Seattle interested in being Copa America Centenario host city

The biggest soccer tournament to be played in the United States since the 1994 World Cup could be coming to Seattle, which was one of 24 metropolitan areas to formally express interest in becoming a host city for the Copa America Centenario in the summer of 2016. That tournament -- which is celebrating its 100th anniversary by playing outside South America for the first time ever -- will feature all 10 South American countries and six CONCACAF nations.

The deadline for bids to be submitted is March 16 and a final decision is expected by May. Anyway from eight to 13 venues could ultimately be selected, all of which must have a seating capacity of at least 50,000.

While there's nothing remotely official, a report back in December suggested that Seattle could be among the favorites. Although temporary grass would likely need to be installed and Seattle is by far the most remote of the potential host cities, the strong history of support and a downtown stadium could give it an advantage.

Although it is assumed the Seattle Sounders would have some role in whatever formal bid is submitted, they were not able to be reached for comment at the time of the report.