In a compelling display of backing for a proposed D.C. United stadium at Buzzard Point, over 2,000 residents of Washington, D.C., have mobilized in less than three weeks to send over 27,000 emails to the District of Columbia Mayor and Council members. This grassroots movement, made up of local residents, community groups, and businesses, has organized to make its voice heard in support of plans for a new D.C. United stadium at Buzzard Point and associated development projects.
“We are pleased by all the support we are receiving from District residents,” said D.C. United Chief Operating Officer Tom Hunt. “The more people understand the plans, the more they like what is being proposed. We are still in the early stages of our outreach efforts to inform the community about a plan that will benefit the city and its taxpayers. We expect many more D.C. residents to send messages to the Mayor and Council in the coming weeks.”
The current details of the proposal pave the way for a partnership that will transform Southwest Washington in the same way that Verizon Center reshaped and revitalized the Gallery Place neighborhood. D.C. United will be responsible for privately financing and constructing the $150 million stadium while the District assembles the land and prepares it for development (street lights, sidewalks, curbs, etc.). The proposal will generate $387 million in new tax revenue, create 870 construction jobs and 550 permanent jobs. The District, which will lease the stadium site to D.C. United, will retain ownership of the land at the end of the lease period, at which point the property will likely be worth more than $700 million.
"The plan is so much more than just a sports stadium. It will create jobs in three different wards and revitalize several different neighborhoods including the Anacostia Gateway," said Stan Jackson, President and CEO, Anacostia Economic Development Corporation. "In fact, the proposal will generate in excess of 1,000 jobs and redevelopment that is highly needed in Ward 8."
The new stadium will have many other uses besides professional soccer. It will host more than fifty events each year, including headline concerts, cultural events, school-age sports, college soccer, football, lacrosse, and more.
D.C. United increased its Major League Soccer-leading total to 13 championships last season by capturing the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. All of the emails sent by supporters have been sent through the website www.UniteDC.org.
