WC SOCCER: Birmingham out as possible host city

Birmingham didn't survive the latest round of cuts as a host site for soccer's 2018 or 2022 World Cup. But the Alabama Sports Foundation isn't taking no for an answer. Gene Hallman, the foundation's president, said he hopes Birmingham will be reconsidered, although he acknowledged the chances are slim. Hallman said he wants to push the proposed dome as Birmingham's bid - and the possibility the stadium could exceed 55,000 seats.

"We were surprised that another cut was made this quickly," he said. "If nothing else, a strong effort in the bid process, even if we're not selected, puts us in position to be a base for team training to host ancillary events leading up to the World Cup." The USA Bid Committee cut the field from 38 to 27 cities. By next May, the U.S. will choose 10 sites for its bid to FIFA.

Soccer World Cup trophy

Birmingham held soccer games during the 1996 Olympics at aging Legion Field, but has lately been surpassed in the Southeast. Nashville held a World Cup qualifier in April, staged three Olympic qualifying games in 2008, and had a U.S.-Mexico "friendly" game in 2006. Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Miami, Nashville, Orlando and Tampa made Thursday's cut from the Southeast. Joining Birmingham off the list were Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, Fayetteville, Ark., Knoxville, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City and San Antonio. Hallman said the USA Bid Committee indicated it was saturated with bids from the Southeast and stressed the importance of tourist attractions for visitors over 30 days during the World Cup.

"I quickly pointed out we've always been U.S. Soccer's choice in the Southeast, and they agreed," Hallman said. "I also pointed out that during Olympic soccer we sold more tickets than Orlando, Miami and Washington combined, and they were aware of that. The oversaturation of Southeast bids should not have been a factor, but evidently it was." The USA Bid Committee initially gauged Birmingham regarding Legion Field, and the Alabama Sports Foundation added the proposed dome as a possibility. Hallman said the committee was intrigued by the dome but dismissed it based on the estimated capacity of approximately 55,000.

"No one knows how big the dome will be," he said. "The world's most viewed sporting event might be a catalyst to make the facility bigger if we can afford it. I think it's plus or minus 10,000 or 15,000 (additional or fewer seats), all depending on what we can afford." BJCC Board Chairman Clyde Echols said the dome is currently designed to seat 57,500 with the ability to expand up to 70,000.