10 World Cups in 10 years: Pass or Fail?
The NSW government has announced plans to bid for 10 world cups in the next 10 years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian believes Sydney should be the sporting capital of Australia and plans to lure the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the ATP Tennis World Cup.
“We want to attract the world’s best and biggest events right here in NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The benefits are not just for sports fans being able to see the best in the world, but for jobs and the economy as well – the 10 major events would inject at least $1 billion into the economy in visitor spend alone,” Ms Berejiklian said.
But promises like this were made from the Queensland Government prior to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, which left local cafes and restaurants dead in the water, as the city was a ghost town.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall thinks the sporting events will be profitable for the residents of Sydney.
“Major events drive the tourism economy, and we will be bringing sports fans from around the world to NSW, which will be a massive boost for our hotels, restaurants, bars and tourism operators,” he said.
Reports claim the bold plans are just a decoy to justify the NSW government’s multi-billion dollar stadium redevelopment plan.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the plans build on the Government’s commitment to ensure that NSW secures premium international events across the State over the next decade.
“Investing in renewing our sporting infrastructure puts us in a position to attract a wide range of events to satisfy all sport enthusiasts,” he said.
“This about putting the best sports and the best events in the best facilities and keeping Sydney the number one choice in Australia for sports fans,” he said.
Rod McGeoch, the man responsible for bringing the 2000 Olympics to Sydney is set to lead the advisory committee to secure the sporting events.
“Sydney came alive during the 2000 Olympics,” McGeoch said.
“We know what excitement great sport brings to our city and I am thrilled to be part of this pursuit of 10 world cups.”
WORLD CUP WISHLIST
* 2019 men’s Rugby League Nines
* 2020 men’s and women’s cricket World T20
* 2020-2030 men’s tennis World Team Cup
* 2021 women’s rugby world cup
* 2022 men’s and women’s road cycling world championships
* 2023 women’s FIFA world cup
* 2027 men’s rugby world cup
* 2027 netball world cup
* 2029 rugby league world cup
