Field of Schemes: D.C. not so United on soccer stadium

November 10, 2005

D.C. not so United on soccer stadium

Some readers - and you know who you are - have been asking what's up with D.C. United's plans for a soccer-only stadium on the Anacostia River waterfront? The answer: Still in the works, while the team tries to boost public support for stadium funds by holding soccer clinics for local kids. ("I don't know about this game. You don't stop! Ever! How about stopping?" one ten-year-old complained to the Washington Post. Hey, kid, I've been at this since you were in diapers.) Not in attendance to collect autographs at the event: city councilmember Marion Barry, who represents the district where the stadium would go, and has said he's "absolutely, unequivocally" opposed to it.

COMMENTS

actually Barry now supports it. we know who we are cause we actually do keep up with what's going on with this story. Apparently a couple of reporters in DC aren't doing the same. I don't know why some are asking questions here? washingtontimes.com/sports/20051103-120706-2313r.htm
Posted by: swedcrip at November 10, 2005 11:04 AM

And all the soccer fans will come out of the woodwork now..... right.... "The ultimate plan, the way to win the hearts and minds of kids more familiar with basketball and football, will be a D.C. youth soccer league sponsored and run by DC United, Hicks said." Programs like that will help in the long run. Public Officials must be convinced that MLS is going about things correctly, which many of us beleive they are. Of course now that DC United no longer falls under the AEG umbrella, it will be interesting to see what the proposed finance packages will be. Hopefully the new ownership group will be a soccer club first, and entertainment group second. Thus there is no reason why crumbling blocks of concrete terraces can not be placed behind the north goal for the many varied supporters clubs of DC Uinted.
Posted by: Bertell Ollman at November 11, 2005 12:04 AM

I believe Marion Barry now supports a new soccer stadium for DC United because of affordable homes that may be built around the site. I want DCU to stay at the world's greatest stadium.
Posted by: CK at November 11, 2005 11:23 AM

WashPost vs WashTimes throwdown, inside Marion Barry's head!
Posted by: Neil at November 11, 2005 04:26 PM

Hey Neil, You need to pay better attention before going off on your rants. Whatever you've been doing since that other kid was in diapers sure doesn't seem like "paying attention" before mouthing off.
Posted by: Chuck at November 12, 2005 11:04 AM

I beieve that unlike tha Nat's stadium, this one will be COMPLETELY funded by the private ownership. Lets see: Stadium that provides jobs and housing/increases the investment in the area much like MCI Arena that does not cost the taxpayers a penny? CHECK.
Posted by: Dave at November 12, 2005 02:33 PM

Marion Barry is actual 100% FOR the stadium.. Either he wants to boost his public support or because there have been talks of putting a MINING facility in the area where the stadium has been planned. I wonder how the citizens would like a mining facility where a soccer stadium could have been, bringing in money to the area instead of making it look dirty.
Posted by: Scott Rumble at November 12, 2005 02:37 PM

United may or may not r.ape the city in order to get this stadium but at least this little clinic shows that we're willing to cuddle. :-D
Posted by: Goose at November 12, 2005 03:00 PM

The mining stuff had nothing to do with Poplar Point, Scott. The mining of federal lands is a separate part of the same bill that (I believe) the proposal to sell the land privately rather than just transfer it to DC. Two separate matters, nobody is going to mine in Washington.
Posted by: Goose at November 12, 2005 03:02 PM

DC United will eventually get their stadium. I'd imagine much of the cost will be paid for by private funds, or unless a local school district wants to chip in, but I dunno how popular high school football is in the DC area......
Posted by: Bertell Ollman at November 13, 2005 01:36 AM

Who cares about high school football and what does it have to do with DC United stadium?
Posted by: Nick at November 13, 2005 03:08 AM

(Should have known not to imply)..... it was in reference to the financing deal that got FC Dallas's new stadium in Frisco, Teaxas - Pizza Hut Park....
Posted by: Bertell Ollman at November 14, 2005 12:41 AM

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/15/AR2005111501966.html not a throwdown, WashPost just a little late to the story
Posted by: swedcrip at November 16, 2005 09:22 AM