by Hannah Lindgren | June 22nd, 2012
The IQA has reached the final stage in picking a location for World Cup VI. After a months-long bidding process, the final two bid locations are Riverside, CA, which is just outside of Los Angeles, and Kissimmee, FL, which is just outside of Orlando.
The World Cup has blossomed into a huge event in just a few short years, with attendance more than doubling every year since 2008. The IQA is still a young nonprofit with a limited ability to raise the kind of funds necessary to produce events at the size World Cup has grown to. Because financial stress before World Cup V impacted the event’s quality, the IQA’s goal this year is to find a location that will provide financial aid and support to make the event successful. By hosting World Cup in a city that wants it there and is prepared to offer financial savings, logistical support, and promotion, our staff and resources are freed up to focus on what’s most important: creating a smoothly-run tournament for players and showcasing the athletic abilities of those players to spectators to continue growing the sport.
At the beginning of the bid process, there was strong interest from many cities around the country to host World Cup, including Dallas, Chicago, and Washington, DC. But as the process advanced, two cities offered superior bid packages, leaving the IQA with two finalists. A detailed look at each bid is at the bottom of this article.
What’s next?
The decision between these two cities will largely be based on venue quality, site logistics, and finances. Putting on a large event in a city involves many hidden costs and jumping through hoops that are hard to foresee when an organization is putting on such an event for the first time. World Cup V suffered from many costs that weren’t prepared for in advance, including permitting, lack of pre-existing infrastructure, and rental costs. Both bid finalists this year are prepared to waive many of these costs and guide the IQA through the rest.
Over the next few weeks, WCOT will research every aspect of both potential World Cup locations to ensure that the IQA understands exactly what it would take, logistically and financially, to put on the World Cup in either of these cities. WCOT will work with both Convention and Visitors Bureaus, asking all of the necessary questions. Once WCOT has all of the necessary information, if one bid is superior, that bid will be chosen. If both bids are equal and WCOT cannot decide between them, official member teams will get a tiebreaker vote.
Thank you for your patience during this process!
Riverside, CA
Bid By Riverside Convention and Visitors Bureau
Area:
“A beautiful Mediterranean-like climate, moderate temperatures and over 300 days of sunshine annually make Riverside your ideal destination. Situated close to a major airport, surrounded by mountains and Old California architecture, Riverside provides an inviting and intimate atmosphere for your event.”
Venue/Costs:
- Parking provided
- Rental cost charge to IQA: $8,000
- Permanent and existing portable restroom facilities provided
- Trash cans provided
- Trash dumpsters provided
- IQA has right to charge for parking
- May have to share space in the evenings leading up to the event
- Large space – 8 soccer fields, 16 additional smaller fields
- 5 fields lighted
- No pre-existing fencing
- More than 500 parking spaces
- Paved parking
Accommodations:
In addition to free airport shuttles to most hotels, Riverside has over 1,000 first-class hotel rooms, 700 of which are located in the Historic Downtown area. Riverside hotels are conveniently located only 17 miles from the Ontario International Airport.
Other Support:
- Local advertisement included (complimentary welcome signs posted throughout downtown)
- List of media contacts provided
Kissimmee, FL
Bid By Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau
Area:
“Kissimmee and Central Florida is the perfect location for the tournament. Austin-Tindall Park has successfully hosted many large tournaments such as American Youth Football, AAU, World Class Lacrosse and more. The facility is located in a natural picturesque area, yet it is close to all of the action. Kissimmee offers a variety of accommodations, attractions, adventure activities such as zip lines, and night life.”
Venue/Costs:
- Event space provided free of charge
- Parking provided
- Permanent restroom facilities provided
- 5,600 square foot clubhouse provided
- Trash cans provided
- Sole use of field space for set up, event, and tear down
- 8 soccer fields
- 5,000 bleacher seats provided
- Portable stage provided
- Scoreboards provided
- All fields lighted
- Fencing in place
- 24 hour security
- ~ 500 parking spaces (with field space for additional parking)
- Grass parking
Accommodations:
The CVB will work with IQA and accommodations to select a host hotel and create a list of accommodations that will offer discount rates. The CVB’s preferred housing provider will provide a weblink for all participants and spectators to book accommodation reservations.
