Title
Resolution to Participate In and Support Bid to Host Rugby World Cup and Related Events (Resolution 22392) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize a resolution to express support for, and authorize the City's participation in, the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance's bid to host the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and related events.
Report
Summary
As part of the World Rugby required bid submittals, the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance has requested a declaration of support from the City of Phoenix for a 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup bid.
Rugby World Cup is a tournament played every four years between the top international teams, with the winner being recognized as the world champion of the sport.
This resolution will express the City's support for the bid through the commitment of general government services (including: assistance with permitting coordination, licensing and plan reviews; facilitating branding, decor, signage and street pole banners; providing a dedicated citywide liaison; aviation arrival/departure coordination; public safety support and emergency preparedness services at no cost; ambush marketing protections; and use of certain City-controlled venues at no cost for official World Rugby events).
If awarded, matches would be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. An outdoor training venue, fan-related events, and lodging and meeting activities associated with the events would be proposed to be held in Phoenix. These events would take place in the Fall of 2031.
USA Rugby officially launched their bid to host a Men's Rugby World Cup in 2021 and, in 2022, World Rugby announced that it had awarded the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup to the United States of America. Notably, this will be the first time the tournament is held in the Americas.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.