Redskins officials said that the recent "removal of thousands of seats from the upper deck of one end zone" at FedExField is "part of a multimillion dollar renovation project that ultimately will include two 'party decks' and other amenities for fans similar to those provided at newer NFL stadiums," according to Mike Jones of the WASHINGTON POST. Sources said that the party decks will allow fans to "participate in pregame and postgame festivities and buy standing room viewing tickets." One team source "declined to disclose the precise number of seats being removed, except to say it would be in the thousands." The work to the 14-year-old FedEx Field, the oldest stadium in the NFC East, "will reduce the stadium’s capacity to about 85,000, from its current 91,704 this season." One source indicated that the construction, "scheduled to be completed before the 2012 season," means that "no fans on the Redskins’ season ticket waiting list will be able to buy tickets this year" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/7). A team source said that the project is "about 'enhancing the fan experience' and unrelated to any possible decrease in demand for tickets." In DC, Rich Campbell notes thousands of "season-ticket holders whose seats are affected by the renovation will enter the Redskins' auto-relocation process." The source said that fans will have the "option to upgrade their seats to the lower level at an increased price, or they can relocate in the upper level at no additional charge." The Redskins are "attempting to match features of other" NFL facilities, such as Cowboys Stadium and Raymond James Stadium (WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/7).
