C'mon, Victor, tell us how you really feel about Fenty!

See, I knew everything would work out.

Goff woke up!

My gut says Poplar Point will be our home, especially the way MacFarlane has addressed this issue. The round-a-bout way of dealing with the district and Fenty really leaves a sour taste in your mouth though, almost enough to cut out DC all together. I wouldn't hold it against Victor if he did, although that long ride to MD would suck.

please dont go to maryland i really dont wanna drive all the way to maryland but im gonna have to because im a true f.....ing fan and i sell the tickets LOL!!!

Love the way Fenty is fawning over the Redskins to spend DC taxpayer monies to bring them back. Not his stance for the Nationals or DC United.

To paraphrase Jason Robards as the immortal Ben Bradlee from "All the President's Men." There's your non-answer answer." More negotiating in the press, so it's back to my more than comfortable Serta until something really happens in this mess.

Come on Greenbelt - that way we have a Maryland stadium to go with our license plates

Any chance Fenty's there today?

Nah, didn't think so....

I like MacFarlane. He's a businessman, not a soccer fan, but he's showing the team he owns respect while working his best to create a creative stadium option that grows the team and makes him money. We've got good owners, and we're lucky. We could've had somebody like Bob Kraft.

goff, could you broadcast the presser via webcam for us, since mls decided not to?

Steve-
Any Marcelo Gallardo streams on the radio/internet

I thought 2 of 3 finalists had stadiums in their plan? How did this change? Isn't the issue one of timing? How soon can a DCU stadium be built at PP? Any stadium anywhere is going to take at least 2 years, so 2010. But if PP is 3-4 years and Maryland sites are 2, what happens? I say if the difference is only one (maybe 2) years, it would be worth the wait. But maybe the sooner DCU gets a new stadium, the sooner the skins come back the RFK?hmmmm.... that could work in our favor yes?

either that or Fenty throws DCU out on its ear and starts tearing down RFK to bring the skins back asap. We play at the soccer plex for a couple of years while we wait for the greenbelt / new carrolton site to be built. YIKES.... forget I mentioned that.

"The mayor has made statements he'd like to see D.C. United stay in the District. Poplar Point is not the only potential site we can have."

Why do I have a feeling a certain someone will be posting this quote for months to come on every single Washington Post message board.

"I wouldn't hold it against Victor if he did, although that long ride to MD would suck."

It's only 8 miles from RFK to New Carrollton. Not exactly ideal on a weeknight, but it's not like they'd be moving to Baltimore.

I just went to the press club building and saw nothing except news channel 8 fox news van.

"What I am more optimistic about Poplar Point is that now all three finalists have a soccer alternative, so that's a positive."

"I have met with every single developer. I am hopeful we can have a stadium with the private developers, but it is a public-private partnership and the public side has to want to agree with the private side."

------------

After reading those two quotes, Poplar Point will not happen. With options at both New Carrollton and Greenbelt, the availability to Metro and more important, the ability to make things happen, the team is moving to one of those two sites. The most telling statement:

"Well, we're spending money in multiple places now, but the goal is not to spend money and not to go through plans and processes. The goal is to get a stadium as quickly as we can."

The mayor has made statements he'd like to see D.C. United stay in the District. Poplar Point is not the only potential site we can have. I take him at his word. I believe he is sincere.
=====
No, he is not sincere. He is an a..

So did Grant Wahl drive down 295 for this? Nice to get a little more national press...

My guess it that Victor is thinking the District will approve a bid with a stadium included - and the city hope that United take it. What United will want to hear is a solid date that they can get in to the new PP development. If it's not fast enough, Victor will give Fenty a big "go f yourself" and work as fast as possible on a PG County site. That's why he's got the stadium on two burners.

"We've looked at no other place until recently when we got indications the District didn't want us"

goff, will you put this quote in the print edition?

8 Miles inside the Beltway might as well be the Trail of Tears.

Schelotto just arrived in Columbus as confirmed by the Columbus Dispatch. So much for the rumors of him staying in Argentina. They are also close to signing Zurawski.

i'd like to think that if it's going to take several years to get a stadium built at poplar point, the city would give DCU a more favorable lease at RFK for the interim, that would allow them to not bleed money like they have in the past.

