Tampa's bid to host World Cup soccer games took a significant step forward this afternoon when the city made the list of 18 U.S. cities vying to host games in 2018 or 2022.
Tampa was among 38 U.S. cities that applied to be part of a U.S. bid for the cup. The city already had survived the cut to 27 cities. Today's decision is not the final one - the biggest announcement will come in December, when the United States will learn whether it has been selected as the host nation.
When the cup comes to a nation, a dozen or more cities may host several first-round matches. Bigger stadiums host the later matches, including the semifinals and the final.
Recent World Cup tournaments drew more than 2 million international visitors to the host nation. Even if Tampa only hosts first-round matches, the region could expect outdoor events at a half-dozen parks where matches would be shown on Jumbotrons, plus several festivals akin to the NFL Experience during Tampa's last Super Bowl, boosters say.
With the list of potential host cities culled to 18, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association will send inspection teams to the cities. On Dec. 2, FIFA will announce a host nation. The final selection of cities will be made five years in advance of the tournament.
South Africa will host the World Cup in June. Brazil will host the tournament in 2014.
Estimates of economic impact are $6.4 billion for a host nation. Tampa committee members have said U.S. television rights for the 2010 and 2014 World Cup sold for $425 million, a record price.
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