Thursday, September 03, 2009

Liverpool Launches World Cup City Bid

Liverpool’s World Cup city bid was officially launched this morning, including ambitious plans to rename one of its historic parks as ‘The Magical Mystery Park’ in homage to the Beatles.

The move would see Wavertree’s Mystery park renamed to become the first ever Beatles-themed World Cup ‘Fan Fest’ site, with events and attractions throughout the tournament.

Continuing the musical theme and reinforcing the council’s commitment to the environment, car-free transport would be heavily promoted under the “You’ll Never Walk Alone” transport programme.

Newsham Park would become the other FIFA Fan Fest venue during the course of the 2018 tournament.

It would carry a Victorian theme to play on the grass roots and heritage of football, those behind the plans said.

The ECHO arena launch event received the support of Reds manager Rafael Benitez and Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher.

It came on the same day representatives from governing body FIFA were in town to inspect the city’s potential to host the event.

Those attending the launch heard how four other North West clubs, including Tranmere, Wigan, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End would allow their grounds to be used as base camp training facilities for teams coming from around the world.

Details also emerged of how “Celebration Squares” would be created in the city centre at the Pier Head, Clayton Square, Williamson Square and William Brown Street.

The city council is 100% behind the plans and is leading the bid.

Council leader Cllr Warren Bradley said: “We’ve worked hard to develop what being a host city would mean for the fans, visitors and residents.

“The Fan Fest sites and celebration squares will draw on the very best of what people saw in the Capital of Culture year, with a green transport theme and health promotion programme, which will ensure the city experiences a meaningful and lasting legacy of being part of the World Cup.”

Tranmere Rovers chief executive Mick Horton said: “It would be fantastic for the whole of Merseyside if Liverpool was to be a host city of the 2018 World Cup.”

Liverpool must now submit its final written bid to England’s World Cup bid company by November this year.

The country’s list of host cities will then be announced in December and the complete bid will be put forward in May 2010. City leaders hope bringing the World Cup to Merseyside will boost the local economy.

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