DC United are one step closer in the journey towards their new home in Southwest Washington after players and staff joined Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, and other District officials for a demolition event in preparation for the groundbreaking for a new soccer stadium at Buzzard Point.
“Buzzard Point’s future is bright—and this soccer stadium will make it that much brighter,” said Mayor Bowser. “DC is proud of our hometown soccer team, and today, we move closer to having a new home for DC United.”
The $300 million state-of-the-art facility is a public-private partnership that will help revitalize a neighborhood on the banks of the Anacostia River, create nearly 900 job opportunities for District residents, and strengthen a commitment to community and fan engagement.
“This building signifies the next step in our club’s evolution, yet will continue to represent our core values as we become a catalyst in the economic development of this Southwest Waterfront district,” said Jason Levien, United managing partner. “This stadium, previously only a dream, is now a tangible marker of our progress. Very soon we will hear the opening whistle for the first time, right here.”
The 20,000-seat stadium, set to be completed in the spring of 2018, is expected to attract one million annual new visitors per year, and spur more than $1.6 billion in total economic activity.