8 Miles inside the Beltway might as well be the Trail of Tears.

Posted by: UVA-United | January 29, 2008 12:40 PM

Why? Because it seems further for Virginia based fans? Or because the club would lose some of it's cache by moving outside an urban area?

While I can see the point to the second issue, PG County will not present a logistic problem for getting to and from the stadium. It's loaded with public transport options and has great highway access for fans all over the region. Hell, I live in Rockville and many spots in Northern Virginia would be closer to New Carrollton than my place. But I'm not going to write a requiem for the club if they are FORCED to move to PG County. I'd just get used to a different commute.

8 Miles inside the Beltway might as well be the Trail of Tears.

Posted by: UVA-United | January 29, 2008 12:40 PM

Absolutely, positively concur.

AlexandriaDan, the three remaining finalists all included an option for a stadium although it was only pictured in two of the presentations.

Maybe some of you can clue me in on this, but why does the mayor think he can bring the Redskins back? They are in a modern stadium with the highest capacity in the NFL, right? Maybe wait another 10 or 15 years and you might be able to convince people the current stadium is outdated, but this is ridiculous.

DCAustinite, what's up with the Kraft-bashing? I don't know much about the guy except for what's on Wikipedia, but he did sponsor a lot of Revs fans to make the trip to RFK in November.

Anyhow, you are right that we have good ownership. MacFarlane is clearly politically wily, and his handling of the stadium debacle has my respect. Still, I'm not much for the suburbs, and every time I have to go to FedEx, I find myself late for the game b/c of the traffic or the long walks from the metro station. If DCU leaves town, Our City will have lost a truly unique element: a successful major sports franchise that serves all citizens, great and small. And moreover, without DCU anchoring the development, I fear Poplar Point will be just another run-down strip in a few short years.

Greenbelt or New Carrollton? Half-season ticket package, maybe. But I'm counting on the fed to dish out those tax "rebate" checks. Even if it is Keynesian hogwash.

Does buying DC United tickets count as economic stimulus?

CACuzcatlan: The Sports Commission and the Redskins want the team back in the city. It's going to happen eventually. While Snyder has poured money into FedEx, it's not his stadium (read: mistake). While it might be big, it's not all that modern when compared to Arizona, Houston, Seattle and Dallas. Plus, Snyder is known to want a stadium that can be covered and thus attract Super Bowls. The city want that as well. It's only a question of when...

Any chances that this PC will be a two-fer and they'll announce sponsorship also?

-----------
Do you have a lease to use RFK this year?

"We're kind of on a month-to-month basis. (laughing) I don't think they are going to kick us out, but one never knows. Maybe there will be a little sign saying, 'Victor, you are not welcome.' I'm just teasing.
------------

There's always a bit of truth in every joke and teasing statement.

I hope United got a rebate on rent if the DCSEC actually has them on month-to-month status at RFK.

I say it mainly from the cache of the team being in a large urban location. Suburbia only works if you're the NFL.

I know there are some teams in MLS that have had to take the suburbs because that's all they could get or the only place that really wanted them? PG County's interested because they need something to hold on to when the Danny boy brings the Skins roaring back to the RFK spot for his brand new park for a victory in the Member Measuring contest with the Cowboys. Besides, he's MAXED out on tangible revenue growth there I'm sure he hates the despite selling out - most of those tickets don't show up to spend in the stadium.

I also say it because after living in Baltimore for a year, I have a personal vendetta against the great state of Maryland. I'll support United, but saying the two spots are close is like saying you don't hate your 2 hour commute into work everyday.

UVA-United, we're relieved you finally left.

:)

I agree with a lot of those points UVA, and would even go further to say that suburban stadiums don't even work all that well for NFL teams!

And don't hold Baltimore against Maryland too much! And I don't think the state's United interests are primarily rooted in the Skins possible departure. MD wants more solid development in PG County - more attractions, restaurants, shopping, recreation... In some ways, a United plan would be better (in many aspects) to keeping the Redskins - who have done next to nothing for the County.

It's a funny thing, UVA-United; I feel the same way about Virginia.

Does New Carrollton = FedEx?

Where else around that metro do they have room for a new stadium?

I can't say I can complain, watching the DC United vs. Chelsea game at FedEx was a good time and the field looked great.

