Wow, big news here from DC United. There is a new planned stadium and move out to Prince George’s County. A new world class facility will do wonders for the team’s viability and economics.
In this economy, creating a private public partnership is a smart and savvy move. We will miss DC United if they move but a new stadium and world class real estate development is needed to kick start the growth of MLS here in our area. Kudos to DC United if they can get this legislation passed and break ground on new digs.
It’s sad that it had to come to this – would have been much nicer if the Poplar Point project had gone through – but as long as the new ground is near Metro it should work out. United did need a soccer-specific stadium though – they are one of only two MLS teams that played last year that does not have one now or have one under construction – and the longer DC dilly-dallied, the greater the chance that some other jurisdiction would step up…and it’s agood thing that other jurisdiction was PG and not some locality in another party of the country altogether (the original San Jose Earthquakes – winners of two MLS Cuos – left San Jose for Houston over stadium issues, so don’t think it couldn’t have happened here).
Ted, I respectfully disagree.
We see how well this worked for the Redskins. Yes, they are still a rich franchise, but I can’t say people actually *enjoy* going to Fed Ex Field. If they weren’t the most popular team in DC, their current location makes it difficult to attract new fans to their sport. I think the only true beneficiary will be the construction company that gets awarded the contract. Unfortunately, I foresee the city, fans, and team suffering as a result.