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New Meadowlands Stadium Selected as Finalist in USA Bid to Host FIFA World Cup
Future Home of the NY Jets and NY Giants Named One of the 18 Potential Host Venues in Official USA Bid for FIFA World Cup 2018 or 2022
East Rutherford, NJ – January 12, 2010 – The New Meadowlands Stadium, future home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, received the USA Bid Committee’s soccer seal of approval today, as the highly anticipated venue became one of 18 locations named as potential host site in the United States Soccer Federation’s bid for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
“We are honored to be included in this historic bid to bring the World Cup back to the United States,” said Mark Lamping, President and CEO of New Meadowlands Stadium Company. “With this selection, the U.S. Soccer Federation and its USA Bid Committee are confirming our belief that the New Meadowlands Stadium will be an outstanding venue to showcase soccer at its highest level. We are honored to possibly serve the United States and World Cup fans from throughout the world in the future.”
Upon completion in April 2010, the New Meadowlands Stadium will boast a seating capacity of 82,500. Spectators of all sports will be treated to game-day experiences unlike any other, and have the ability to take in on-field action live and on four massive 30 x 118 foot HD video display boards located in each of the stadium corners. Additional highlights include a 48" x 2200' ribbon board that circles the interior bowl, adding color and energy to the already spirited atmosphere; 2100+ HD Monitors placed throughout the stadium; and 20 HD video pylons outside the stadium ranging in size from 20”X40” to 20”X60.”
Soccer’s most important and prestigious athletic completion in the world, the FIFA World Cup is contested by the men's national football teams of FIFA-member nations every four years. The United States last welcomed the competition in the summer of 1994.
No stranger to the FIFA World Cup, the Meadowlands served as one of nine host venues in 1994. Giants Stadium hosted a total of seven matches, including competitions in quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. The 1994 World Cup garnered the tournament its highest attendance in history, and still stands as the highest-attended single sport event in the United States.
The United States, Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia have formally declared their desire to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain have each submitted joint bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, while Qatar and South Korea have applied as candidates to play host only to the tournament in 2022.
FIFA’s 24-member Executive Committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010.
For more information, visit www.NewMeadowlandsStadium.com.
