We All Want A New Redskins Stadium…But Where?
By Richard Rogers
If you’ve ever been to FedEx field, you know you don’t quite feel right. It’s not the worst sports venue in the world, but it’s not the best either, and it’s not even close. In all fairness, we have to remember that FedEx stadium opened 20 years ago. At its peak in 2010, it held over 90,000 fans, and there were weekly reports of “sell-outs”, but we all know that’s not true. Sellouts were so rare that the team cut the seating capacity to 82,000 seats by 2015. On any given Sunday, you could go to a game and wonder if this is a home game or an away game given the number of visiting fans, and depending on the outcome of the game, you may either have a half-way decent game day experience, or end up thinking “there’s no way in hell I’m coming to another home game”. There have been some improvements. The large HD TVs in the concourse is a nice addition, and the HD screens in the stadium are much better than the antiquated screens of years gone by.
The lease at FedEx field ends in 2027 and there has been a lot of speculation and jostling among DC, Maryland and Virginia lawmakers with Virginia making a pitch as loud and as often as local radio airtime will allow. But the question is, what location makes the most sense?
Here’s a case for each.
Virginia
Most of the players, and team employees live in Virginia. There’s a strong marketing presence in Virginia and many players have business interests in the state. 60% of the season ticket holders live in Virginia, and based on recent comments by Governor Terry McAuliffe, there’s already a proposed location in Loudon County. Virginia has the most to gain. It would be the state’s only professional sports team with a marketing area as far as the eye can see. This seems like a “no-brainer”, but hold the phone. In the proposed location, the infrastructure and roads are inadequate. The question of whether it would truly be the “WASHINGTON” Redskins if they moved all the way out to Loudon county would be a fair one. Would it be METRO accessible? Would Maryland and DC residents and season ticket holders be alienated? Again, it’s a fair question.
Maryland
Could the Redskins rebuild a new stadium on the current FedEx site? It’s possible and would not be the worst proposal, especially if it became METRO accessible. It’s not in the District, but it’s close enough to still be associated with the city. The parking situation has improved and the infrastructure is already there. Another option would be on the old Oxon Hill Farm site or somewhere along the Potomac at National Harbor. There are possibilities in Maryland, but it would have to be close to a freeway and accessible for District, Maryland and Virginia residents. The BIG drawback of the current FedEx site is that it’s only the stadium, and that’s it….no restaurants, eateries, nightlife, etc.
The District
The demographics and politics of our nation’s capitol have changed since the days of RFK. Some D.C. and congressional officials have come out publicly against the team name and have vowed to not allow a Redskins stadium unless the name changes. The Redskins don’t seem to have the hold on the city as it once did. The city is now filled with transients, and some could take or leave football. That’s going to make it tough for a new stadium, especially since the stadium is in a residential neighborhood for the most part. But let’s face it, the District could be the most viable option. There’s the newly developed H street corridor. The current site is METRO accessible, the roads in and out have improved, and most importantly, it’s IN the city of Washington D.C. Money talks and I’m sure Snyder and his brain trust will explore all options.
2027 will be here before you know it. Heck, it may come sooner with a buyout. Aside from all the rumors and daily spin, the team is trending in the right direction. I just want a stadium that’s just as good, if not better than those of our peers. I’m not asking for “Jerryworld”, but a stadium that’s intimate but not uncomfortable is my vision. I hope it’s Dan’s vision as well.