Royal Armouries backs the bid to “bring football home” - Monday, 12 October 2009
Britain’s oldest museum is backing the Leeds City Region in its bid to host the Football World Cup in 2018.
The Royal Armouries in Leeds is adding its voice to the hundreds of local people, businesses and organisations that are hoping to bring the World Cup party to West Yorkshire, with games being played at Leeds United’s Elland Road.
Leeds City Council, Marketing Leeds and Leeds United are spearheading the bid – which, if successful, would give the historic city a major boost in economic, sporting and “feel good” terms.
Royal Armouries Museum director Peter Armstrong said,
“We attract more than 300,000 visitors to our museum at Clarence Dock and new visitors often comment what a great and vibrant city this is. It would be fantastic if they’re successful in bringing the World Cup to this region and would be a huge boost for people of all ages, and from all walks of life.”
The Football Association is due to announce in December which cities will be included in England’s formal 2018 bid. Leeds is among more than a dozen places to have thrown their hats into the ring. World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, will reveal its chosen host country in late 2010.
Peter urged people to back the bid by converting their support into votes at www.backthebidleeds.com.
...ENDS…
Media contact
Tel: 0113 220 1978
Email: press@armouries.org.uk
Notes to editors
- Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour and has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London, Fort Nelson and Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first British national museum to open a permanent presence in another country
- Admission to the museum is free. However, there may be a small charge for some special events.
- Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-25 December
- Ticket booking Line: 0113 220 1985
- Information Line: 08700 344 344
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.