Other Support:
- List of media contacts provided
- Welcome bags provided for all players
Ashley Brouillette
June 22, 2012
10:29 am
Please do Riverside!!! The east cost has already had a World Cup and I really want to go!!! Plus, you could see my epic Hufflepuff cosplay! Please
Dan Panzarella
Admin
June 22, 2012
10:33 am
But I’d rather go to Cali than Florida.
Sorry, FL
David Brownman
June 22, 2012
10:44 am
Yeah, I’m with you. If we’re traveling, it might as well be to California…
Dan Panzarella
Admin
June 22, 2012
10:47 am
having read these more thoroughly:
I’ve changed my mind. But I’ll need a portable air conditioner
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
11:16 am
Orlando in March/April is actually pretty nice, usually between 70-80 degrees during the day and much nicer in the evening. The humidity doesn’t even really kick in until May either. So much nicer than the nasty cold we’ve had to deal with in New York
Mattia Piola
June 22, 2012
1:40 pm
Lol. I thought you were being ironical.
Then I remembered you beyond-the-atlantic guys have fahrenheits
70-80 celsius would have been a bit too much
Aaron Michael Bergeron
July 2, 2012
5:27 pm
Are you kidding? I’d love to be boiled at this years world cup!
Tiffany
June 22, 2012
10:43 am
I would think Kissimmee would be the better choice because of the option of some kind of tie in with Wizarding world at Universal.
Ra Hopkins
June 23, 2012
6:57 am
And if not? Remember how much WB likes us.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
10:45 am
Objectively, I’d rather go to Florida if I was flying, it’s just way cheaper for flights and accommodations, even food and transportation is cheaper. If money is no object though I guess that’s your call.
Eliana R.
June 22, 2012
10:48 am
I forsee a HP world visit in Quidditch Teams’ futures…
Evan Bell
Captain, Santa Barbara Blacktips
June 22, 2012
3:04 pm
Nah, I can’t imagine teams having too much time to do that during the World Cup.
Gabe Unick
June 22, 2012
11:10 am
Well, so much for the Midwestern Chicago hopes…
Personally, I would have to go with Florida. It’s easier to get to, and the venue sounds a lot nicer.
What do we know about transportation costs/opportunities to these venues from different places within the country? Airports, trains, buses, driving, etc?
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
11:15 am
Flights to Orlando are characteristically cheaper than other areas of the country because the state does everything it can to draw tourists in, same story with hotels. I’m sure the IQA will draw up costs for every region and put it into consideration with their decision, but from my own research from just about everywhere (outside of California) flights to Orlando (Kissimmee, but you’d fly into Orlando International) are cheaper.
And Chicago got QuidCon, so I think that was a factor with the bid.
Evan Bell
Captain, Santa Barbara Blacktips
June 22, 2012
3:05 pm
Actually, LAX tends to have much cheaper flights, because it’s such a hugely popular airport.
zach.bickhoff
June 23, 2012
1:47 am
We actually have to fly to LAX either way, it’s a Stopover from Australia to all US Flights
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 24, 2012
12:16 am
Actually, flights in to Orlando International are overall cheaper for just about every team east of Colorado.
Kristy Wright
June 22, 2012
11:12 am
Could we persuade the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide teams with free shuttles to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
It would significantly improve the athletes’ performance. True story.
TIM castaneda
June 22, 2012
11:17 am
I would go with florida i live 2 hours from kissimee if the touranment world cup is happening around the fall time the weather will cooler
Josh brown
June 22, 2012
10:29 pm
I will actually be going to ucf during the world cup (ucf is in Orlando btw) so I would really love for it to be in kissimmee!
Steve
June 22, 2012
11:32 am
Wait, one of them costs $8,000 and the other is free?
Julia
June 22, 2012
12:03 pm
I don’t see why there’s any decision to be made here. The vast majority of USA Quidditch teams are on the east coast, the Kissimmee location is close to the Wizarding World of HP, and the Florida spot is a clear $8,000 cheaper than the place in Riverside. It’s a no-brainer.
