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DC United wants 'presence' in Loudoun
Is DC United making a pitch to build a pitch (aka, soccer field) in Loudoun?On Tuesday, Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York (I-at large) mentioned that he recently spoke with DC United President Kevin Payne. But about what, York told me that he was "not at the liberty to say."
I got the same response from DC United. "We can't comment," said team spokesman Doug Hicks, who did confirm that Payne and York spoke.
It's no secret that Washington's professional soccer team would love to move its games from the cavernous setting of Washington's RFK Stadium to something a bit more cozy and modern.
However, not willing to let the team go without a fight, it's been reported that officials in the District may set aside a portion of park land along the Anacostia River called Poplar Point for a 27,000-seat stadium for the team. Nothing has been finalized yet, though.
Last year, Loudoun's name appeared in several reports as one of the places the team was eyeing if the Poplar Point plan fell through, which made York's comment Tuesday that much more intriguing.
So, are professional soccer matches in Loudoun's future? Well, maybe scrimmages.
One person with knowledge of the conversation between York and Payne, who asked to remain nameless, said DC United is looking to create "a presence" in Loudoun, perhaps in the form of a training facility, similar to Redskins Park in Ashburn.
The team used to practice at the old Redskins Park off Route 28 in Fairfax County but now trains on an auxillary field near RFK stadium.
Allowing area youth teams use of any future field(s) in Loudoun was also discussed, the source said.
But where is the team looking and what is its time frame? Sadly, I have no idea.
When I do find out more, believe me, I will not keep the news quiet.
Game on!
Wow cool!!! Would be nice to head to Loudoun to catch DC United!
Posted by mgx
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