6 Reasons Why the 2022 World Cup Should Be Held in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an ideal location for the 2022 World Cup. Home to America's most passionate sports fans, Philadelphia has been hosting national and international conferences, conventions, sports and other events since the country's foundation. As a frequent visitor to the city and a resident of the area, I've closely observed the many positive qualities that Philadelphia could lend to the World Cup experience.

Philadelphia represents the role of the United States as a world leader-a role that should be reinforced in coming years if we'd like to remain at the forefront of the international sports and entertainment communities.

Philadelphia is Progressive

Philadelphia is notoriously progressive, making it a prime location to intensify the fan base of soccer, currently experiencing a tepid reception in the United States. Philadelphia brought forth ESPN's X Games, showing that the city's progressive nature extends to sports.

Demonstrated World Cup Enthusiasm

Philadelphians enjoy the World Cup. During the last such event, city pubs filled up faster than you could say "vuvuzela" with spectators spilling out onto the street in hopes of glancing World Cup action through the pub windows.

Philadelphia is also supportive of their professional soccer teams: Union and Independence, the male and female teams, respectively.

World Cup Capacity

Philadelphia has the capacity to hold large-scale events and the experience to safely execute an international sporting event. With several stadiums at the ready, the city's police force and national security officers are ever-present. Philadelphia is also home to several recruiting and sports event staffing firms accustomed to adequate preparation for large events.

Passionate Sports Fans

Philadelphia boasts the most passionate sports fans in the country. You could entertain yourself simply by watching fan reactions at sporting events. Any event featuring the home team would draw enormous numbers of supporters. Sports fans go all out here-that means they purchase the official gear and paint themselves up to represent the team.

Transportation Hub

Philadelphia is a transportation hub for the eastern seaboard of the United States. It's accessible by train from other cities (and their airports) and sits right off of I-95 and I-76. The region can also accommodate large numbers of tourists in outlying suburbs-many hotels are located directly near SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) or PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation). Additionally, visitors can take the R1 Regional Rail line directly from Philadelphia International Airport to the stadiums and other areas of the city.

Philadelphia's airport is also supported by other regional airports in the Lehigh Valley and Newark, NJ.

Representation

Philadelphia is one of America's most patriotic cities. Philadelphia has its own Ben Franklin interpreter and civic leaders actively involved in Philadelphia sports and community events.

Due to its innovation, historical importance and passion for sports, Philadelphia is the ideal location for the 2022 World Cup.