World cup bid to cost Bristol £17 million

Bristol City Council anticipate that hosting world cup games will cost the city more than £17 million.

The Council are due to publish a report next week detailing the economic impact should the city be successful in its bid to host world cup matches in 2018.

The £17 million will cover the costs of £8 million for temporary additional stadium seating, £2 million for transport costs, £2 million for marketing and £2 million for project management.

Becoming a successful host city is expected in return to see spending by international visitors of around £150 million in the area and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

The report will be debated in public by the Cabinet at the Council house on Tuesday 24 November prior to the Football Association’s bid deadline of 26 November 2009.

Deputy Council Leader Simon Cook said: “The chance to host World Cup football matches is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the financial and cultural benefits to the city are immense.

“We have though always said that we need to be prudent in considering the costs that would come with bidding for, and if successful hosting such matches.  This is all the more true in tough economic times.  On the 24th we will debate the benefits, the costs and the risks openly, and in public before deciding whether to submit our bid to the FA two days later.”