Commanders lose support from key Virginia state senator for new stadium

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Washington Commanders obtained the right to purchase land in Woodbridge, Virginia for a potential new stadium. The reports included renderings of the $3 billion project on the 200 acres of land near a I-95 exit. 

The idea is contingent on Virginia legislation passing a bill to help fund a new Commanders stadium. However, it appears the project hit a major snag as one of stadium supporters is pulling his vote.

Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax) released a statement of his decision, saying “I don’t have confidence in The Washington Commanders as a viable NFL franchise.” 

Senator makes strong statement

Petersen says he respects the project might create jobs and revenue for Prince William County, Virginia. However, he harped on two concerns in his statement. 

“One is that the development is too far removed from an urban setting, unlike Nats Park at The Navy Yard, which will make it solely dependent on vehicle traffic for access,” Peterson said. “More importantly, I don’t have confidence in the Washington Commanders as a viable NFL franchise.”

Petersen has been a longtime supporter of the Washington NFL franchise in Virginia. He was an original member of the “Redskins Caucus” that promoted the team and its interests in legislation, according to Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 

So, his about-face seems significant. It’s unclear his change of heart will have ripple effects on a proposed bill. Virginia may commit $350 million towards a Commanders’ new stadium. It’s unknown if the bill will make it to a vote at this point. 

The project would be located 23 miles away from the center of Washington, D.C. the US Capital. Petersen’s concerns of the new stadium not being in an urban setting is a way to point to the long distance from the essence of the city. 

Woodbridge would be double the distance the Commanders current stadium FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland is from the Capital. 

Petersen’s concerns about the Commanders as a viable NFL franchise also have merits. Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is a subject of an NFL investigation into sexual harassment claims from a former team employee. 

Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and Virginia state attorney general are investigating claims of the team having financial improprieties. Among the allegations, the Commanders withheld ticket sales revenue that supposedly is shared with other NFL teams.

Do the Commanders have community support to survive?

But through the numerous possibilities for Petersen pulling his support, the Senator may have summed it up in the final paragraph of his statement. 

“I grew up a Washington Redskins fan… (The Commanders) have no history, no tradition and no fan base. I do not consider them an appropriate economic partner for the Commonwealth of Virginia, because I don’t think they have the community support to survive.”

If the Virginia bill fails or is not brought to the table, the Commanders may have to turn to Maryland or Washington, D.C. in hopes of securing a new stadium. D.C. appears to be the team’s desire. However, federal hurdles for the land of a potential site may be too daunting to pursue. 

Meanwhile, Maryland’s $400 million offer comes with a glaring stipulation. None of the money can be used towards the cost of a stadium. 

Where that may leave the Commanders and its efforts is anyone’s guess.