SEATTLE — Preliminary projections show it would cost more than $10 million for the city of Seattle to host World Cup soccer games but city officials say most of that money would be reimbursed or recouped.
Seattle is one of 23 host cities under consideration to host men’s matches when the World Cup comes to North America in 2026.
The Seattle Times reports early projections by the mayor’s office show that providing stadium security and police escorts, practice fields and other expenses amount to about $7.7 million for three games and about $10.5 million for five games.
The memo says that FIFA would reimburse Seattle for the stadium, police and field costs.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has been lobbying for Seattle to be on the final list of 16 cities to host matches. The final list will be decided 2020 or 2021.
