Iron Chef Jose Garces Endorses Philadelphia’s World Cup Soccer Bid Efforts

World-renowned chef and restauranteur lends his support to help bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA…August 18, 2010…Showing the taste for soccer reaches many palates, one of the country’s leading chefs, Philadelphia resident and entrepreneur, Jose Garces has endorsed the city’s efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to the U.S. and Philadelphia in 2022.

Garces, recently crowned an “Iron Chef” by the Food Network and named the Mid-Atlantic region’s “Best Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, is the owner of six restaurants in Philadelphia.

“The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and Philadelphia is one of the greatest sports cities,” said Garces.  “I can’t think of anywhere else that combines our world-class sports venues with the matchless passion of the fans.  There is no better place for the World Cup than right here in Philadelphia, and I’m thrilled to support our efforts to bring the Cup to town.”

Philadelphia is currently one of 18 U.S. finalist cities vying to bring the World Cup back to the U.S., where it was last held in 1994 The World Cup is expected to generate between $300-500 million for each city and attract a global television audience. A decision on host countries will be announced in early December.

As a sign of support to bring this worldwide sporting event to Philadelphia, fans are encouraged to text Philly to 22442 as many times as they can to sign the petition to show the world “The Game Is In Philadelphia.”

For more information, visit thegameisinphiladelphia.com.