McCarthy's Musings: Maryland Move For United?

By Kyle McCarthy

D.C. United might have a new stadium to call home after all. Just not in the District of Columbia.

News broke late Thursday night about a proposed deal struck between United and Prince George's County to locate a soccer-specific stadium at one of three sites in Maryland. If both sides can shepherd the tax earmarks required through the Maryland Legislature, this deal would end a long-running stadium saga for one of the league's flagship clubs and provide United with a first-class home in the near future.

The Friday Five explains why United's possible Maryland move might benefit the club in the long term even if it means moving away from the District.

1. Crumbling walls

R.F.K. Stadium was once one of the best soccer venues in the country. As soccer-specific stadiums popped up across the country, the aging football stadium doesn't compare quite as well to the more intimate stadiums across the league. The old barn still rocks and shakes because of United's passionate fans, but there is significant room for improvement. And given the state of the stadium, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

2. Stadium control

D.C. United hands the D.C. Stadium Authority $1.2 million per year for the right to use R.F.K. Stadium and control parking and concession revenues. In return for the cash, the stadium authority hasn't always placed soccer highest on the totem pole or maintained the stadium in a manner suitable for a MLS franchise. United will call the shots in a new venue and can use that extra money to improve the team or service a rather large sum of debt.

3. Urban access in a suburban setting

Most suburban stadiums struggle to attract urban fans because those fans find it difficult to travel to distant stadiums without the aid of public transit. That won't be a problem for United. The three proposed sites will be located on top of the Metro blue line. According to the WMATA trip tracker, those who use Metro will have to allot an extra 12 (Morgan Boulevard site) or 15 (Largo Town site) minutes to reach the new digs. While the extra time isn't insignificant, urban fans will still have easy access to the new stadium.

4. Brand recognition

United may just have the strongest (non-Beckham inflated) brand of any club in the league. The club boasts a particular culture and a particular approach fostered by the organization and appreciated by its fans. In a new home, United can tailor the stadium to match both its history and its unique culture. The intimate setting should help the club perpetuate that culture into the future. And, yes, that future should involve red and black seats.

5. Leverage

Stadium deals are a dance with the devil. Municipalities and sports teams go round and round until one side finally cries uncle and strikes a deal. This deal in Maryland looks like it is farther down the line than United has traveled in the past. Even if things fall apart, United can hope against hope that the District reconsiders its stance and swoops in to craft a new stadium package. If not, a new stadium in Prince George's County is quite the consolation prize.

Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and frequently writes opinion pieces during the week for Goal.com. He also covers the New England Revolution for the Boston Herald and MLSnet.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kylemccarthy@gmail.com.