Any headway made on practice fields?

[purojogo]

Seeing that you guys will have Adu in yrs to come, and how there have been players hurt by non- contact injuries on the less than satisfactory practice fields the team employs, I was wondering if there is anything planned in order to change this situation....Hopefully something will get done .....after all, when you guys play the Metros, I'd like you to be beaten with your whole team healthy ;)

[purojogo]

Anyone? I always thought practice fields were big concern for DCU, considering the injuries suffered as a result of the lack of decent ones right now

[Diceson]

As I understand things there are three levels of negotiations going on at the moment. First, RFK stadium itself, second the practice fields, and finally the possibility of moving the team into the RFK offices. The team might be renegotiating a deal on the stadium, looking for a better deal. The practice fields will be under the control of the team, and the team will contract out someone to take care of them throughout the season. The offices at the stadium aren't being used, but the Freedom's equipment is still in place, but exactly what nature that would take isn't known. It remains the biggest issue the organization faces.

No specifics, and I can't say that the information is accurate . . . but this is the Internet . . . and we're all nuts.

[onefineesq]

I admit my ignorance on this topic. I'm actually still trying to find out where it is that we have been practicing as I'd felt the urge to go watch practices last year, but couldn't find out when and where they were held (i got onto bigsoccer late in the season). can anybody help me out here?

[Sundevil9]

The practice fields are located just to the Northwest of RFK. Kind of adjacent to LOT 7.

They've also held practices (not many) Germantown, and GW's Mt Vernon campus.

I don't think they're open to the public, but last season they had an open practice in the stadium.....it was a nice way to whet the appetite for the coming season.

[Hedbal]

Roger that on the open practice at RFK last year. It was a full blown scrimmage and a great way to see the entire team on the pitch in a game situation. I think DCU ought to do it again but include an opportunity to meet the players, perhaps quaff some refreshment, snap some pix, etc.

[onefineesq]

Originally posted by thomas calhoun
Roger that on the open practice at RFK last year. It was a full blown scrimmage and a great way to see the entire team on the pitch in a game situation. I think DCU ought to do it again but include an opportunity to meet the players, perhaps quaff some refreshment, snap some pix, etc.

Now THAT would be worth the price of admission. But of course, that is wishful thinking indeed. :( Anyway, thanks. Now that I'm on bs, I'm sure that I'll be able to figure out the dates and times as they roll around.

[Detective40oz]

Originally posted by thomas calhoun
Roger that on the open practice at RFK last year. It was a full blown scrimmage and a great way to see the entire team on the pitch in a game situation. I think DCU ought to do it again but include an opportunity to meet the players, perhaps quaff some refreshment, snap some pix, etc.

There was a chance to meet the players and snap pictures, they players went around the quiet side of the lower bowl where the majority of the crowd was and signed autographs and let you take pictures with them for about 30 minutes. I got my picture taken with Earnie Stewart, Petke, and Convey. But I do agree that they should do that again this year, except I'll leave the gf at home this time.

[PCC from DC]

Taking a look at the "Behind the Badge" articles on DCUnited.com during this first week of practice, I notice that the team has practiced in at least 3 different locations so far and the week's not even over: RFK auxiliary fields, Dulles Sportsplex, and AU. I'm all for Nowak's approach to create a more professional atmosphere, and I can't help but feel that it's got to be a real distraction to be constantly on the move, without anywhere to really call home, regardless of the weather.

I'd think this issue has to be a priority, regardless of the status of the SSS issue.

[Funkfoot]

I heard that DCU will be taking over maintenance of the fields at RFK and will move their administrative offices there, as well. It just hasn't been announced yet.

[TCompton]

Originally posted by Funkfoot
I heard that DCU will be taking over maintenance of the fields at RFK and will move their administrative offices there, as well. It just hasn't been announced yet.

That's really good news