Letter to Payne re: SSS

[galperin]

Hey everyone. I was thinking about writing a letter to Kevin Payne about DCU's fan's extreme desire for a SSS. I wondered if people could help me put together some intelligent points to make in the letter. Thanks for any help you can give.

[JayRockers!]

I was thinking about writing one asking him to fill out the roster so we'll have a team that can finish the season, and possibly play in a SSS in the future.

The SSS needs a roof. Hope this helps.

Thx,

Jay!

[GlennAA11]

I think he knows the new stadium needs a roof. Take a look at Colorado's cool new stadium design. I don't understand why these new stadia don't have seats all the way around the pitch though.

[NattyBo]

So they can have stages on one end or the other. Also, it probably makes it easier should they need to expand the seating ever.

[Red&Black]

i;ve seen the mock ups of the stadium at United events. it does have a stage at one end.

i am really not sure what the letter is going to do. the club wants a stadium, they bring out their mock up all the time at events.

[Darth Norteño]

Dammit, this is weak. If they want a place for concerts, use RFK if United gets a new home. They have the wall already there. If they gave a rat's ass about doing something right, it would be a real soccer stadium, and not some glorified multi-purpose venue. For fu¢k's sake, I'm not trying to watch United in an open-air field house.

[CheeseFoodProduct]

Dammit, this is weak. If they want a place for concerts, use RFK if United gets a new home. They have the wall already there. If they gave a rat's ass about doing something right, it would be a real soccer stadium, and not some glorified multi-purpose venue. For fu¢k's sake, I'm not trying to watch United in an open-air field house.

the reason uncle phil is willing to build all these stadia is that he can bring in money from other events. think about it, maybe 20 soccer events per year at $20/person, or other events - concerts - about 25 to 30 per year at $50/person. there are many more parents willing to drop money on their kids to go watch brittany than there are parents willing to take their kids to a soccer match.

[GDopplerXT]

Dammit, this is weak. If they want a place for concerts, use RFK if United gets a new home. They have the wall already there. If they gave a rat's ass about doing something right, it would be a real soccer stadium, and not some glorified multi-purpose venue. For fu¢k's sake, I'm not trying to watch United in an open-air field house.

I agree in spirit, but the math is pretty simple, even without actual numbers: the only way to pay for the stadium (or eventually make a profit) is to use it (or rent it out) more than 18 times per year.

[swedcrip34]

I'm pretty sure MLS and DCU know they need a SSS and that most everyone wants one. Payne doesn't set the budget, probably just divides up the money coming from MLS/AEG.

Write your local officials if anyone. They're the ones needing convincing. Good luck getting the city government to hand over any $$$. Maybe a bond situation, but I unfortunately don't see them coming through soon unless AEG promises huge development $$$ to a project including some other development in the area like Kroenke is now doing. Tough call on trying the suburbs or not, I'm not sure yet.

The DCU stadium situation may soon become the most pressing issue for MLS (especially if SJ is moved, Harrison & Commerce City get final approval). It may be one of the last obstacles to setting up a path to profitability (if that's a word). Not to bring up the whole sharing RFK issue. I know everyone here is probably on board wanting a SSS, how to make it happen, especially with the DC government, I wish I knew - just hope for the best. DC deserves it more than most teams.

[feverPitch]

there are many more parents willing to drop money on their kids to go watch brittany than there are parents willing to take their kids to a soccer match.

Oh, the sad, sad truth.

I agree with Darth Norteño in spirit, too- how soccer specific is it if they're putting on concerts there? But I guess the stage/having concerts there is a necessary evil.

[revelation]

Well, one issue with the "alternative" events for a SSS is that the LA stadium has been a bust in that area. I believe it was in the Soccer America article about San Jose, where they said outside ONE (1) Dave Matthews concert, the Tool Shed had not booked any significant shows. Given the vertiable plethora of venues in the DC/NoVA/MD area, I can hardly believe the numbers look good for "alternative" events. Just think of how often RFK is used outside DC United games - the HFSival? Anything else? And while a 25K to 30K venue in the District is more attractive than say Nissan Pavilion or Meriweather Pavilion, there is the MCI Center, which has those numbers and is indoor, which means it can be used during the winter. So, a DC United SSS would only be able to host events during the Spring/Summer/Fall seasons that coincide with DC United home games - thus threatening the grass during every concert. I guess the question would be how many "alternative" events has the sCrew Stadium booked?