After reading those two quotes, Poplar Point will not happen. With options at both New Carrollton and Greenbelt, the availability to Metro and more important, the ability to make things happen, the team is moving to one of those two sites.
___________________________________

Of course it is going to take Maryland untill the fall to have a feasability study on public support of a stadium in PG county - not counting having to get the approvals and the planning and permitting process. But, if you want to think that a stadium in MD can happen right away, go right ahead.

It's ok. I know that I'm immediately shooting credibility and likability in the foot when I compare Baltimore to Baghdad or anything of that nature.

Not everything was terrible about it. Just 95% of it.

Other people don't like VA or the south or lower taxes or images of Messi joining Argentina North in Red and Black (wait, everyone likes that).

My view is that the walk up crowd could suffer with a move to ANY suburb. And when comparing suburbs of the 51st State, neither side, likes the others suburbs or the associated commute regardless of the mode of transportation.

greenbelt or NC would suck hard. FedEx is really not that far down east capitol from RFK but getting there on gameday is ridiculous and the additional metro stops plus transfer (for those of us on the redline) is an extreme buzzkill. i cant wait for kickoff now that mty skinnies are done

a good portion of the crowd, including myself, takes the metro out to RFK. Yeah, I'd prefer that they keep the club in DC, but New Carrolton isn't Wyoming, and an extra 15 minutes on the train won't dissuade me from heading out to the games.

Goff,

What is the status of Ben Olsen? The latest article from the DCU web site said he didn't practice and continues his recovery. Any ETA?

That's the most candid assessment of the stadium situation that I have heard from any of the principle players.

Fenty? DC Council? Time to step up to the plate . . . er pitch, er, midfield stripe.

"My view is that the walk up crowd could suffer with a move to ANY suburb."

True. But the whole point of a smaller stadium is to reduce the number of walk-up sales and increase the number of pre-game day sales (or whatever the industry term is).

If you know that you can buy a ticket in a 35,000 seat bowl, then you're more likely to wait and see what the weather's like. But if the capacity is 20,000, you're more likely to buy your tix ahead of time. I'm writing this without a priori stats on game day v pre-game day ticket sales at RFK.

ALl i know about olsen is, that he needs to give it time to heel and not try to fast to get out there and play. He should be fine by March. Thats all that mattters.

"Does buying DC United tickets count as economic stimulus?"

Good One, JoeDoc!

8 Miles inside the Beltway might as well be the Trail of Tears.

Posted by: UVA-United | January 29, 2008 12:40 PM

Why? Because it seems further for Virginia based fans? Or because the club would lose some of it's cache by moving outside an urban area?

While I can see the point to the second issue, PG County will not present a logistic problem for getting to and from the stadium. It's loaded with public transport options and has great highway access for fans all over the region. Hell, I live in Rockville and many spots in Northern Virginia would be closer to New Carrollton than my place. But I'm not going to write a requiem for the club if they are FORCED to move to PG County. I'd just get used to a different commute.

Posted by: Kev | January 29, 2008 12:45 PM
Agree with Kev. Current location and Poplar Point are ideal central sites. As an Alexandrian, I don't want to drive or Metro and walk to Greenbelt or New Carrolton. However, better that solution than leaving the organization without a viable home and bleeding dollars that can otherwise be used to show an actual profit and make the team better.

For many VA fans, METRO travel to New Carrollton would be about the same as it would be to Poplar Point.

"Thank you Kevin for this D.C. United jersey and congratulations on your terrific season," Fenty said. "It is great to see over 20,000 fans here at RFK supporting D.C. United. It is my hope that your fans will soon be coming to your brand new soccer stadium at Poplar Point in Anacostia. World class fans, and a world class team like D.C. United, deserve a world class stadium. And I am going to make it a priority to help you build that stadium. Thank you -- congratulations and good luck to the Black-and-Red!"

-Adrian Fenty on Oct 29 2006 (right before a mayoral elction mind you)

link to full article: http://www.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20061031&content_id=77524&vkey=news_dcu&fext=.jsp&team=t103

MiP:

ask Twellman and Joseph what they think of Kraft.

im assuming the new stadiums seating capacity will be 300 so the stands look full. why don't they just rent a local high schools field?

"And I am going to make it a priority to help you build that stadium"

Priorities changed. Get over it.

