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On June 19, 1994, 30 years ago this week, the world witnessed a momentous occasion: the kickoff of the first FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States. Orlando’s Citrus Bowl, now known as Camping World Stadium, inaugurated this historic event with the first of five sold-out soccer matches, welcoming over 320,000 fans and a global viewing audience of over 3 billion people. Orlando, one of nine host venues, was celebrated for its unparalleled spirit of fun and festivity.
With the enthusiastic support of over 4,000 Central Florida volunteers, Orlando earned accolades from international publications, including the Wall Street Journal. The Journal lauded the community’s vibrant post-game celebrations at Church Street Station, stating, “The United Nations should send observers to see how it’s done.” The Netherlands Consul General echoed this sentiment, praising Orlando for transforming the World Cup into a celebration of soccer and mutual understanding. Adidas, a proud FIFA sponsor, adorned City Hall’s dome with a giant soccer ball, symbolizing our city’s passion for the sport in an image seen globally. From the outset of our six-year quest to host the 1994 games, we believed that Orlando’s magic extended beyond exceptional hospitality; we knew few other communities could match our dedication and spirit.
The economic impact of the 1994 World Cup in Orlando was staggering, amounting to over $209 million, equivalent to $610 million in today’s dollars. The Atlanta Constitution named Orlando the “Best Venue in the Best World Cup Ever.” The proceeds from the host committee established endowed scholarships at five area colleges, leaving a legacy of educational support.
The World Cup ignited a soccer revolution in Orlando, sparking the growth of youth leagues and leading to the establishment of our Major League Soccer team, Orlando City Lions, and the women’s team, Orlando Pride. In 1994, the world fell in love with Orlando, including fans from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Mexico, and Morocco. For three weeks, from June 19 to July 4, 1994, we celebrated global diversity with a stadium filled with cheering and singing, record-breaking hospitality at Orlando International Airport, and a tourism industry showcasing its finest welcome. Captains of industry from all five countries were in attendance. Our citizens united in a grand celebration of the Orlando spirit, proving to the World that Orlando is not just a host city but a beacon of international camaraderie and celebration.
There is a long list of volunteers who worked on the four-year bid committee effort and two-year Host Committee, along with World Cup USA 1994 staff at the stadium, who are due our forever appreciation status. They showed the way for the can-do spirit that is Central Florida, where if we put our hearts and minds genuinely together to face challenges and opportunities, we can go the extra mile to successful outcomes. Thanks for the memories, and keep the faith for great things to come.
Joanie Schirm, an Orlando nonfiction author and community activist, was the World Cup Orlando 1994 Bid and Host Committee Chairman.
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