The report, commissioned by a group called the Maryland Stadium Authority, estimates that a roughly 25,000-seat stadium would generate as much as $31 million in earnings through as many as 63 events each year, including 15 D.C. United home games. In addition, over $6 million of annual tax revenue would flow into the county and state and between 1,080 and 1,320 new jobs would be created.
"The comprehensive report, compiled on behalf of the MSA, substantiates what D.C. United has always believed: our new stadium will be a strong economic catalyst providing significant benefits - which will promote and enliven additional mixed-use development around the county," read an official statement from United.
Arguably the most successful franchise in Major League Soccer history, D.C. has been battling with local officials to get a soccer-specific stadium of their own built somewhere in the District of Columbia, with Poplar Point being the most-discussed possible location. Each time a deal seems close, somebody balks and the whole process starts over again. In recent months, team officials have hinted that the franchise would be willing to locate to Maryland or northern Virginia if a deal could not be reached. In the meantime, the rapidly-deteriorating RFK Stadium has been serving as the club's home field."We haven't had a chance to look at any numbers yet," said Sean Madigan, a spokesman for Neil Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development in D.C. "We would really like to see United stay in the city and we're waiting to see if the D.C. Council takes the lead by putting forth legislation."
Council member Marion Barry has been the most fervent supporter of getting the stadium built and has denounced Mayor Adrian Fenty's lackadaisical efforts to keep United from moving.
"He won't do anything with [the plan]," said Barry. "If we lose them to Maryland, it's going to be a major issue in this town."
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