The Redskins kicked off their 80th anniversary campaign Thursday by “introducing their new throwback jerseys, paying tribute to their 1937 D.C. debut with ‘a rich, darker color palate,’ a patch from the early years, and a helmet that has ‘a unique, leather-like finish,’” according to Dan Steinberg of the WASHINGTON POST. The uniforms will be “worn at two as-yet undisclosed home games.” The season-long campaign will feature “an 80th anniversary bus that will tour D.C., Maryland and Virginia; a poll (involving fans and dignitaries) to add 10 names to the list of 70 greatest Redskins; an 80th anniversary gala; and special anniversary programming” on WRC-NBC and Comcast SportsNet. Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder said, “It’s really about the fans, it’s about the alumni, and it’s about the great tradition of the Redskins. It’s gonna be a special year for us.” Steinberg notes the team also has “the new practice bubble to admire.” Redskins GM Bruce Allen said that the roof of the practice facility “was 12 feet higher than the bottom of the Dallas Cowboys’ scoreboard.” Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said, “You can kick off, you can punt, you can do anything you’d want to do. To have a facility like this is something you need, and something we’re looking forward to” (WASHINGTON POST, 5/11). Allen said Thursday that “team management is looking for ways to improve the Ashburn, VA., headquarters, and the completion of a practice bubble is only the first step of that project.” In DC, Mike Jones noted the new facility “houses a 120-yard field and has a ceiling high enough for punters and kickers to kick the ball without problems.” Allen said that “the upgrades to the entire complex remain incomplete, however.” Jones noted the team “has explored options of moving headquarters" to either Prince George’s County in Maryland or DC, but just "how realistic those prospects are remain unclear” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 5/10).
