A D.C. United stadium in Prince George’s County would draw up to 840,000 attendees, generate up to $80 million in revenue, and bring in $6 million in taxes per year, according to results of a Maryland Stadium Authority feasibility study presented to the Prince George’s County Council on Tuesday.
The report pleased United and backed the position of county administrators who are attempting to lure the team to Maryland.
“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,” said United in a statement.
But United also has promised to reimburse the study’s $75,000 cost if they decide not to move out of the District.
“We have known from the very beginning that in some respects, D.C. United was using us as leverage in their relationship with the District,” said county deputy chief administrative officer David Byrd. “However, we also thought this was an opportunity to present Prince George’s County in a great light.”
Council members Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) and Eric Olson (D-College Park) were skeptical of the study’s projection of 54-63 events per year, comparing it to promises made when the Comcast Center was built.
“I just don’t see how we get that many events here and that many people to the events at a facility like this,” said Olson.
Gallardo slated to return to D.C. this weekend
D.C. United president Kevin Payne said midfielder Marcelo Gallardo is expected to return to Washington on Sunday after a two-week rehabilitation stint in Argentina.
“My hope is that maybe he can get some minutes against Cruz Azul [on Oct. 1],” said Payne.
United captain Jaime Moreno (knee), who missed last weekend’s match at Los Angeles, did not make the trip to Honduras, as had been hoped.
UP NEXT » United at CD Marathon
Where » Estadio Olimpico, San Pedro Sula, Honduras
When » Tonight, 10
TV » Fox Soccer Channel
Radio » 1050 AM; 1540 AM