Christina Coolbaugh
June 22, 2012
7:40 pm
I have to agree with you. Even though I live in Phoenix and Riverside is only a 5 1/2 hour drive mostly on one highway for me, it seems a much better option to go with Kissimmee from the IQA’s point of view. Not only did the offer posted up above have more to it, it was also obviously personalized for the IQA, which seems to me to say that they care more about us.
Glenn Rubin
June 22, 2012
9:08 pm
Yeah, i was kind of shocked when i saw that 8k difference. Florida!
Hannah Lindgren
June 22, 2012
9:45 pm
There are a lot of factors that go into the decision besides cost!
Melissa
June 22, 2012
12:10 pm
California! Let’s see some West Coast action.
Meaghan
June 22, 2012
12:18 pm
After reading the description of ammenities at both venues, I would have to say that Florida looks like not only the cheaper but superior choice. (and I promise that even though I live on the east coast my choice is without bias!!)
Juliana
June 22, 2012
12:35 pm
Please Riverside!! Don’t forget, Universal Orlando is building a wizarding park in LA too! Maybe some sort of sneak preview, pre-opening-tour could be arranged for attendees or participants??
Catherine
June 22, 2012
12:36 pm
Florida sounds like a better option if they are providing the facility free of charge. also, it is next to Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Plus, I live closer to Florida than California by 100 miles.
Gena Ford
June 22, 2012
12:38 pm
I save the rental bit being free…. Means cheaper… And teams can come for longer and go to Universal studios. And the time of the year is great in Florida.
And you have Harry Potter World and also Disney to the people who want to go there. I am sure that if teams called the parks they could get some deals on cheaper tickets
Aaron Michael Bergeron
July 2, 2012
5:33 pm
Not to mention the fact the cluster of related venues theoretically boosts attendance to begin with. People going to those places naturally know what Quidditch is. We could even advertise there. How many in LA know what Quidditch is? Also, unless any of you know how to effectively raise 8k, I think Florida is a pretty obvious choice.
Luke
Midwestern Regional Director
June 22, 2012
12:38 pm
Wow, that Kissimmee bid looks very thorough and beneficial. This World Cup is going to be amazing no matter what!
Hannah Lindgren
June 22, 2012
9:46 pm
Yaaaaay Luke!
Gena Ford
June 22, 2012
12:39 pm
I saw the rental bit being free…. Means cheaper… And teams can come for longer and go to Universal studios. And the time of the year is great in Florida.
And you have Harry Potter World and also Disney to the people who want to go there. I am sure that if teams called the parks they could get some deals on cheaper tickets
Johann Paulus Almeida
June 22, 2012
1:00 pm
Ahhh riverside! riverside! riverside!
Dave
June 22, 2012
1:13 pm
I’m down with Florida, but it should wait until they’ve added the changes to Wizarding World, when people are going to want to go back anyway. I think most people who really have wanted to go to Wizarding World already have, and that the next time they go, they’ll want to see something new.
Lacie Swan
June 22, 2012
1:24 pm
HECK YES! FLORIDA.
annul
June 22, 2012
1:42 pm
kissimmee (~20 minutes from orlando) is an extremely established tourist city. they are the home to disney world (protip: disney world is in KISSIMMEE, NOT orlando) and if the world cup is in march/april, it will be smack dab in the middle of “not tourist season” which means hotel prices will be low, businesses more accommodating, theme parks will be a lot less full than normal, etc.
the average high for the march-april period is 81 degrees; average low is 57.5 degrees. absolutely perfect climate, perfect location, there isn’t even a question here.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
2:36 pm
Well said man, I think a lot of people hear Orlando and automatically thing ‘hot, touristy’, but that time of year is absolutely perfect, especially for the sort of event we are hosting.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
2:37 pm
Plus, before May the humidity really hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s gonna be more humid than maybe Texas or Arizona, but nothing that should throw anyone off their game.
John Lee
June 22, 2012
4:24 pm
If you’re from the West Coast where humidity is virtually nonexistent, any humidity will throw off your game. Florida’s humidity is as bad as or worse than most of the South, and this is actually something that would reduce performance for the West’s teams.