Good luck to DC fans. The team needs a stadium, wherever it is.

im thinking firemans field in purceville would be a good choice for the united. the town of purceville should be able to accomodate all 14 soccer fans that attend the game. perhaps they could even give away free toothpaste to the yellow toothed limeys that will be in attendance

I thought that the mayor was wanting to lure the redskins back to the city? that really leaves no room for a soccer team in a league that could fold at any minute.

Wow, who let the cavemen loose that's at least four posts in a row (sorry Mastadon).

Does the city really want to spend money for the perrenial 8-8 Redskins? Talk about bore-ball...

pele: is there a high school with a seating capacity of 25,000?

tugboat: whhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, your comments is smartz!!!!!!!!!!!!

don't quote me but i think the last time the skins went 8-8 was in 01' what can the city use the soccer stadium for after the MLS folds is my major concern.

"FedEx is really not that far down east capitol from RFK but getting there on gameday is ridiculous and the additional metro stops plus transfer (for those of us on the redline) is an extreme buzzkill"

FedEx has 90,000 fans trying to get to it at one time, without a Metro stadium within a mile of the stadium. Neither of those factors should apply to a United stadium in PG County - I can't imagine they would plan it that far from the Metro. And there will be plenty of buzzkill for red liners when/if they go to Poplar Point and Nats Park as well.

Not shilling for PG County but, like MacFarlane, we have to give it a chance as an option.

At the rate MLS is growing you'll be pushing up daisies before that happens.

I thought that the mayor was wanting to lure the redskins back to the city? that really leaves no room for a soccer team in a league that could fold at any minute.

Posted by: bossman | January 29, 2008 01:49 PM

link? source?

whats the avg attendance? no way it's 25k. probably closer to 15. quite a few high school football stadiums that could handle that capacity.

to skins fans: a little frustrated by the Danny's coaching search?

To JimRomeWannaBe:
"Purcellville," not "purceville."

to skins fans: a little frustrated by the Danny's coaching search?

Posted by: d, dc | January 29, 2008 02:03 PM

me thinks you are correct....

ps average attendence for 2007 was 21,000ish!!

What's your favorite sport, tugboat?

I-270,

No, I understand their goal is more pre-sales. But at present, I'd say the only SSS with that status is BMO field. I'll still go to games if they are out in a back-up plan location. I just don't like the feel of walk-up sales and people joining the DC United match day experience because it's at a known quantity.

Away from stadium - do we have anything written or pictures from the presser yet?

Favorite sport? Dr. Phil! Ask him what tree he would be if he could be any tree in the whole wide world.

It would be more telling.

Tugboat,

Get a life!!!!!!!!!!

This is ridiculous.

United should not have to beggar themselves scrambling around looking for sites and paying rent on RFK.

If Fenty really wanted us here, he'd have done the right thing, first thing. As is, he's really pissing me off. United is far more a Washington team than the capitals or the Redskins. Moreno's legacy, and Olsen's blood are in this city. Pay up, sir.

Off Topic:

Some people do listen. . . . A few days ago, I complained to the UVA sports people who failed to put on their website that four cavalier footballers were taken in the mls drafts. They did, however, include an announcement about the new Director of Event Management. The soccer stuff is finally up.

Can someone explain to me why the MLS is on the verge of folding at anytime?

21,000 wow. i've seen more people at a grass fire.

that really leaves no room for a soccer team in a league that could fold at any minute.

Posted by: bossman | January 29, 2008 01:49 PM
-----------------------------------------

Owner-investors in St. Louis, Philadelphia, NYC, Miami, Montreal, and other cities are lining up around the block to pay $30 million apiece for the privilege of getting an expansion team. As the caveman in the Geico commercial said, the next time you might to think about doing a little research.

I heard there was a soccer chat room up and running so I thought I would look on here for a man. Hot man on man mud wrestling! This gay chat room is better than I thought.

I heard there was a soccer chat room up and running so I thought I would look on here for a man. Hot man on man mud wrestling! This gay chat room is better than I thought.

Posted by: Iloveyouboat | January 29, 2008 02:14 PM

actually that came from a redskins fan...

Posted by: iagofart | January 29, 2008 02:12 PM

Dude, what does "iagofart" even mean? It disturbed me to even type it.

