Knoxville still in hunt for World Cup matches

Knoxville is still alive and kicking in its bid to host some matches for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

The U.S. has formally declared its desire to host world soccer’s top event and must have its application to FIFA, the sport’s governing body, by May 2010.

According to a release from the USA bid committee on Tuesday, a final list of host cities/markets will be announced by year’s end. The original list of 58 stadiums considered has been trimmed to 45. Twelve venues are usually selected to host World Cup matches.

Although Knoxville is among the smallest metropolitan areas still being considered, Neyland Stadium, with a seating capacity listed at 100,011 for such an event, is the third largest stadium among those remaining, behind Michigan Stadium (108,000) and Ohio Stadium (101,568).

The bid committee is requesting more information from remaining cities such as tourism, climate, security, transportation and promotion.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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