The Redskins are coming back to RFK. The question is what year?
Mayor Adrian Fenty recently confirmed preliminary talks with the team that carried over from predecessor Tony Williams’ tenure. There have never been deep discussions, but interest remains on both sides.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder knows there’s more money to be made at the old RFK Stadium site. Sources close to the talks say Snyder wants development rights around the site as part of the deal to build his own stadium that includes a retractable roof to attract major events like the Super Bowl and Olympics. That’s where negotiations could take years.
First, the stadium and neighboring waterfront is on federal land leased to the District through 2037. This has to be extended or amended because Snyder will want at least 30 years after the stadium opens.
Late Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke’s plan to build a new stadium adjacent to RFK bogged down over his refusal to bow to federal lawmakers wanting the team to change its name in exchange for building on the site. Lawmakers forced the Redskins to integrate when coming to RFK in 1961 because it was a federal facility. Now the same strategy can be played to eliminate Redskins that some contend is offensive to Native Americans. Snyder is certain to oppose it, and can win that argument over time.
There is talk of a land swap that would give Snyder the parcel around RFK in return for another site he would donate to the government. This happens all the time when a developer intrudes on a wetland. They simply donate land elsewhere as compensation. The RFK site is simply too valuable and politically sticky to transfer, though. The best Snyder might get is a 99-year lease.
Second, Snyder has to break the lease with Maryland over FedEx Field in Landover, which extends to 2027. There are buyout clauses in the deal, sources have long contended. It’s all about money in the end because no one has a passion for Raljon. The Redskins might be 20 years into the 30-year deal before exiting so money wouldn’t be overwhelming.
Third, naming rights might be tricky. Federal officials won’t let Robert F. Kennedy’s name go away easily, especially with Sen. Ted Kennedy still a force on the Hill. Snyder can skirt around it with a double name like FedEx Field at RFK, but the public might call it RFK out of fondness for the old days. The sponsor wouldn’t be thrilled with that.
Finally, city officials want the team’s training facility inside the District. It’s about taxing the $100 million-plus payroll plus other economic impact. This is the easiest part of the deal.
Ultimately, the Redskins will return to RFK. It may be 2018, but the team will come home one day.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
