BSL: Baltimore’s World Cup Bid

https://baltimorespo...-world-cup-bid/

Good read Ian!  I so hope Baltimore is successful in getting some matches. My start in this fantastic sport was a long time ago when I lived in that wonderful area. So many great memories and this would be icing on the cake.

I am a homer on this, clearly, but my read from talking with Terry Hasseltine is that Baltimore has a better chance than some people may think. In some ways, the lack of an MLS/USL team may actually help them, because as Terry said there's more chance for FIFA to leave a legacy in Baltimore. And in terms of symbiosis of fan zone/hotels/stadium/transit, the only East Coast stadium in the running with a similar footprint is Atlanta.

That said, when you look at the cities bidding, it's hard to say any should be off the list except maybe Orlando, since Camping World Stadium would need massive upgrades relative to most of the others in the field. I think one thing that could really improve Baltimore's bid is the addition of a cantilever roof similar to what now exists in Miami. FIFA is big on having portions of its seating bowl under cover when possible.

PressBox: Terry Hasseltine On How Baltimore Can Improve Chances For 2026 World Cup Matches

Balt Sun: 7 reasons why Baltimore should be a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city 

BSL: The Truth About Baltimore’s World Cup Bid

https://baltimorespo...-world-cup-bid/

IMO the last topic is the key. Baltimore could use a large positive event to get past some of the negative view of the City of late.

Good article Ian. 

Pulling for ya'll to pull this off even if its going to be hard.

When are the sites selected?

When are the sites selected?

Next Spring I think.

Balt Sun: 7 reasons why Baltimore should be a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city 

This was the Sun column I was mentioning in my piece, which basically sandbagged the bid with the "Justin Tucker" remark. Such a silly thing to say, because the honest truth is "who the hell knows" re: FIFA's priorities.

In retrospect, while I'm not always in favor of combining efforts with DC as one "Metro Area" I do sort of wonder if a combined bid would've made sense. Baltimore is clearly the better and more accessible stadium. But DC has obvious other advantages.

Next Spring I think.

I think the expectation is Q2 of 2022 but also that it would not be shocking if it came earlier?

Baltimore and DC in talks to combine their bid (with games to be played in Baltimore because FedEx Field sucks).

With FIFA preparing to announce 2026 World Cup venues next month, Washington and Baltimore are in discussions about combining their respective bids and staging matches exclusively at M&T Bank Stadium.

 

Terry Hasseltine, who is heading Baltimore’s efforts, told the Maryland Stadium Authority’s board of directors Tuesday that he is “currently working with the District of Columbia on a partial merger.”

 

In an interview Wednesday, Greg O’Dell, who is leading the Washington campaign, said he and Hasseltine spoke last week and “we are definitely open to different options” after FIFA gave FedEx Field in Landover low marks last year.

 

If the joint bid is selected, games would be played in downtown Baltimore and Washington would only host ancillary events, such as a massive fan festival on the National Mall, and possibly team training centers.

Washington, Baltimore, in talks about joint World Cup bid - The Washington Post

Ahhhh, Danny. If only you had put some of that ticket money you were hiding from the league into stadium maintenance.

Not sure how Baltimore's bid is enhanced that much by joining with DC. Perhaps the draw would be its the nation's captial.  I guess fans having some WC events there and being able to visit DC has some appeal.

Not sure how Baltimore's bid is enhanced that much by joining with DC. Perhaps the draw would be its the nation's captial.  I guess fans having some WC events there and being able to visit DC has some appeal.

I don't care what they have to do just get me a WC game to go to in Baltimore!

I don't care what they have to do just get me a WC game to go to in Baltimore!

My son and I spent HOURS yesterday trying to figure out how to go to Qatar and watch the US. So many issues with the location. Just showing now how bad a decision it was to hold it there. 

My son and I spent HOURS yesterday trying to figure out how to go to Qatar and watch the US. So many issues with the location. Just showing now how bad a decision it was to hold it there. 

I'm not so sure I would go there for a game even if flight, hotel and tickets were all free.

Not sure how Baltimore's bid is enhanced that much by joining with DC. Perhaps the draw would be its the nation's captial.  I guess fans having some WC events there and being able to visit DC has some appeal.

From the article I posted the link to:

O’Dell — the outgoing president and chief executive of Events DC, the city’s convention and sports authority — said Wednesday, “We recognize the stadium has some particular challenges.”  However, he added, “feedback from FIFA and U.S. Soccer is very clear they want [Washington] to be part of the experience.”

Historically, the capital of a World Cup host country is often a primary venue. However, FIFA officials expressed concern about FedEx Field during their inspection tour in September. The NFL venue — which the team now known as the Washington Commanders opened in 1997 and plans to leave after the 2027 season — has been plagued with problems for years.