Houston's World Cup (Soccer) Bid Could Mean Massive Positive Economic Impact

Multiple sources reported on this topic, including this write up from the Houston Business Journal:

Winning the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup could be very lucrative for Houston and the nation, according to a study released this week by the USA Bid Committee Inc.

The study, conducted by the economic practice at AECOM Technology Corp. (NYSE: ACM), forecasts that being selected as the host country in either of those years could result in a $5 billion economic impact nationwide. In addition, preparation for and operation of the tournament could lead to the creation of between 65,000 and 100,000 new jobs.

The study also estimates 5,000 to 8,000 jobs would be created in each host city during the event’s operation.

Thirty-two stadiums in 27 cities, including Houston’s Reliant Stadium, are in the running to be included in the U.S. bid. The final bid will include between 12 and 18 stadiums.

The total economic impact projected for any one host city ranges from about $400 million to $600 million at today’s dollar value, according to the study. That figure is based on 12 host cities staging five to six matches each.

The USA Bid Committee is responsible for putting together the pitch to host the prestigious soccer event, with the final submission due to FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, in May 2010.

Houston soccer fans can do their part to promote the city by going to a Web site created by the committee at http://www.gousabid.com/Houston.