D.C. United Fans March to Keep Their Team
On Saturday, before the D.C. United-Toronto FC game, about 500 United fans marched from Lincoln Park to RFK Stadium in support of keeping the team in the D.C. area. The march was organized by fans and supporters' groups and had the support of the team.
At the park at about 4 p.m., the drum-toting, flag waving, red-and-black clad supporters were addressed by United President Kevin Payne, who asked fans to push for a stadium. "We know what promises are worth," he said to the crowd, referring to the two failed proposals to build a stadium at Poplar Point in D.C., and later in Prince George's County. "It's time for us to come together and start to hold people to their promises." He added that can happen "only with the support of all of you."
In a video posted to United's blog, Payne argues that United fans have seen the Verizon Center and Nationals Park built with taxpayer money, "but there's no reason why we can't approach the soccer stadium the same way" and that some local jurisdiction should "see this as an economic development opportunity."
The march, which had a permit and a police escort, stretched for about two blocks and took up the eastbound side of East Capitol Street. Fans of all ages held banners and flags, saying things like "United? Don't Abandon DC" and "12 Trophies=1 Home" in reference to United's 12 international and MLS cup championships. There were D.C., Virginia, and Maryland flags, plus drummers and bag pipers. Bystanders looked on, some giving the thumbs-up and others looking confused, with a few marchers stopping to chat or explain the march's purpose. The marchers were also joined by a contingent of Toronto F.C. fans who showed their support for keeping the team in the area. Payne and co-owner Will Chang marched as well. After reaching RFK, the rally wound into the parking lot for a tailgate party, one of United's pre-game rituals.
The team, arguably the most successful in the history of the MLS, had been mentioned as a candidate for relocation by MLS commissioner Don Garber and others if they don't get their own stadium soon. Saint Louis and Montreal are possible destinations. After the rally, Garber said he applauded the efforts of D.C. United fans at the march. But the team and the fans still have to convince D.C. or some other local municipality to take them on — a possibility that's grown more and more distant as the recession has worsened.