My fantasy American World Cup bid

The USSF recently released a list of potential venues it is studying to host World Cup matches if the United States is awarded either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup by FIFA. Some of the venues listed are obvious, some are mind-boggling.

With that said, here's my fantasy World Cup bid: [Non corporate name required for WC]

Pod A (East) -

• Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey): As it serves the largest city in the country this is an obvious choice.
• Lincoln Financial Field [Philadelphia WC Stadium] (Philadelphia, PA): It was between Philadelphia and Foxborough, I picked Philadelphia though I have nothing against New England.
• New Stadium (Washington, District of Columbia)*: You'd expect the national capital to host matches but DC's treatment of DC United is nothing short of shameful. After bending over backwards to steal the baseball Nationals from Montreal and then build them a stadium the District has treated United, a championship team, like a second-class citizen and if they continue to do so...
• Bank of America Stadium [Carolina Stadium] (Charlotte, North Carolina)*: Charlotte should step in and host in DC's place if the mistreatment of United continues. Charlotte is a capable host (indeed, it plays host to 300,000 visitors twice for events a year and has hosted numerous basketball finals) and a very willing host. Charlotte has gone above and beyond to make people attending special events feel at home. Quietly, with four solid USL teams, North Carolina is one of the homes of American soccer.

Pod B (South) -

• Dolphin Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida): Again, an obvious choice given Miami's appeal to tourists and Americans alike. The very cosmopolitan city would be a great fit.
• Reliant Stadium [Houston WC Stadium] (Houston, Texas): Houston was actually questionable for me because it's seemingly adverse to mass transit (a MUST during a major event like this). But it is a very, very large city and it would be insane to leave it out.
• LP Field [The Nashville Coliseum] (Nashville, Tennessee): I picked this over Atlanta and Birmingham. Birmingham was my second choice. Nashville and Birmingham seem to embrace soccer events and have stadiums that can actually host internationals. Birmingham is in a dodgy financial situation and wouldn't be able to upgrade Legion Field so Nashville got the nod.

Pod C (Heartland) -

• Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois): A very obvious choice. Chicago has always been supportive of international events and the second city would welcome the World Cup with open arms.
• New Cowboys Stadium [Arlington WC Stadium] (Arlington, Texas): I have to admit, I think it's a tacky monument to excess. But it has to be included. I still love the Cotton Bowl though.
• Lucas Oil Stadium [Indianapolis WC Stadium] (Indianapolis, Indiana): A great venue, and like Charlotte, a very willing host.

Pod D (West) -

• Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): A heavy refurbishment would be required but the most storied venue in the American game cannot be forgotten.
• Qwest Field [Seattle WC Stadium] (Seattle, Washington): Seattle is a soccer hotbed and a wonderful city. It's a natural fit for matches.
• University of Phoenix Stadium [Glendale WC Stadium] (Glendale, Arizona): A great venue.

Knockout round assignments -

• Eighthfinals: Glendale, Houston, DC/Charlotte, Indianapolis, Nashville, Chicago, Pasadena, East Rutherford
• Quarterfinals: Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia, Miami Gardens
• Semifinals: Arlington, East Rutherford
• Consolation: Miami Gardens
• Final: Pasadena

I understand that Pasadena would be an unpopular choice with many for the final, but it was either that or Chicago. While New York and Dallas would be glamor venues the soul of the American game isn't there, it is in LA.

As I said, while it may be an obvious host, the USSF and FIFA should punish DC if it's treatment of United continues as it is. Charlotte has proven it's mettle in the past and would not let them down as a reserve host. Other cities to be considered are obviously Foxborough, Orlando, Tampa, Stanford, and Minneapolis.

So, what would you change? Would you kill me for making these suggestions?