juventus3

If Calgary were to get a World Cup Soccer event surely they would need to build a new stadium. No way should we show off a city with this much money at that stadium.

I'd be pretty thoroughly embarassed if the city tried to host a World Cup match at McMahon. It's embarassing enough that we host CFL games there.

[browna]

Well, after Brazil in 2014, I think Fifa will be happy with an expanded McMahon.

Brazil is going to be a disaster. They have said in so many words they NEED the world cup and the money it brings into the country.

Big red flags there. I don't think any new stadiums are going to be built, just refurbuished the 10-40 year old (or older) stadiums, one of which killed 10 people over the weekend when some CONCRETE bleachers crumbled.

Tranportation is another issue, and FIFA has expressed concern in the past few months about Brazil's readiness.

A long ways for Canada yet...first and foremost, there has to be strong CSA in place that isn't wrapped in more red tape then the civil service.

Decision will be made in 4 years, so they'red be 7 years to build stadia. Bu will the public support tax dollars going to build new outdoor stadiums that sit idle 300 days a year in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal?

If by some minor miracle there is a strong CSA that puts a bid in, enough public funds avaialble for 8 strong national venues a new Calgary stadium will be right up there, but I won't hold my breath on any of that happening.

[Jagger]

I really don't see anybody, barring disaster, getting the 2018 World Cup except England. There is a possibility of a strong Spain/Portugal bid but a sole host is likely the preferred route.

It would be excellent to see the World Cup here and given Canada's excellent job of hosting the minor FIFA tournaments they will receive consideration in the future, longshot though it would be.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Jagger

I really don't see anybody, barring disaster, getting the 2018 World Cup except England. There is a possibility of a strong Spain/Portugal bid but a sole host is likely the preferred route.

It would be excellent to see the World Cup here and given Canada's excellent job of hosting the minor FIFA tournaments they will receive consideration in the future, longshot though it would be.

It depends on whether or not FIFA feels that another host country could use it more, and if they want to continue trying to have a different host confederation every World Cup.

If FIFA feels a Canadian World Cup will cultivate the game here, improve global football, as well as take advantage of the US TV market without awarding the World Cup to the same place twice in 24 years then its still a frontrunner.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Jagger

I really don't see anybody, barring disaster, getting the 2018 World Cup except England. There is a possibility of a strong Spain/Portugal bid but a sole host is likely the preferred route.

It would be excellent to see the World Cup here and given Canada's excellent job of hosting the minor FIFA tournaments they will receive consideration in the future, longshot though it would be.

Couple of points.

England getting 2018 might depend on whether they qualify for 2010 or not. Missing out on 2 major tournaments in a row may sway some voters.

Also as browna mentioned, Brazil will be a disaster and may even be moved. If Brazil is moved to the US for example, then Canada would have no chance to host in 2018.

[foofighter15]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

They indicated 10 host cities: Vancouver (BC Place), Calgary (McMahon), Edmonton (Commonwealth), Regina (Taylor), Winnipeg (CanadInns), Hamilton (Ivor Wynne), Toronto (SkyDome), Montreal (Olympic), Ottawa (Frank Clair) and Halifax/Quebec City (New Stadium). Essentially, the CFL cities.

Looking at the lists. The only places I see ready now, with maybe some upgrades to make it look better are
Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Just purely out of size, and seating. I've only been to the SkyDome and BC place when I was younger, but I'm sure that they are still in good enough shape to only require minor upgrades.
But that's 4 cities. From my understanding, out of the CFL stadiums left, McMahon is the best one, which spells trouble.
So how many host cities would be needed? And would where Toronto FC plays be able to host any of the early/minor games?

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by foofighter15

Looking at the lists. The only places I see ready now, with maybe some upgrades to make it look better are
Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Just purely out of size, and seating. I've only been to the SkyDome and BC place when I was younger, but I'm sure that they are still in good enough shape to only require minor upgrades.
But that's 4 cities. From my understanding, out of the CFL stadiums left, McMahon is the best one, which spells trouble.
So how many host cities would be needed? And would where Toronto FC plays be able to host any of the early/minor games?

Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and Montreal would be the most ready... but none come close to FIFA World Cup standards as of now. All would need new pitches, stadia upgrades, and in Commonwealth's case... a roof for spectators.

Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa would all need significant upgrades. But all are quite doable. All can be expanded to at least 43,000. Ironically, McMahon is by far the easiest to upgrade of the three, as it already has a 35,600 seat capacity (expandable to 60,000) and ample room for a full size pitch. Adding minimum 4400 more seats (which could easily be substantiated on a permanent basis), a full-size FIFA approved pitch and a roof would be easy, and welcomed by the city at large. Alberta also has the deepest pockets to upgrade should a high profile event present itself.

The question marks are Hamilton and Halifax. Ivor Wynne is a hole by CFL standards, and it would almost be better to blow it up and start over for $50m. Halifax would need a new stadium (which they would anyway for the CFL), and would only be included to score points with FIFA for having cross-country participation.

BMO Field has only 20,000 seats, and would be hard-pressed to double that (even temporarily). I don't think its an option. The only other options would be expanding Molson Stadium to 40,000 and having two groups in Montreal, and expanding Whitecaps Stadium beyond 35,000 to 40,000 and having two groups in Vancouver.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Couple of points.

England getting 2018 might depend on whether they qualify for 2010 or not. Missing out on 2 major tournaments in a row may sway some voters.

Also as browna mentioned, Brazil will be a disaster and may even be moved. If Brazil is moved to the US for example, then Canada would have no chance to host in 2018.

FIFA seems to be cultivating a reputation for putting events in risky locations... Canada 07 U-20 (which was a success), South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014...

With that, the question would be, is the risk worth it, or not? If the answer is yes... then Canada is actually amongst the best choices. If not, its between England and Benelux.

Also, I would say if Brazil manages to screw up 2014... the likeliest candidate to take it on would be the one who could do it the easiest. That would be England. The US would have to spend a lot to convert the football fields to soccer again.

[foofighter15]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and Montreal would be the most ready... but none come close to FIFA World Cup standards as of now. All would need new pitches, stadia upgrades, and in Commonwealth's case... a roof for spectators.

Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa would all need significant upgrades. But all are quite doable. All can be expanded to at least 43,000. Ironically, McMahon is by far the easiest to upgrade of the three, as it already has a 35,600 seat capacity (expandable to 60,000) and ample room for a full size pitch. Adding minimum 4400 more seats (which could easily be substantiated on a permanent basis), a full-size FIFA approved pitch and a roof would be easy, and welcomed by the city at large. Alberta also has the deepest pockets to upgrade should a high profile event present itself.

The question marks are Hamilton and Halifax. Ivor Wynne is a hole by CFL standards, and it would almost be better to blow it up and start over for $50m. Halifax would need a new stadium (which they would anyway for the CFL), and would only be included to score points with FIFA for having cross-country participation.

BMO Field has only 20,000 seats, and would be hard-pressed to double that (even temporarily). I don't think its an option. The only other options would be expanding Molson Stadium to 40,000 and having two groups in Montreal, and expanding Whitecaps Stadium beyond 35,000 to 40,000 and having two groups in Vancouver.

Are most countries in a position where they would have to do all this, or is this a chance for Canada to be like. "Look how much we'll do for you"