The Search For the 37th America's Cup Host Venue Has Ended
In partnership with the America’s Cup Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, we have successfully concluded the search for the Host Venue for the 37th America’s Cup. Following an extensive selection process, Barcelona was announced as the Host Venue for the next edition of the world’s oldest sporting trophy.
We were appointed in May 2020 to run the 37th America’s Cup Host Venue Selection Process and, following the creation of an initial long list of 60 potential venues, 32 international venues registered expressions of interest. After a further fact-finding process, 14 bid proposals were received and an initial short-list of 7 venues was selected. All 7 short-listed venues were subject to a full economic and operational feasibility study before 4 venues were selected for the final short-list.
Barcelona and Malaga in Spain, Cork in Ireland and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, made up the final short-list, with all cities presenting world class proposals to host this prestigious event. However, following a rigorous score carding assessment process and final negotiations, Barcelona was assessed to be the strongest candidate.
Our CEO, Stewart Hosford, commented: “We were delighted that Emirates Team New Zealand gave us the responsibility of overseeing the 37th America’s Cup Host Venue Selection Process. The team were impressed by the quality of responses received from so many wonderful venues around the world and we believe that Barcelona will make an excellent host venue for the 37th edition of this historic competition.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand commented: “In the process of working with the prospective host cities around the world, Emirates Team New Zealand together with Origin Sports Group, have been delighted with the overall response and ambition of the venues towards the America’s Cup. I would personally like to thank Sir Keith, Stewart Hosford and Leslie Ryan for the work they have done to help us secure such a great venue for the 37th America’s Cup.”
Barcelona is a leading city in terms of sustainability and social impact with ambitions to become Europe’s digital and tech capital, so the alignment with the America’s Cup is clear. Its existing world class facilities, as well as an average wind range of 9-15 knots during the Autumn 2024 planned race window made the city completely fit for purpose.
Barcelona’s bid saw an unprecedented alliance across public and private entities working together to attract the America’s Cup to Barcelona, which included the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, City Hall of Barcelona, Port of Barcelona, Barcelona Global Investment Agency and Barcelona & Partners – a non-profit initiative composed of more than 200 of the city’s leading institutions aiming to make Barcelona one of the world’s best cities for talent and economic activity.
Further details on the venue and 37th America’s Cup will be announced in due course.
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