Paul A Kraff
June 22, 2012
4:47 pm
It’s no more of a disadvantage than the cold weather in the northeast or the dry arid dustiness of the southwest. As athletes we should all be prepared for playing in any type of weather condition. Do you honestly think any of the southern teams at world cup were realistically ready for that rather chilly weather? It’s just part of playing an outdoor sport. If a football team loses a game they don’t blame it on not being able to handle the weather, why should we
Spencer
June 22, 2012
6:02 pm
I’m not from Orlando so I wouldn’t really know this, but Orlando isn’t touristy during March/April? That seems like it’d be one of its most touristy times since those are spring break months.
Paul A Kraff
June 22, 2012
8:48 pm
nope, it’s my favorite time to go to Disney. Orlando’s peak times of the year are late april-early august and nov-late january.
Becca DuPont
Captain, Texas A&M
June 23, 2012
10:14 am
March/April is Spring Break season though. Won’t there be tons of people around in Orlando that time of year?
Ali Fishman
June 22, 2012
1:55 pm
Speaking as someone who lives closer to the middle of the country (Memphis, TN – yeah, closer to east cost but still a considerable drive to either location) I’m far more likely to rough the drive to Kissimmee because that’s only about 14 or 15 hours for me (I drive from Memphis to Miami 4 times a year, so it’s completely doable in 1 day). I’m sure other teams from the South region would agree that it’s a closer, better (and probably less expensive) option.
Also, having been to Orlando/Kissimmee as a tourist many times the past two years, it’s VERY easy to get cheap hotels around that area. I once got a room for 45 a night, and then another time I got a room for 80 a night. I’ve yet to see those prices beat in any other city.
I’ve never been to Riverside and I’ve only been to LA once, so I can’t give you anything on that. BUT I do know that Riverside is an impossibly long 28 hour drive from Memphis, and the only way I would go is if I flew (it makes me cringe to think of spending 400 or 500 bucks on tickets as well as another few hundred on hotels). As much as I loved Cali, I would prefer to not spend that much money!
So my vote would be FL! If it came to that
Doug Whiston
Captain, University of Kansas; Kansas State Director
June 22, 2012
1:56 pm
I LOVE L.A. and the teams there. But I can’t ignore the Florida bid. It’s too good.
Kathy Kavanaugh
June 22, 2012
1:59 pm
I don’t think we should automatically assume there’ll be time to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if the Florida location is chosen. For the past two years my team has already had to miss two class days for each World Cup, and I don’t think everyone will be able to squeeze in time to visit on an already hectic trip. That being said, both locations look pretty great! I’m looking forward to not freezing my butt off this year.
Curtis Taylor
Captain, Marquette University; Wisconsin State Director
June 22, 2012
2:16 pm
That Florida Bid is OUTRAGEOUSLY NICE!
Bridget Equality Siegel
June 22, 2012
2:23 pm
I see absolutely no downside to the Orlando bid. It’s cheaper for the IQA, and it’s cheaper for the teams. There is really no comparison.
Chris Schretzenmayer
June 22, 2012
2:25 pm
The only thing that you have to keep in mind is that we would be going to Florida during Spring Break. Riverside isn’t the biggest Spring Break destination, so flights, housing, etc are going to probably be cheaper than Florida. I also called American Airlines to talk about potential flights and the woman I spoke to mentioned that since it would be during Spring Break, it might even be hard to get an entire team on a flight even if we booked tickets in the next few weeks because people have already planned their vacations. We have to keep in mind that if teams try to book their flights to Florida around Winter Break, they might be out of luck.
That being said, I still think Florida is the best option. It seems like the easiest location for many people to get to, and so long as everyone plans carefully, we can try to forgo any of these potential problems.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
2:47 pm
Orlando actually isn’t a huge Spring Break destination. Since there are no beaches, it’s more of a younger/family destination, and since spring break is more staggered Orlando never gets terribly congested during that time. The busy seasons are much more winter break and summer vacation. March/April are actually some of the down times for parks, so many hotels/airlines have lower prices during that time.
Eric Lovell
June 22, 2012
4:05 pm
It’s true. In my time there I was more excited about going to hang out at Miami when it came around spring break time. I saw very few college groups come through.
