Women's World Cup real kick for Edmonton's economy

The FIFA women's World Cup is projected to pump $48 million into Edmonton's economy this summer.

With kickoff less than a month away, 30,000 tickets have already been sold for the opening ceremonies, which will be followed by Canada's first game.

Finishing touches are now being made to the new artificial turf at Commonwealth Stadium.

In all, 365 volunteers are ready to get to work.

"I think we're ready to welcome the world," said Trish Zimmerman, the city's venue general manager. "A quarterto a half-a-billion eyeballs are going to be watching this across the world on television."

Garrett Turta, general manager at the Hotel Macdonald, said the international event will bring much needed business into the city.

"Just with the price of oil and the economy right now, we can feel it. So for us this is very significant."

Zimmerman said Edmontonians will feel the spirit when they're part of a tournament bringing people together from 24 countries around the world.

The World Cup runs June 6 to July 5. Edmonton will host 11 games at Commonwealth Stadium.

Opening ceremonies on June 6 start at 3:40 p.m Team Canada then plays China at 4 p. m.

Minor soccer teams are excited about the facilities that will be upgraded for the World Cup.

The world's best players will play on new artificial turf at Commonwealth Stadium, and there are upgrades to other fields as well.

The Clareview recreation centre has new artificial turf on a full size outdoor field. That turf will remain after the tournament is over

"To have this kind of facility available for soccer players, but also for the greater community for Canadian football its huge to have this kind of facility come as part of the tournament," said Richard Adams, executive director of Alberta soccer.

"I think eventually the city would have got here but to have it in place two or three years earlier is a huge positive for the community.

Game tickets include a free transitride or Park n Ride to and from Commonwealth Stadium. Edmonton Transit has said services will be increased to accommodate increased ridership on game days.