Source: Commanders spend $100M on Va. land

ASHBURN, Va., — The Washington Commanders paid greater than $100 million for land in Virginia, a doable subsequent step in constructing a brand new stadium, in addition to quite a few retail outlets, eating places and residences.

In line with a supply with data of the acquisition, the Commanders paid slightly greater than $100 million for about 200 acres. The deal was accomplished late final week, however has not but been filed with Prince William County, the location of the land. One supply referred to as it the staff’s most well-liked website for a brand new stadium, however different choices stay open.

There’s an opportunity the franchise will purchase one other 65 to 70 acres at a website that’s roughly 23 miles from Washington, D.C., and could be proper off an exit on I-95 in Woodbridge, Virginia. It will be roughly 80 miles from Richmond.

The Commanders like this website due to how it may be developed. In line with a supply, their plans embrace a 60,000-seat domed stadium — so it may be used all year long — in addition to: the staff’s follow facility; an amphitheater that seats between 15,000 and 20,000; a small indoor music enviornment; high-end retail outlets; bars and eating places and residential dwelling. The roof could be translucent and the stadium’s facade may change colours — it could be white throughout the day and, for instance, burgundy at night time.

Washington desires to depart FedEx Area, which was constructed by former proprietor Jack Kent Cooke and opened in 1997. The staff owns the stadium in addition to the encompassing property, however their contract to play at this website expires in 2026. They’ll renew it and keep on longer, if wanted.

Earlier than they comply with a website, the staff must learn the way a lot cash the state and Prince William County are keen to commit earlier than finalizing plans to construct.

That is why they’re retaining choices open in Maryland and the District of Columbia in addition to different websites in Virginia. Maryland stated it could spend $400 million to develop the world round FedEx Area in Landover, Maryland. The staff would then construct a domed stadium by their present residence. Washington continues to be land in Loudoun County, close to their present follow facility.

The staff wish to return to the District of Columbia on the RFK Stadium website, their residence from 1961-96. However, as a result of it is on federal land, quite a few governmental hurdles at present make {that a} longshot.

Virginia’s legislature continues to debate making a Stadium Authority that will authorize cash to assist pay for a brand new Commanders stadium. Beneath one proposal, the Commanders would obtain $350 million from Virginia.

It is unsure how a lot cash the Commanders would spend on their very own to construct a stadium.

The acquisition comes amid ongoing investigations into Commanders proprietor Dan Snyder. Each Congress and the NFL proceed to look at allegations of sexual misconduct, which Snyder has strongly denied. In addition they responded to allegations of economic improprieties with a 105-page letter despatched to the Federal Commerce Fee, with emails and signed affidavits that they are saying proves their innocence. The lawyer generals’ places of work in Virginia and the District of Columbia stated they are going to examine the monetary claims.