Tim
July 16, 2012
9:10 am
though your kinda correct about the beaches thing, theirs still universal and Disney and seaward other touristy things in Orlando… plus when flying anywhere close to central Florida you fly into Orlando Int Airport so your on the same plan as everybody flying to cocoa, Daytona, Kennedy space center and if its a direct international flight to Florida your landing in Orlando or Miami.
Evan Bell
Captain, Santa Barbara Blacktips
June 22, 2012
3:34 pm
Well…frick. Riverside put up a significantly nicer bid for Western Regionals, so I don’t know why they dropped the ball here. I want the World Cup to be in the West, but I’m not getting my hopes up here.
Rebecca Revay
June 22, 2012
3:51 pm
Florida seems a lot more ideal. It’s weird not having the World Cup so close this year.
Eric Lovell
June 22, 2012
4:03 pm
Not gonna lie. I am SO FULL of bias for Florida after working at Disney World. Orlando is my choice 100%.
Eric Lovell
June 22, 2012
4:06 pm
Also, if it’s in Florida, I can probably get great deals for groups at both Disney and Universal studios.
Samantha
June 22, 2012
4:26 pm
I was really pulling for Chicago, personally. But of the two FL sounds like a much better bid. As many have brought up, the draw of the Wizarding World is really a huge factor. Not only do we want to go, but I bet the park sure as hell wants us to go. Can you imagine all the quidkids hitting the park in their uniforms with their brooms? The publicity that would create? Being in a corner of the US, I imagine travel costs will be pretty high for some people, and Universal might be able to help with that in return for the publicity/traffic.
As for weather, both are probably going to way hotter than NYC was, which might not be a bad thing. I was freezing that first night. And it’s before hurricane season. Earthquakes don’t really have a season, and that’s the only danger I associate with Cali.
Third, and most importantly in my opinion, there are three covered buildings/pavilions that can be used as food venues. The lines at both the waffle truck and the place with butterbeer were killer last year.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
5:03 pm
Not only that, but you’ll be able to leave the park in order to find food on your own. At Randall’s we couldn’t even leave without paying for a taxi beacuse they closed the foot bridge on us.
Eric Lovell
June 22, 2012
4:36 pm
I’d also like to take time in this thread to say that I’ve decided to take my talents to South Beach…
Evan Bell
Captain, Santa Barbara Blacktips
June 22, 2012
5:01 pm
On the Wizarding World of Harry Potter note, though…
Look, you guys will NOT get the chance to go to that, unless your team is willing to spend the extra hotel money and take an extra couple of days off of school/work. During the weekend of the World Cup, the chances of you leaving during the day and visiting that place are ZERO. It will not happen. And no, Wizarding World will not be a sponsor; the IQA already has to tiptoe around Warner Bros. to avoid a cease and desist order or lawsuit. Do not take Wizarding World into consideration, because for most people it will not be a thing.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
5:42 pm
I don’t think anyone is expecting to go to Wizarding World during the tournament, but I don’t think you need a couple more days, most likely one extra day you’ll be able to do all you need to. And I doubt anyone was thinking that Wizarding World would sponsor the event. But saying that the area around the venue and what it has to offer has nothing do do with the bid? Come on, for some schools or teams it’s a big draw to have things to do around the event, especially at an event where you aren’t guaranteed to move on to the bracket rounds.
Alan Black
June 22, 2012
9:21 pm
I think Kissimmee currently has the clearly better bid. However, Evan is right. Wizarding World is a complete non-factor. If the WC is indeed in Kissimme, I will not be going to Wizarding World, and neither will any of my teammates most likely. In fact, I can think of very few people I know in the Quidditch world who would be willing to sacrifice the extra time and money to attend Wizarding World. So yeah, Kissimmee has a ton of actual benefits going for its’ bid, but Wizarding World is not one of them.
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 22, 2012
9:34 pm
That’s true, I’ve never really pushed that as a reason that Orlando is the better bid. For some teams it could be a bonus, but the main thing is, the venue is better and more willing to work with us, and the flights and hotels are cheaper (overall, obviously some regions will be able to drive to either location).
zach.bickhoff
June 23, 2012
2:03 am
Unless you’re Australia and you’re coming a week early XD
Ra Hopkins
June 23, 2012
7:02 am
THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS IF YOU ARE SUPPORTING FLORIDA BECAUSE OF WWOHP THEN PLEASE STOP.
