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Does Future Success Of DC United Hinge On Council Approving Stadium Project?

With two home games remaining, DC United is "drawing just 14,055 per MLS match at cavernous, crumbling RFK Stadium," but the "real focus" is on the DC Council as it considers a $300M proposal to build a soccer-specific stadium at Buzzard Point, according to Thomas Floyd of the WASHINGTON TIMES. United's "best-case scenario" will see the legislation "passed this fall, followed by groundbreaking next year and kickoff at Buzzard Point" in '17. United COO Tom Hunt said, "There are a lot of people that really don't like coming to RFK. We have to convince them to come back, because they've been here in the past." Floyd notes United's "winning ways have produced an improved 16,727 average since mid-July." TV ratings are "on the rise as well, and the club's games are back on English-language radio after a five-year hiatus." Still, the franchise has "tabbed a North Carolina agency to conduct a two-month research project into what makes the team's brand unique." Hunt said that the findings "will help mold the club's 'identity evolution.'" Floyd noted the club also is "looking to streamline ticket promotions by focusing on one major theme for a given match instead of several." Concessions and general ticket pricing are "being evaluated" and the franchise "wants to better communicate its vibrant gameday atmosphere to the masses." Long term, a new venue "figures to revitalize the 19-year-old franchise." United "loses money every year while paying rent at RFK Stadium and therefore operates on a conservative player budget." Hunt: "There is a lot of positive support around the stadium at this point. We're extremely optimistic that this is going to get done" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/30).

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