By RYAN TOLMICH
It’s official: D.C. United will not be leaving the district limits.
Washington D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city has come to an agreement with D.C. United to construct a soccer-specific stadium within the District of Columbia. The agreement signed states that the city must secure the land for the proposed stadium by Sept. 30, according to the Washington Post.
D.C. United had previously flirted with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Loudoun County over a potential move out of the D.C. city limits, but the potential departure was all but ended with Monday’s agreement.
“Thanks to the hard work of the District government and D.C. United staff, a world-class soccer stadium will call Buzzard Point home – for good,” Bowser said in a statement. “This agreement will add vibrancy to a neighborhood on the banks of the Anacostia River and generate jobs for District residents as my Administration creates pathways to the middle class. With this agreement, Washington, D.C., remains the Sports Capital, and Washingtonians stand together to declare: Vamos United!”
D.C. United has called RFK Stadium home since 1996 and will now relocate to Buzzard Point in the southwest area of the city.
The stadium project is expected to cost around $286.7 million, according to the Washington post, and is expected to be ready for the 2018 season.
“This is a significant step forward for D.C. United and the District of Columbia,” D.C. United Managing General Partner Jason Levien said. “We commend the tireless efforts of Mayor Bowser, Deputy Mayor Kenner and the administration. More than anything, we thank our fans and supporters for their dedication and commitment to the club.”
What do you think of the stadium deal? Relieved that D.C. United will remain in D.C.?
Share your thoughts below.
I just find it fascinating the lousy attendance numbers DC currently get…..hope a new stadium doubles that.
That’s an awesome strategy to drive up land price…
“Hey landowners, I’m going to offer to buy your land by September 30th and I have absolutely no other options and am 100% committed. How much do you want to charge?”
you’re forgetting about eminent domain.
The link doesn’t work so I can’t tell if this is really truly a 100% done deal or if there’s still a chance the land acquisition could scuttle it.
Not 100% done.
“The agreement signed states that the city must secure the land for the proposed stadium by Sept. 30.” Given that this is the District, still plenty of ways to screw this up.
But another good step forward in this long process.
This is far from a done deal. This only happens if the city meets what many consider to be a very aggressive timeline to acquire the land. Plus, this is DC.
Wow, two world class stadiums coming into the league in LA and in DC and another possibly in Minnesota. That will be great for the league.
You all can come to LA to see LAFC lift the up at our brand new stadium.
Wow, $287 million. We have come a long way baby.
My concern, always, is that they balance the huge cost with the current and pending growth.
20k will NOT be enough seats in 5 years. It is already true in many cases right now.
$287 million is actually a bit of an overstatement. The actual stadium is going to be in the $150 million range – paid by the owners. The city is spending about $140 million to purchase the land.
Can someone educate me on what the general area around Buzzard Point is like?
Just curious.
Not from DC but I’ve been to a Nationals game and at the time (mid-2013) it seemed liked a rapidly growing area with tons of apartment buildings under construction. Presumably, it’s a bit further along in that process now. The Nats stadium was reasonably close to a metro stop and I would think by the time this stadium is ready there will be bars and restaurants in the area.
A person who actually lives in DC could surely provide a better answer to your question though.
Google ‘Buzzard Point’ and use street view to check it out for yourself. The stadium will be located on vacant land. There is an old power plant, cement plant, parking lot, and salvage yard there now. Just west of the stadium site is a poor residential neighborhood. Two blocks north is the Washington Nationals baseball stadium. North and west of the baseball stadium is massive re-gentrification. On the waterfront, 6-8 blocks south of Buzzard Point is a massive new project. Long term prospects for the area look good. The metro is about a half mile walk to the stadium and there is pretty good freeway access. Plenty of parking if baseball parking is shared.
SHHHH!
Nobody say nothing until this thing actually exists.
Don’t jinx it
Yeah. Let’s wait 60-90 days. #becausetradition
My understanding is that the deal is contingent on DC government securing the land by September. And given the incompetency of DC government, it is too early to celebrate. Still it is a good step forward.