The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup pumped $28.6 million into the local economy, the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance announced Thursday.
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“Hosting this prestigious sporting event has elevated Ottawa’s international profile and showcased the many attributes that make our city an amazing place to live and visit,” Mayor Jim Watson said in a statement, adding it showed the world the capital can hold similar events in the future.
Ottawa was one of six host cities during the month-long event from early June to early July. More than 270 residents volunteered.
While the economic gain was significant, Innis Coun. Jody Mitic, who doubles as the city’s sports commissioner, said the World Cup’s legacy goes beyond the bottom line.
“Ottawa now has three amazing training fields that meet FIFA Quality Pro specifications for all current and future residents to enjoy,” he said in a statement.
The tournament was incredibly successful across the country, setting attendance records. Peter Montopoli, general secretary of Soccer Canada, said Ottawa did its part.
“The Ottawa venue was a significant success in that it exceeded the revenue and spectator goals, with a 95 per cent attendance rate over the six match days resulting in a total attendance of 189,460,” he said in a statement.
The success of the tournament has the Canadian Soccer Association thinking bigger.
“I think our next project as a country, and as a soccer country, would be the men’s World Cup,” CSA president Victor Montagliani said.
The 2018 World Cup is scheduled for Russia and the 2022 competition in Qatar.
Mr. Montagliani said it’s expected the 2026 World Cup would be awarded to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF), of which Canada is a member.
– with files from the Canadian Press
