Halftime Hype

With the FIFA Inspection Delegation arriving for a three-day tour next week, one might wonder: Could the United States host a World Cup? David Downs and his colleagues at the USA Bid Committee, attempting to bring the tournament to America in 2018 or 2022, strongly believe so. From the facilities to the fans, Downs outlined how the United States would be a perfect host for the World Cup.

As executive director of the USA Bid Committee, Downs has been spending the summer trying to get support for the USA's bid. As many supporters may know, he's been busy sending messages asking fans to join Go USA Bid. Today, all the hard work really paid off, as the number of fans supporting the USA's bid surpassed 1 million. Granted, that figure does not account for a large percentage of the nation's population, but, as Downs pointed out, for a grass-roots campaign with no major marketing, it's a great success.

The committee has scheduled a jam-packed itinerary for FIFA's inspectors. Obviously, Downs mentioned, three days is not much time to showcase the entire arsenal, but there will still be plenty of attractions to impress FIFA. Throughout their inspection, the delegation will visit New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Dallas, and Houston.

The United States "abundance of resources" will definitely be a point of emphasis. With regards to stadiums, Downs shared that FIFA will see a variety of venues. Some will be close-roofed, others will be open. The facilities will also vary in size; some will be bigger than others.

However, the Bid Committee will take the delegation to more than just a handful of stadiums. "It's more than just going down and inspecting the pitch," Downs said. The delegation will also view convention centers, which, among other things, as stations for international broadcasting.

Along the way, the delegation will also be accommodated to luxurious hotels, which could potentially be used by World Cup personnel in the future.

During the United States' run in the World Cup, fans may have noticed former president Bill Clinton, an honorary chairman on the Bid Committee, cheering in the crowd. Asked if celebrities would be involved in the presentation, Downs could not give specifics, but assured that dignitaries will be involved.

For U.S. Soccer, there's not much of a preference between hosting the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Downs said that generally, when one is going to do something exciting, it's always great to enjoy it sooner. Nevertheless, if the United States was awarded the honor of hosting the World Cup in 2022, it would provide more time to develop even better facilities and progress soccer in America.

To join over a million fans in supporting the United States' bid to host a World Cup, go to http://www.gousabid.com/.