D.C. Council proposes $300 million in public funds for Audi Field expansion

The short version

• Council Chair Phil Mendelson introduced legislation in July committing $300 million in public funds over five years to expand Audi Field.[The Washington Sun]
• D.C. United would contribute $320 million, and the expansion would add a roof, about 8,000 seats, and over 400 housing units on an adjacent parcel.[The Washington Sun]
• Mayor Muriel Bowser has spoken out against the deal, and policy director Shira Markoff argues stadiums do not significantly drive local growth.[The Washington Sun]
• Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone told lawmakers the team is neutral on the bill, but the team is using it as leverage for better lease terms.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

• Council Chair Phil Mendelson introduced legislation in July committing $300 million in public funding, split over five years, to the Audi Field expansion.[The Washington Sun]
• D.C. United would contribute $320 million of its own funds toward the expansion project.[The Washington Sun]
• The expansion would add a new roof and about 8,000 seats, raising capacity from 19,200 to around 28,000.[The Washington Sun]
• The project would include more than 400 housing units on an empty parcel adjacent to the stadium.[The Washington Sun]
• Mayor Muriel Bowser has spoken out against the proposed public funding deal for Audi Field.[The Washington Sun]
• Team CEO Kim Stone told lawmakers the Washington Spirit are neutral on the bill, while the team seeks leverage for better lease terms.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• D.C. United Wants Public Money to Expand Audi Field. It’s Not an Easy Goal.The Washington Sun