It has been an interesting week For D.C. United and their search for a new stadium. First, there were some positive signs about the team possibly remaining the DC as councilman Tommy Wells put forth a resolution voicing support for such an action. While it was a relatively small move, and hasn't even been voted upon yet, it was the first sign in quite a while that the council is even paying attention to their highly decorated soccer team.
DC United Stadium Search: Multiple Options Slowly Emerging
Black and Red United tries to make a little sense of the crazy week that was as D.C. United continues to search for a new stadium.
The other bit of news was equally interesting, but possibly equally unimportant in the big picture. That came in the form of a proposed lacrosse stadium in nearby Bowie, Md. by former lobbyist Gerry Evans. Despite the proposed stadium being just about 10 miles away from DC and seemingly a perfect size for MLS -- 25,000 seats -- United officials don’t seem particularly interested in the project. Martin Shatzer of Black and Red United tried to make a little sense of this seemingly odd development:
... this sounds awfully shady. Evans represents the Bayhawks, not United. Perhaps he’s just throwing the United name into the conversation because he thinks that will help inspire the Stadium Authority to vote in favor of conducting a feasibility study. Also, Bowie isn’t quite the most ideal location for United to move. A good location must meet the following two qualifications in my opinion: (1) within 5 miles of the Capital Beltway and (2) within 1 mile walking distance of a Metro stop. Sure, Bowie is connected to the WMATA system via buses, but its not quite what we’d consider ideal. But maybe it’s still better than Baltimore.
At the very least, it has to be a positive sign that United has suitors in and around the DC area. The problem, of course, continues to be that there are no concrete plans to do anything. As it is, United's stadium situation is clearly the worst in MLS as they have no plans for a stadium and are currently renting the one in which they play. The San Jose Earthquakes are inching ever closer to breaking ground on their stadium and still plan to have it ready for the 2013 season. For all the problems with the New England Revolution, they at least control Gillette Stadium and it isn't a drag on their bottom line.
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