Officials representing D.C. United announced their plans to construct a new soccer stadium in Prince George’s County, Maryland at a press conference on Monday.
The budget for the project will be capped at $195 million. The team has proposed underwriting 25 percent of the stadium’s cost and paying for the remainder with new tax revenue it will generate in the future.
The team hopes to have the new stadium open by 2011.
“In general, the players are very supportive of the move,” Doug Hicks, the team’s Vice President of Communications, said. “Many other teams in the league have seen an improvement in their facilities in past years, and D.C. United is excited to welcome these new changes.”
Until the new stadium is built, the team will continue to play at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
“While the District will greatly miss being home to the team, the Administration congratulates both D.C. United and Prince George’s County on their successful negotiations,” Feras Sleiman, a Communications Specialist for D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty (D), said. “As the team finishes out its time playing at RFK, we will continue to do everything necessary to make their stay successful.”
According to Hicks, D.C. United hopes the move will increase their fan base in Prince George’s and neighboring counties. Although he admitted it would be more difficult for fans from the District to attend games, he said he believes the fan base is dedicated enough that they will travel a little further to cheer for the team.
With an estimated capacity of 24,000, the new stadium will be significantly smaller than RFK, which can hold more than 55,000. Hicks said he thinks this will create a closer, more communal atmosphere.
