He was also a key figure in raising American soccer’s profile on the world stage. Earlier, as a marketer, he saw opportunities in the football ritual of dousing coaches with Gatorade.
Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of the soccer club, framed plans for the 100,000-seat venue as crucial to the British government’s plan to revive the northern English city.
Whether the athletes are on the soccer field, the hockey rink or the balance beam, these travel-worthy contests are bursting with excitement, competition and big names.