New sports quarter stadium included in 2035 world cup bid
Villa Park and Birmingham City’s planned new stadium are both among 22 venues put forward to host matches at the 2035 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup.
Nottingham’s City Ground is also included in the UK’s unopposed bid for the tournament, which is expected to be ratified by the global football authority next year.
FIFA will make a decision on the UK’s bid by April, with a final selection of between 14 and 16 host cities set to be confirmed in 2030.
In October, the West Midlands Combined Authority agreed to contribute £6m to the overall £26m cost of hosting the tournament, subject to Birmingham being successful in its bid to become a host city for the tournament.
A full business case and benefit plan would be worked up once the city’s status as a formal host city has been confirmed, a WMCA board meeting was told in October.
Should Nottingham be chosen as a host city for the tournament, East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said the bid would be “truly transformative” for the city, with the potential for lasting benefits to the wider East Midlands region.
“Hosting matches here would provide a major boost to our visitor economy, attracting fans from across the globe to experience everything our fantastic region has to offer – from world-class sporting facilities and vibrant cultural attractions to stunning countryside and historic landmarks,” she said.
“This influx of visitors would support local businesses, create jobs, and showcase the East Midlands as a destination of choice for tourism and investment. I am excited to continue working alongside Nottingham City Council and our partners to transform this remarkable opportunity into a lasting reality.”
According to the bid, 63m people live within two hours of a proposed venue, with organisers claiming it would be the most accessible tournament ever.
A joint statement from the CEOs of the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales said the 2035 tournament would be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5m tickets available for fans.
“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that,” said the statement.
“Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run up to 2035, and the years afterwards.
“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”
The proposed host cities and stadia are:
- Belfast – Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park;
- Birmingham – Sports Quarter Stadium and Villa Park;
- Brighton & Hove – American Express Stadium;
- Bristol – Ashton Gate;
- Cardiff – Cardiff City Stadium and Principality Stadium;
- Edinburgh – Easter Road;
- Glasgow – Hampden Park;
- Leeds – Elland Road;
- Liverpool – Hill Dickinson Stadium;
- London – Chelsea FC Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Selhurst Park, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium;
- Manchester – Etihad Stadium;
- Newcastle – St James’ Park;
- Nottingham – City Ground;
- Sunderland – Stadium of Light;
- Trafford – Old Trafford;
- Wrexham – STōK Racecourse.