[Section106]

If the pourpose of a SSS is to control revenue streams and maximize profitability(yes, its a word) then wouldn't building in the District be counter-productive? The DCSEC will still have control and demand their share of tribute. Does MLS/AEG really want another hand in the till? I say that KP needs to suck it up and build the SSS in the 'burbs. And no, the team won't have to change the name. Just look at the Redskins. Also, if there ever is another team in DC they can just call themselves "City" like its done in Manchester. Old Trafford isn't in the city limits of Manchester anyway, IIRC.

[GlennAA11]

I think they've polled the fans and the idea of a suburban stadium was a big flop. And in any event it's not like there's a plethora of affordable land or really any land out there in the suburbs that they could put it on unless they want to go way the hell out to Loudon County which would mean very tiny crowds indeed.

Most likely the Anacostia waterfront redevelopment project will be the place for our stadium. Unfortunately I don't see that moving ahead especially quickly.

[Section106]

I think they've polled the fans and the idea of a suburban stadium was a big flop. And in any event it's not like there's a plethora of affordable land or really any land out there in the suburbs that they could put it on unless they want to go way the hell out to Loudon County which would mean very tiny crowds indeed.

Most likely the Anacostia waterfront redevelopment project will be the place for our stadium. Unfortunately I don't see that moving ahead especially quickly.

The purist in me says keep it in DC. There are plenty of cons to any situation United proposes. I was just wondering what would be the sense in splitting your profits with an entity that would essentially provide nothing but their approval to build. This is assuming that AEG foots most or all of the bill of course. It was stated earlier that funding from the DC government is highly unlikely. Can anyone explain the complicated land ownership deal to someone from the peninsula. I read that the land RFK is on is owned by the Dept of the Interior. Its confusing!

[McOwen]

Well, one issue with the "alternative" events for a SSS is that the LA stadium has been a bust in that area. I believe it was in the Soccer America article about San Jose, where they said outside ONE (1) Dave Matthews concert, the Tool Shed had not booked any significant shows. Given the vertiable plethora of venues in the DC/NoVA/MD area, I can hardly believe the numbers look good for "alternative" events. Just think of how often RFK is used outside DC United games - the HFSival? Anything else? And while a 25K to 30K venue in the District is more attractive than say Nissan Pavilion or Meriweather Pavilion, there is the MCI Center, which has those numbers and is indoor, which means it can be used during the winter. So, a DC United SSS would only be able to host events during the Spring/Summer/Fall seasons that coincide with DC United home games - thus threatening the grass during every concert. I guess the question would be how many "alternative" events has the sCrew Stadium booked?

good point... you also forgot to mention George Mason's Patriot Center... which I'm sure could low bid anyone considering it too is under used.

[beltwayrob]

good point... you also forgot to mention George Mason's Patriot Center... which I'm sure could low bid anyone considering it too is under used.

Yeah but its capacity is only 5,000 not really big enough unless DCU wants to pump some money into upgrading GMU. Plus GMUs location isn't exactly easy to get in and out of. The streets around that area except for Braddock Rd. are 1 or 2 lanes each direction, and traffic is bad enough in FFX City.

[shawn12011]

Three words:


NO BENCH SEATING!!

[UnitedN&F]

[QUOTE]i;ve seen the mock ups of the stadium at United events. it does have a stage at one end.

QUOTE]

Is there anywhere on the internet we can find pictures of the mock up?

[BBBulldog]

supporter side:

stands, not seats
no roof so smoke doesn't linger when we catch up to the rest of the world and light up some pyro in 2067
nice fences for banners
and keg of guinness every 10 feet

I'm easy to please :)

[Knave]

Three words:


NO BENCH SEATING!!
Honestly, bench seating with backs can be pretty damned comfortable.