Should Nashville Host the World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup, one of the most watched sporting events in the world, brings together 32 top soccer teams from all the continents to compete for the coveted trophy and bragging rights as the planet’s “football” champion. Like the Summer Olympics, the World Cup is held every four years in a different location, with nations bidding for an opportunity to host a future event.

Because of the preparation involved in hosting so many teams and the hundreds of thousands of spectators who travel to cheer on their favorites, prospective hosts will bid several years in advance. Matches traditionally are scheduled in several cities at once to accommodate the tournament, so it’s important for bidding countries to organize their choice cities. The 2014 World Cup is scheduled to be held in various cities in Brazil, but hosts for the 2018 and 2022 games have not been chosen yet. The United States, which has not hosted the World Cup since 1994, has thrown a hat in the ring, and if selected Nashville could be one of the destinations.

Should Nashville host World Cup games? As with any major sporting event, there are pros and cons that locals must consider. Inclusion in a large event has the potential to boost tourism revenue during the tournament, and jobs are likely to be created to satisfy any construction that needs completion before people arrive. When the Olympics came to Atlanta in 1992, the city benefited from a number of new structures which are still in use today. If chosen, some regions Nashville could receive a much-needed makeover.

However, for every advantage there is a caveat. Traffic booms and the risk of increased crime pose a threat. With so many people from different cultures in one place, tensions may rise and make for uncomfortable conflicts. Travelers may also experience dubious businesses in town to make a quick buck, and Nashville will also need to consider an increase in law enforcement and security for the time the matches are played.

However the World Cup committee decides to vote for these coming games, that Nashville has been considered by the United States bidding team is an honor all locals should appreciate. The World Cup, like the Olympics, embodies the spirit of friendly competition and fellowship, and visitors for such an event would be certainly welcome.