That said, Florida still has the nicer bid package, as much as it bugs the heck out of this westie. But WW is NOT going to be an option for most teams! Monetarily OR time-wise. There is also a less than .0000001% chance that we’re going to get sponsored by WWOHP.
RIVERSIDE, Y U DROP BALL?
Zach D'Amico
Captain, Villanova University
June 23, 2012
6:15 pm
Wizarding World will be more of a factor than you think.
Zach
June 23, 2012
6:17 pm
Wizarding World may be a much bigger factor than you realize.
Alan Black
June 22, 2012
6:42 pm
I want the World Cup to be in the West, because it’s really not reasonable to make us have the highest travel costs of all the US teams two years in a row. That being said, if the Riverside bid doesn’t get its act together and significantly improve what it is offering, I have no choice but to support the Florida bid, because it is so much better right now. Sucks for the West a lot, but Riverside isn’t even really offering us much right now, so it’s an unfortunate necessity. If Riverside ups its bid and matches what Kissimmee is offering, than Riverside becomes the clear choice in my book.
Jakem
June 22, 2012
7:37 pm
GO Florida
Craig Carter
June 22, 2012
11:18 pm
I love how the majority of opinoins on here are factoring in that the WWOP is in Florida. You are going there for the event, not to spend time at Universal. Not to mention you’re a half hour from WWOP, which means that it’s 1 hour round trip. This means you’re going to have to have at least two hours of downtime to make the trip there and at least spen one hour there.
That said, I support the Cali option because it would allow different teams to compete, however we have to remember that this WC will not be like previous ones where teams can just show up and play, you have to qualify through the tournaments in order to make it. Thus it doesn’t really matter where it’s at because the same teams would be competing at either one.
That said, I support Florida due to the fact that it appears to have the best overall accomidations and such. I think it would be the nicer place to play for the teams who compete there.
That said, I trust the IQA as a whole to make a good decision, just please don’t consider the WWOP as a reason to pick the place…
Dan Miller
Captain, Ringling College
June 23, 2012
1:14 am
Alex Clark just let me know that WWOHP actually is open to making a deal with the IQA where they can sell tickets (possibly at a discounted rate) to players and keep a portion of the profits to raise funds for the event. Not saying that that means there will be any more time to actually spend there, but that’s what I’m being told.
And half an hour is a pretty inflated estimate. I assume you got that number from Google maps (showing for me 24-26 minutes), but as someone who lives in Orlando and travels the roads you would need to get between the two places, you’d have to be in some pretty dense traffic for it to take you 30 minutes to get from Kissimmee to Orlando. It estimates things over to compensate, and realistically it would take you at max 20 minutes, if not 15 to get from the two places.
Lindsay BlitzDrwg Fussell
June 24, 2012
10:52 am
Yeah, it took us 20 minutes from Gavinport (south boonies Orlando/winter park) to Universal. You hit i-4 and it is like bam! There.
But Universal was never a selling factor for the Florida bid. It was more like a bonus offer. Personally, I stayed in NYC two extra days to do some sight seeing, but then again, we were crashing at my cousin’s apartment in the Columbia area.
Honestly, if we had done a hotel, I would have still stayed two extra days because I don’t know if I would ever make my way back up there.
it is something for individuals and or the teams to consider.
I live in Florida, but about 2-3 hours from Orlando. I have only ever been to WWOHP twice since it opened and both times I have treated it like I would never go again. It is just something to consider. Especially when my bf an dI made it through Islands of Adventure in about 3 hours just last saturday (which was completely a crazy amount of good timing for it being a Saturday in June.) There are also tons of restaurants around Universal/Islands of adventure, called city walk, and great stuff to do without the price tag of going into the park. My personal fave is Margaritaville, but thats just the alcoholic parrot head in me.
(Google Parrot head if you’re confused hahah)
CCHazard
June 23, 2012
12:08 am
I really didn’t want either of these bids to make it through (What happened, Chicago?), but Orlando is clearly the superior bid at this point.
zach.bickhoff
June 23, 2012
2:04 am
Also, do we have an estimated date for both venues?
