Panel, Conference Presentation
Reinvigorating the American Dream through Sport, Celebration, and Education | Global Conference 2024
- The Milken Institute plans to open the Center for Advancing the American Dream in Washington, D.C., in 2025, positioning the launch across from the White House and the Treasury to coincide with the kickoff of the 250th-anniversary celebrations of the United States in 2026.
- The 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June and July, is projected to feature 104 games, host between 5 and 10 million visitors, and attract up to 150 million viewers per match, with a specific game planned for July 4 in Philadelphia, aiming to establish soccer as the top sport in the U.S.
- A ticketing strategy for the World Cup intends to reserve low-priced categories for local populations, while FIFA projects match-day viewership participation rates of 70, 80, or 90 percent in participating countries.
- The America 250 commemoration in 2026, intended as a nonpartisan effort involving 46 state commissions, will incorporate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, launch the "America's Field Trip" school initiative in September, and utilize the "America's Invitation" portal for public submissions regarding 1976 memories.
- Redesign efforts for U.S. quarters to feature youth sports are scheduled to commence in 2027 and continue through 2030, alongside a reinvigorated tall ships celebration led by Secretary del Toro.
- Upcoming Olympic Games are confirmed for Los Angeles in 2028, utilizing existing venues such as the Coliseum and Rose Bowl without new construction, while Salt Lake City is a strong contender for the 2034 Games pending an imminent IOC vote, with plans to introduce a family village if awarded.
- Growth in women's sports viewership is anticipated to drive investment and inspiration across the sector, potentially influencing Olympic sports like skiing, though the U.S. acknowledges a shift in the competitive landscape for women's football as other nations invest heavily.
- Global interest in the American Dream concept is noted in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where up to 95 percent of people believe their national aspirations align with it, alongside expectations that other nations will emulate U.S. women's sport infrastructure.
- The broader outlook anticipates a significant period of national celebration and inspiration over the next few years, uniting the world in the U.S. atmosphere during the 2026 World Cup and 250th anniversary.