FIFA Under 20 World Cup bid on Council agenda

A report to Hamilton City Council’s Ordinary Meeting next week recommends the city consider making a bid for matches as part of the 2015 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Council will receive the report, for consideration by the Mayor and Councillors, during the open section of its meeting, which will be held on 24 November at Western Community Centre on Hyde Avenue.

Lance Vervoort, Acting General Manager of Events and Economic Development, said hosting of seven Category 3 football matches, plus a quarterfinal, would cost $809,000 over four years, and if approved would need to be included in Council’s 2012-2022 10-Year Plan.

The report includes an extensive business case which notes potential economic benefits to the city of up to $3.5 million, and the city’s proven ability to host international sporting fixtures at Waikato Stadium – including the recent Rugby World Cup 2011 and the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup in 2008.

Hosting the matches would give the city international media exposure, attract foreign visitors to the region, and involve the Waikato community in one of the largest sporting events in the world. The tournament would be broadcast to more than 200 countries.

“We’ve also done some risk assessment, which notes further potential costs during the negotiation phase. As yet, we also do not have FIFA’s technical specifications for stadium and training venues. At this stage the tournament is tentatively scheduled for November 2015, but if it is moved to FIFA’s other possible window in June and July, we may face some complications with existing commitments for our stadium,” Mr Vervoort said.

Council has until 30 November to file a proposal with New Zealand Football indicating it will bid for games.