5 Reasons Dallas Needs the 2022 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament

Nearly two dozen American cities, including my city, are hoping to attract the 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association's World Cup soccer tournament. Although FIFA is unpredictable, we have a good chance. Claims of corruption likely weakened the chances of some potential host countries. We have high profile celebrities, including former president Bill Clinton and Morgan Freeman, championing our country's bid. We will learn the final decision on December 2.

In the meantime, let's consider why Dallas needs the 2022 World Cup.

We're ready for some futbol
The Friday night lights tradition remains strong, but we also love soccer. FIFA reported the 1994 World Cup held in the U.S. attracted a total attendance of 3,587,538 spectators.

Fox Soccer, Univision and ESPN are all providing live covering of the FIFA decision Thursday morning. Granted, it probably will not rival the Lebron James spectacular, but it shows there is a strong interest in soccer stateside.

Economic boost
Who needs a stimulus package? Last year, a study by AECOM estimated the tournament would have a financial impact of approximately $400 million to $600 million for each host city and create 5,000 to 8,000 jobs during the event. Of course, there will likely be additional spending and employment as businesses build and polish facilities during the years leading up to the tournament.

Soccer has heart
Professional sports are often more about the money, diva players, merchandise or the owners instead of the game. Both soccer players and fans have a strong tradition of loving the game itself. Whether the teams play in Jerry Jones' house or the historic Cotton Bowl, Dallas sports fans will get to see unconditional love of the game if the World Cup comes to town.

Feed our ego
Recent years brought us the Stanley Cup (2000), NBA Finals (2006), World Series (2010) and we will soon host Super Bowl XLV. Let us continue this tradition of hosting champions. (It is the next best thing to having a champion of our own.)

Highlight the Cotton Bowl and Fair Park
The Cotton Bowl and Fair Park hold a special place in history, but we have to look toward the future and bring more events to these venues when Big Tex takes a break. Perhaps international coverage will help achieve this goal.

World Cup fans are much more than vuvuzela-wielding soccer hooligans and hosting the games can help Dallas retain its bragging rights while boosting our economy.