A dozen colleges were not interested in being considered as potential venues for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, in an update to the list of 70 stadiums released by the United States Soccer Federation.
Alabama, Auburn, BYU, LSU, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Penn State, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech turned down the opportunity to host games. Jacksonville, FL and Oklahoma City are still undecided, while Las Vegas, Raleigh, NC, and Salt Lake City's Rice-Eccles Stadium have asked to be included as the bid process continues.
30 National Football League venues remain on the list, with only San Francisco's Candlestick Park not considered as a potential venue.
“We are very pleased by the impressive response, and are certainly gratified by the enthusiasm and thorough understanding everyone has shown for this unique opportunity,” Executive Director for the USA Bid Committee David Downs said in a press statement.... “We will soon begin contacting all venue and metro market representatives on a one-on-one basis to ensure that their candidacy is in accordance with FIFA criteria."