And I don't care who you are, that "toothpaste for yellow teeth" crack above was funny... particularly since it came from a neanderthal.

Fenty can go suck a limb with the rest of the council except for that one council member who seemed to voice in favor of DCU staying and im not talking about barry..i think he is ward 5 not sure..anyone refresh my memory

thanks!

"Does buying DC United tickets count as economic stimulus?"
---------------------------------------
Probably, but I unfortunately already spent a chunk of my "rebate" on new Alexander Ovechkin jerseys for my kid and myself (heresy here on the Insider, I know). My son felt more than a little out of place wearing his "Fred" jersey to the Caps games, and my old school "Bondra" was getting a little ratty.

ps average attendence for 2007 was 21,000ish!!

Posted by: myt! | January 29, 2008 02:06 PM
-------------------------------------------

And of course, you have to plan for peak crowds, not average crowds, so you should aim for something closer to 30,000.

Bossman - League to fold at any minute?

Yeah, not so much.

Bossman - League to fold at any minute?

Yeah, not so much.

Posted by: UVA-United | January 29, 2008 02:18 PM

Imagine someone on the interwebs being a douche!!!

Imagine it!

tugboat... a plant to drive Goffinho's blog numbers further up the charts?

DC United is the most successful sports team in DC history. How many other teams have 4 championships in 12 years? Oh wait, how many have 4 championships period?

Look, you can tell yourself soccer is gonna fold in the US, but the fact is that it is growing rapidly. There are still alot of issues MLS needs to work out, but they are headed in the right direction.

I like cheese

Dude, Who is monitoring this thread?!?!
"Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions."

tugboat and bossman get the F out!

my favorite tv show is "Will and Grace"

Nigeria squeaks by Mali, with a big assist from the Cote D'Ivoire.

Wow soccer fans fighting. Nothing new there. Why don't all 50 of you start a riot over this stadium thing.

Me and tugboat "mud wrestle" all the time.

Please don't feed the trolls.

How about buying tix to see United play abroad...? :-)

--------

"Does buying DC United tickets count as economic stimulus?"

Good One, JoeDoc!

Posted by: | January 29, 2008 01:29 PM

8 Miles inside the Beltway might as well be the Trail of Tears
____________________________________
Yep, its just like a treaty violation and the genocide of thousands of American Indiamns. Just like it... morons.

Anyway ... while my preference would be the Point and in the District, I will not be crushed the stadium ends up in Greenbelt or N.C, especially when Maryland seems so eager to accomodate the team and provide a Metro accessible site.

I dont' want United in PG County - not because it is so far from my Virginia home - but becasue PG County is a horrible place.

"Keep DCU in DC, you!"

Wow, two guys that are so insecure about their sexuality that they have to get on a blog and say random things that make their insides tingle.

So cute. Maybe we can give you a gold star.

Anyone else think the new jersey's the new players are holding up on DCU's webpage at their press-introduction are pretty ugly looking. atleast the numbers/lettering

i wish they'd move it to europe where it belongs can't believe they ever let a group of kick fags play in the hallowed halls of rfk stadium.

Posted by: tugboat | January 29, 2008 01:39 PM
-----------------------------------------------

RFK ain't been "hallowed" since they let the USFL Federals stink up the joint back '84 or whenever that was...

21,000 wow. i've seen more people at a grass fire.

Posted by: tugboat | January 29, 2008 02:13 PM
--------------------------------------

But probably not a Capitals game... Last year, they had 40 or so home games, and broke 21,000 exactly once...

The reason Fenty is willing to spend tax dollars on a new Redskins stadium is because they are a proven commodity and are guaranteed to make that money back within a couple of years. There is no risk involved, whereas the Nats suck, and they have horrible attendance, and a soccer stadium is not going to hold more than 20,000. Those two stadiums will cost more to operate than they make in income.

Yep, its just like a treaty violation and the genocide of thousands of American Indiamns. Just like it... morons.

Posted by: the D.C. El Muñeco | January 29, 2008 02:52 PM

Well at least one person knows the historical reference.

We need the season to start so you folks will have something to do other than take shots at each other and whine about the jerseys. Goff, maybe you ought to start a blog devoted to soccer.

DC Preferable; if necessary, anywhere else (even MD or VA)

just dont build any crappy stadium for such a great team.