Talk of new stadium for Washington Commanders tabled, for now

(WDVM) — The crew is contemplating shifting to Woodbridge, 35 miles away from its present dwelling at FedEx Area in Landover, Md.

Lawmakers weigh whether or not to approve $300 million for the undertaking.

Senator Steve Newman will help it beneath one situation.

“The one factor that I’d ever help is that there could be bonds issued. However the Commanders crew must pay each single penny of that. If not, there shouldn’t be a deal.”

However Senator Chap Peterson opposes any taxpayer cash for a brand new soccer stadium.

“I feel the crew at this level lacks fan help,” Peterson stated. “They lack an identifiable model. I haven’t seen any metrics displaying they’ve the help of the neighborhood, the fan base, the season ticket projections to be a long-term accomplice for the Commonwealth.”

The Commanders, in the meantime, stay optimistic.

“We’re grateful for the bipartisan help the stadium authority laws has already obtained,” stated Crew President Jason Wright in an e-mail assertion. “And any extra time will definitely present us with extra alternatives to share how this undertaking can create new jobs, generate vital tax income, and spur financial improvement for surrounding communities and the Commonwealth as a complete.”

The Commanders have performed at FedEx Area because it opened in 1997. Followers who stay close to the stadium aren’t glad they might lose their crew.

“The phrase Washington, I consider it must be dwelling,” stated Alex Casimir. “Hoping they’ll be capable of discover a dwelling right here in Washington, DC as a substitute of shifting the crew outdoors of DC.”

Others stay hopeful they’ll maintain the Commanders.

“It’d be a rattling disgrace in the event that they left us,” stated James Durrette. “Then all people acquired to modify over and be a Baltimore fan or Cowboys followers like they already have been. Gotta see what they’re going to do.”

Followers stated they’d proceed to help the crew, even when it strikes.

The Commanders are contemplating 4 different websites across the district, together with FedEx Area and their unique dwelling at RFK Stadium.

The crew is obligated to play in Landover till at the least 2027.

Virginia lawmakers additionally delayed motion on a brand new stadium due to sexual harassment allegations involving crew proprietor Dan Snyder. Nevertheless, they might resume debate on the difficulty after they reconvene later this month.