Beto Guzmán Abundes
June 23, 2012
5:18 am
Its cheaper to fly to Orlando from Europe, Finland backs that bid
Kristen Bayard
June 23, 2012
1:24 pm
Florida seems like the better option to me. It’s 8,000 dollars cheaper to start with-not including all the things Florida provides (scoreboards, etc.) that CA doesn’t. From what other people have said, during the time the World Cup would be going on, flights to Florida would likely be cheaper. Overall putting it on at Florida seems like it’d be less of a hassle, especially when you consider that we’d be promised at least the day before for set up and that the Florida location provides more on site advantages than the CA spot.
Anonymous
June 23, 2012
6:22 pm
I agree with CCHazard, I don’t want to go to either of these places.
Canto
June 24, 2012
1:38 pm
Honestly, the best part about the kissimie bid is that each field has a scoreboard. That makes me feel warm inside.
FL is the better bid. No question. And because I only referee, I will be able to go to HP world. So double score.
Shelly
June 24, 2012
5:24 pm
Florida for sure! It’s way too good to pass up.
Tom Ford
June 24, 2012
6:29 pm
I would LOVE to go to California. I really don’t think money should be anywhere near the biggest factor in deciding, with regards to the $8000 vs. free debate. As a guy who has seen MANY IQA tie-ins fall by the wayside (look at the Champion’s Series for my Exhibit A), I think the best way to look at this is factoring everything else in. Likely, it will be more expensive for teams to go to California, based on the premise that the majority of teams are located in the eastern half of the country. I’d say that both locations are equally-capable of housing teams, so that isn’t really much of an issue. Costs should be about the same for hotel fare. I think it would be a good move for the LEAGUE to spread it out west, as it would inevitably spur the growth of the sport out west, where it’s a little more sparse. But for the love of God, PLEASE do not count on the league to get some tie-in with the WWOHP, or any organization bigger than us. I’d love to see something along those lines, but seeing Icahn at less than 10% capacity and playing OUTSIDE of Harvard Stadium has turned me off to the idea of aggrandized advertisement of how “epic” the event will be.
That being said, it’ll end up in Florida.
Kylie
June 24, 2012
6:47 pm
I am planning on going for my 18th birthday, and It seems like either decision will be a great one!!! I really wish that Riverside would be an option, because My grandmother’s sister lives there and it would be just great!!
With the Florida option, it’s just about as far away from my location as you can get, but I will be willing to fundraise all year for it Even though I don’t want to fund raise THAT much lol.
Harry Potter and Quidditch is my life and I am determined to go no matter what!!!
Riverside being chosen would be like a dream come true, no joke!!! D;
Lacie Swan
June 26, 2012
6:36 pm
I would like to explain Tourists via Orlando to you if the World Cup were to happen at Kissimmee. Based on attraction attendance, there are two peak seasons every year: The Summer and November-January. Spring break traveling for the most part is done by college students. College kids are usually at the beach (I know this because I live near the beach and go to Orlando to escape them..) The only people that come for spring break is some out of state families, Brazil tour groups, and Englanders on Holiday. Even then, the majority of theme park attendance is low.
Take this into perspective: I have attended the wwohp both in peak season and off season. Forbidden Journey is the main ride there. During peak season the wait is usually around 90-120, sometimes more, depending on if they handing out time cards to when people are allowed in that area. Off season, I believe the most time I waited was 30 minutes, because I decided to go through the regular line instead of single riders.
As far as lodging goes, there are some really cheap hotels EVERYWHERE. Mind you, it isn’t the ritz, but I have not really had a problem with them. I have purchased a hotel as little as 25-30 bucks a night there. That and with several ways of transportation, it shouldn’t be that difficult.
The number of people that are roaming the streets are less too. Like I said, usually its people from up north or across the pond on holiday. Local attractions, instead of theme parks, are also fun. Such as: Gameworks, Ripley’s, Downtown Disney, Water Parks, Mini-Golf, Old Town, etc etc. The cool thing about these attractions are the majority of them are also cheap. So if you find that you can’t afford to do anything… there are places you can go.
