Inside Bay Area preparations for the 2026 World Cup
Why it matters: The games, which will take place mere months after the Bay Area hosts the Super Bowl, are projected to generate up to $360 million in economic activity across the entire region.
State of play: The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), an organization first formed ahead of the 2016 Super Bowl, is tasked with overseeing the execution of World Cup events, which will include five group stage matches and one round of 32 knockout match.
Their goal is twofold, BAHC president and CEO Zaileen Janmohamed told Axios: Fundraise enough money to cover all expenses, and work with nine counties and over 100 cities to maximize economic impact.
Behind the scenes: Officials said in December that the World Cup will cost Santa Clara an estimated $45-50 million. But BAHC is expected to cover those costs, including stadium modifications, security and equipment needs, per an agreement with the city.
The 49ers have agreed to backstop funds related to stadium renovations if BAHC is unable to cover all costs.
BAHC is also receiving $10 million in state funding for public safety needs.
What they're saying:"This is historic and unprecedented, and no one has ever done it before, and therefore there's no template on how to do it," Janmohamed told Axios. "We will be the epicenter of sport."
Though she declined to provide a specific target fundraising figure, Janmohamed said, "We have a lot of energy in the marketplace."
San José, which borders Santa Clara, is working to raise a few million dollars for concerts, drone shows and watch parties downtown, which will serve as a "centerpiece for the fan experience," Mayor Matt Mahan told Axios.
Local officials are also developing a QR code and app to help visitors navigate community events, Mahan said.
"We want to build a seamless experience" from San Francisco to South Bay, he added.
Charles Lutvak, spokesperson for San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, did not provide details about the city's World Cup preparations but said they "expect to welcome tens of thousands of fans."
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