Do the Washington Redskins need a Hall of Fame building? Loudoun County officials recently resurrected a defeated 2008 proposal to build a shrine to the team if it stays in Ashburn. Outlying Virginia lawmakers are getting nervous about the possibility of losing the franchise to a new training facility in the District or Maryland.
Loudoun doesn’t want to lose a business that generates tens of millions of dollars in economic impact, much less the prestige of having players and coaches living in the county. But Redskins Park turns 20 years old next month, and owner Dan Snyder would consider a better offer.
But there really isn’t a heated competition among the three communities. D.C. leaders would like the Redskins to move to the old hospital site near RFK Stadium in hopes they will build a stadium there in 2027 when the FedEx Field deal ends.
But the District doesn’t have the money to pay for an expected $30 million-plus facility. Mayor Vincent Gray was a regular in the FedEx luxury boxes last season, but city residents aren’t financing a new practice facility. Without incentive, the Redskins won’t look inside the District.
Oddly, Snyder may find the same obstacle in Maryland, where Gov. Martin O’Malley wants to raise taxes again. Given the Baltimore Ravens’ success, many Marylanders won’t support a facility in Bowie. Prince George’s County officials would like the Redskins to move near FedEx to ensure they stay after the current stadium deal ends but — like the District — are rich in promises and poor in coffers. Ask D.C. United, which couldn’t get the county to fulfill its offer for a new soccer stadium.
Loudoun may be bidding against itself in enticing the Redskins to stay. A Hall of Fame building likely would become a ghost town anyway.
Seriously, nobody wants to fight traffic to see a Hall of Fame in the far western suburbs. Not more than once, at least. Other than for training camp at Redskins Park — which coach Mike Shanahan wants to move to George Mason anyway — fans won’t travel to Loudoun County.
The Redskins opened a “Hall of Fame” at FedEx Field, but it’s largely a store for shirts and hats. A proper facility with memorabilia would require more than $500,000 to acquire needed items, and that depends on several large local collectors being willing to part with their precious remembrances of Sammy Baugh, George Preston Marshall and John Riggins. Snyder has collected memorabilia since he bought the Redskins in 1999, but much more would be needed.
Even then, the only feasible sites for a Hall of Fame are next to the stadium or training facility or maybe downtown in the Penn Quarter tourist area. With 20 years since the last championship, young Redskins fans don’t remember the good times. They’re not traveling to see old jerseys.
Loudoun officials can save their money. A Hall of Fame won’t make the Redskins stay if they really want to leave and won’t lure those unwilling to come.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
