Washington: DC United (MLS) to build new stadium with a public-private partnership

The MLS (Major League Soccer) franchise DC United, have signed a public-private partnership with the District of Columbia (Washington) to build a 20,000 to 25,000 seater stadium in southwest Washington, the Mayor of Columbia announced on the 25/07/2013.

DC United have wanted to build a stadium since the early 2000s. The franchise has gradually evolved since it was founded in 1998 and played at the Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Stadium. The 46,000-seater stadium, built in 1961, was the Washington Redskins' (American football franchise) stadium until 1996.

DC United's executives explain that the RFK Stadium was losing them money, so they are looking to build a stadium more suited to their requirements by 2016. The club's average attendance in 2012 was 14,000 (30% full).

The whole projected is estimated to cost €225m. Half of the sum will be paid by the franchise and its partners, to finance the construction. The second half will be paid for by the city (Washington) and the district (Colombia), to purchase the land.

• "We are proud to say that DC United have achieved a major milestone towards…