Believe me, I have worked at said theme park attractions, so I am not trying to tell you this to convince you that Kissimmee is the right choice or being biased. I just want to dispel the fact that people are saying that Orlando is going to be jammed back with tourists that time of year.
Anymore touristy Orlando questions? (:
Evan Bell
Captain, Santa Barbara Blacktips
June 27, 2012
2:04 am
In case ANYONE is still reading this thread: To be clear, this is NOT an announcement for an official member team vote. They have simply announced that these are the finalists, and the committee is moving closer to making a decision. Only in the case where they really can’t pick between the two will it go up for a vote. Also, if there is voting, the only people who can vote are OFFICIAL MEMBER TEAMS, and one vote per team. You can’t go tell everyone on your team to vote, because they can’t.
Lucy K
June 27, 2012
5:36 pm
The Florida proposal simply sounds more professional, with better facilities. The New York event last year was a logistical nightmare in terms of getting food and transportation. Keep in mind that Riverside is FAR from Los Angeles (2 hours from LAX in traffic) and it can have brutal weather any time of year: blazing sun, hot desert winds, choking air pollution. I love California and lived there for many years (and would love to go visit) but in terms of picking a spot for the event, Florida wins out. Keep in mind that you also want it to appeal to the spectators (the more that come the better for the IQA) and so the attractions around the event are very important. WWHP would draw more spectators as would Disney World and the other activities mentioned above. Riverside is isolated at the edge of the desert and does not offer a lot of interesting alternative activities.
Karyn K
June 27, 2012
5:50 pm
After reading the entire thread, it sounds like Kissimmee is the clear choice.
The only reason I would say that Riverside would be ‘better’ is because it would spread the popularity of the game in the West. I live near Las Vegas and have been trying to get a team started up. It has been slow-going to say the least. It would be nice to have something out on this side of the country to build the popularity of the game.
Rachelle Shukman
June 27, 2012
9:47 pm
RIVERSIDE <3 everything is ALWAYS on the east coast, WEST COAST DESERVES LOVE TOO !!
multigrain cheerios
June 28, 2012
9:53 am
let’s get it straight: I don’t think anyone on this thread really cares about going to WWOHP. That’s not the reason for the bid. It’ just something that is nice and fun to talk about possibly going. if WWOHP wasn’t there, it would still be the better bid, based on the facilities.
Tim Jewname
June 28, 2012
6:59 pm
I vote Kissimee!! I’ll definitely be going if it is there.
Devin Dutt
June 29, 2012
6:30 pm
Is it in March or April? Because if WC is in April, Canadian teams essentially CANNOT attend.
Not particularly fair considering we pay the same team fees as everyone else. Especially considering we already dont receive much help from the IQA in the way of organizing tournaments or even help with our regionals.
Chris
June 29, 2012
8:01 pm
I think the IQA should hold the World Cup in Florida, because the east coast has much more teams than in the west coast. A count on the IQA map shows that the East has approximatly 305 teams in the coastal states alone. The West only has 99 teams, including inland states such as Nevada with 0 teams, and Utah with 11. I am sorry to all the Western teams, trust me if my team could afford to go to California we would in a heart beat, but most of us including you are not rich, and the World Cup would have a weak turnout compared to that of Florida.
Jacqueline Danos
July 2, 2012
7:23 pm
RIVERSIDE!!! Close to Los Angeles, San Diego, Greater Palm Springs area, not to mention an easy drive to and from Las Vegas. Pretty much guaranteed good weather. Not only does Riverside have great hotels at all cost levels but for those struggling college students there is plenty of great camping in the outer environs of the area. Flights to and from Ontario are easy and affordable. Generating greater visibility and participation in the west would be an additional benefit to the growth of Quidditch.
James
July 3, 2012
6:50 am
I say Florida. It’s the perfect opportunity to spread the sport idea faster. And, the revenues will be up, since “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is at Universal Orland Resort. It’s perfect and just the place to kick this sport into full gear.
Sally
July 8, 2012
1:50 am
Florida because A- I go to UCF and B- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Quidditch Fan
July 8, 2012
6:25 pm
When will the venue be chosen!?