Nashville Is All In On Hosting World Cup Games, But The Bid Is Far From Over

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Nashville SC supporters section at Nissan Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

With the 2022 World Cup less than a year away, the soccer world will soon turn its eyes to Qatar to watch some of the best players in the world play for glory.

The United States, Canada and Mexico will partake in the international soccer tournament when they host the World Cup in 2026. Many city’s are already set to host games, including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City. However, cities such as Nashville are still in the conversation to host a tournament game.

Bringing a World Cup game to Music City would be an absolute game-changer to the metropolitan area in regards to sports and major events. This isn’t the NFL Draft, NHL All-Star Game or CMA Fest. Rather, the World Cup is the biggest single event in the world and only happens once every four years.

A delegation of FIFA and Concacaf representatives recently toured the city’s facilities in September while looking at cities throughout the U.S. Nissan Stadium would be the host stadium but there are many other factors to look at.

Nissan Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

In an interview with The Sports Credential, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. President Butch Spyridon shares that this bid has been one of the most difficult projects he and the NCVC have had.

“This is probably the hardest and deepest dive we’ve ever had to do,” Spyridon explains. “The level of detail [is astounding]. You have to consider things like sex trafficking, human rights, sustainability… all these things that nobody thinks about as a fan, casual observer or even media. The things they’ve asked us to report on or address is just mind blowing. We’ve learned a lot and we’re still in the hunt.”

In February, the NCVC released an economic impact report based on Nashville hosting four World Cup games. The report, which was prepared by William F. Fox, Director of the Boyd Center for Business & Economic Research at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, showed that the city could make $695 million in total economic impact. Nashville could see $639.3 million in economic impact from visitors, $205.6 million in income generated, 5,469 annualized jobs, and $66.1 million in state and local tax revenue.

“The attention Nashville receives from being thrust onto the world stage could offer much longer-term economic gains,” Fox noted in the press release. “Playing World Cup matches in Nashville would significantly enlarge the Tennessee economy. Longer term, hosting the event will increase tourism from around the world and dramatically expand the visibility of Nashville as a great place to visit and live.”

Nashville would benefit exponentially if they were to host a few World Cup games. An estimated 5,469 annualized jobs will come from hosting the World Cup, mostly in the leisure, hospitality, and retail sectors as establishments increase their staffs. An additional 200 annualized jobs will come from the World Cup operations and construction. Additionally, earnings for Tennessee workers would total $205.6 million, including from leisure, retail and hospitality jobs; construction; and stadium operations.

“This economic impact study underscores what a boom it would be for Nashville to host these World Cup matches,” added John Ingram, owner of Nashville SC. “It’s not only a chance for us to show the world what is so special about Nashville, but a way to channel the global interest in our city for the benefit of everyday Nashvillians.”

Ingram will also serve as the chairman of Nashville’s Local Organizing Committee if Music City earns a host spot for the FIFA World Cup.

USA fans at Nissan Stadium for the World Cup Qualifying match between USMNT and Canada. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitor Corp.

Like any event, the World Cup is unique and has its own plans and ideas of what they want it to look like. While those at the NCVC may want to show off some of Nashville’s unique charms, they understand that it’s ultimately FIFA’s event.

“We go in understanding it’s their event,” Spyridon shares. “We let them know what we can do to make it unique, but we also let them know that we understand that it’s their event and that we are working for them. That served us really well with the NFL Draft and it taught us a lot.”

As of now, FIFA has been quiet in regards to its selection of host cities. All the while, Spyridon and his team have been working hard to prove to FIFA and the World Cup delegation that Nashville is a viable and profitable host option.

Though Nashville isn’t a lock city like New York, Miami or Los Angeles, there is confidence among Spyridon and his peers that their work speaks for itself.

“We would never say we’re a lock. We started the interview bid process assuming we’re in last place and with the intention to continue working to earn their trust, confidence and respect so that we could be considered. Until we know whether we’re in or out, we’re continuing to fight from what we assume is the last place position. Though I don’t think we’re a lock, I think we have a better shot than most would have us, so we’re in the hunt.

“Every time we do something we try to improve it and show whoever we’re talking to that we’re a major event city, even if we’re not a first tier, top-of-mind city for some of these groups.” he continues. “We’ve also learned to be true to who we are. We’re a pretty authentic, unique destination with a great campus for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. That didn’t happen by accident. It took a lot of people, planning, and discussion to keep it close together so it can become a selling point.”

Steven Boero
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