Washington DC has shown no interest in keeping DC United. Prince George County has shown no interest in bringing in DC United. It looks as if Baltimore is showing some interest in becoming the new home of DC United.
The Maryland Stadium Authority approved a $100,000 feasibility study. The study will “consider a 42-acre waterfront Westport project as a potential site for a soccer complex that could hold between 17,000 and 20,000 people and be used to attract D.C. United into making Baltimore its permanent home.” (Baltimore Sun)
I know DC United well. I understand Baltimore sports. I’m not a Baltimore or Maryland taxpayer, so I have no stake in that.
As a fan of the team and lover of the city, I still can’t get my head around this one. I can’t see DC United moving to Baltimore and being able to keep its fan base. DC United has amazing fan base. The crowds obviously fluctuate based on when the games happen, but I think it is safe to say that on weekend games you can expect around 20,000 people to show up. The breakdown of those fans seems to be split evenly between DC, VA, and MD residents.
If Baltimore were to somehow get the team to move, I think the fan base would completely readjust. I think the people in Maryland would still come to the games. I think a significantly smaller percentage of DC and VA residents would still support the team. The problem is that I don’t think there is anyone else to pick up the slack. It’s not going to come from the inner city. Soccer seems to have little appeal there. It’s not going to come from York, PA or Delaware. Philadelphia is getting its own MLS team this year. The only place is from the people in the surrounding counties, and there waning attendance at Camden Yards can’t be something to find encouraging.
If the MLS follows through with its threat to move DC United if no one can provide a stadium for them, I would be ecstatic to see it in Charm City. It’s much better than seeing them head to St. Louis or Miami. I just need to be convinced that Baltimore could sustain them.
Could you get behind a MLS team in Baltimore?
The city of Baltimore can't get their act together and build a new arena yet they are dumping 100 grand into a study for a soccer stadium? The Baltimore Arena was outdated in 1980.
And no, I won't be attending any soccer games.
That's 2 completely different issues.
I would totally go to games in B'more. It would be slightly more challenging since I would be coming from Richmond. RFK feels a lot closer. But it's a good product, and dare I say more compelling than O's- Royals series.
It is certainly not a different issue.
Soccer games at a field in Westport would be attended by few. It will cost a ton of money to build. That money, as Zach stated, should absolutely be used to build a new arena in the downtown area that would attract events year round. I don't know why the soccer community and enthusiasts (not you Matt) still think the sport will catch on big time in this country. It won't.
Building a soccer stadium for the United in Baltimore would be a complete disaster.
Therefore I think it will probably happen.
I don't know if I would go. I'm a huge fan of the world cup, but I don't think I would be waiting in line to get the first tickets to games. I'd much rather see Baltimore take that money to rebuild the arena…or build a new one.
The new arena is certainly a need, but they plan on tearing down 1st Mariner and the adjacent parking lot to build the new one on the same spot. I doubt $100,000 is the difference maker on that project. The other option was to let Ed Hale build a smaller arena off of Boston street by I95. I believe Ed has some money problems, so that isn't going to happen. I remember all the proposals were listed in the Sun, but I never heard anything about a decision on the winning bid. The soon to be Mayor is pushing for more transparency in the BDC, perhaps their decisions will be more easy to follow in the future.
As far as Westport, It sounds like a soccer stadium may be built even if it isn't for United. Crystal Palace Baltimore said they would consider funding a smaller stadium for their franchise. I think they currently play on Navy or UMBC's campus, but I'm not sure who is watching. I don't think Baltimore is interested in a "minor league" team.
I for one would become an MLS fan if Baltimore had a team. It would also be great if Baltimore had a stadium to host the NCAA college cup, because the Terps are usually in it.
Mark just hates soccer because he was cut from Towson's JV team in 1993:)
Baltimore does need a new downtown arena, but for hockey and special events. Basketball is a joke and would (in my opinion) not have a draw in Baltimore. I am a big soccer fan, but I do not think it would work in Baltimore. It needs to be in Howard/PG/Fredrick County.
Soccer is growing in the US and worldwide at a much greater pace than the NFL as is evidenced by this article.
http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/champions-lea…