Washington Football Team’s discussions with Virginia for new stadium are ‘very serious’

Washington appears to be making good progress toward a new stadium deal in Virginia. Still, a long way to go.

Is the Washington Football Team finally closing in on a location for a new stadium? If new Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has any say in the matter, Washington will soon be building its new stadium in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

On Friday, the Virginia House and Senate introduced two bills with the hope of luring the Washington Football Team to the state. The goal is to build a massive sports and entertainment complex in Prince William County or Loudoun County, both of which are in the northern part of the state.

Team headquarters is in Ashburn, which is in Loudoun County. FedEx Field is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Washington has a lease to play at FedEx Field until 2027; team owner Daniel Snyder also owns the stadium. The state of Maryland and Washington, D.C., both remain in contention for a new stadium for the team, but the momentum clearly favors Virginia right now, with Youngkin — who took office on Jan. 15 — intent on making it happen.

“Virginia is a football state. We deserve a football team — both as a source of shared pride and of state revenues,” House Majority Leader Terry G. Kilgore said, per Laura Vozzella of The Washington Post. “We have a business-minded, forward-thinking governor and House majority, and as we continue to pursue this opportunity, I think it’s important for us to understand how this project and its revenues will benefit the whole state, from Arlington to the mountains of Southwest Virginia.”

Earlier this week, State Sen. Jeremy McPike spoke with Tom Fitzgerald of Fox 5 D.C. and said talks between the commonwealth and the WFT were “very serious.”

McPike also offered the following comments to Fox 5:

There are some locations under consideration, I can’t talk about specific sites, but certainly the existing station contract in Maryland is up in the next four years. And so they’ve got to start to make plans now, the construction of a stadium takes years and years.

Much like the new name, this is a divisive topic. You have fans from each area who will be upset with where Washington decides to build its next stadium. For many Washington fans, Washington, D.C. is the most logical choice, but that doesn’t seem possible for many reasons.

Washington’s 25 years at FedEx Field have been disastrous. The stadium is a dump and the laughingstock of the NFL.

For the first time in years, there seems to be real progress toward a new Washington stadium.

 

 

Railing collapses at FedEx Field leading Eagles fans to fall on QB Jalen Hurts

A security rail collapsed at FedEx Field, leading several fans tumbling to the field next to Jalen Hurts.

You can add another chapter to the embarrassing book that is the history of FedEx Field.

After Philadelphia held on for a 20-16 victory over Washington, several Eagles’ fans were leaning against a security rail as quarterback Jalen Hurts was leaving the field into the locker room.

The security rail collapsed as the fans tried to get closer to Hurts, sending several fans to the ground.

Fortunately for everyone involved, including Hurts, no one was injured. Hurts then spent several minutes talking to the fans and taking pictures.

After returning to the locker room, Hurts spoke to the media and said he was glad everyone was safe.

“I’m just happy everyone’s safe… crazy stuff, that’s a real dangerous situation… passionate Eagles fans, I love it!”

Sadly, Philadelphia fans applied more pressure on its quarterback than Washington defenders did in 60 minutes.

 

Jalen Hurts thankful that passionate Eagles fans are safe after railing collapsed at FedEx Field

Jalen Hurts had a positive attitude after a railing full of #FlyEaglesFly fans collapsed following the #Eagles 20-16 win over #WashingtonFootball at #FedExField

Jalen Hurts has always been cool, calm, and collected as a quarterback, so it should be no shock that the Eagles star was quick to react after several fans nearly fell into his lap at FedEx Field.

Following Philadelphia’s win over Washington, Hurts was heading towards the tunnel and set to high five fans when a railing full of Eagles fans collapsed right in front of the quarterback.

Hurts was gracious during the moment, helping fans up and even posing for pictures with others.

After the matchup, Hurts called fans “passionate” while addressing the media, saying he was really glad nobody was injured.

The Eagles star went 17-26 for 214-yards on Sunday, adding 44 rushing yards in the win as well.

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Cowboys fly in their own benches ahead of Week 14 showdown at Washington

The Cowboys have poked Washington all week. It’s fun. The NFL needs this rivalry to return.

If you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys or the Washington Football Team, it’s been a fun week. First, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy almost guaranteed a Cowboys’ victory Sunday. Ron Rivera didn’t seem too amused, but you know the former linebacker used it to fire his team up.

Then, Dallas owner Jerry Jones made sure to remind Washington how supportive FedEx Field is for the Cowboys.

However, the biggest swipe at Washington came Sunday when Dallas flew in its own benches for the big NFC East showdown.

Oh, ok, it’s on.

The apparent reason for the Cowboys bringing their own benches to FedEx Field seems, um, reasonable?

This is the first time we’ve actually heard of this reason. Our take: the rivalry is back.

Remember, Washington blew out the Cowboys in both meetings in 2020. However, quarterback Dak Prescott missed those games.

FedEx Field has never been a home-field advantage for Washington. The stadium has had a myriad of issues over the years, including horrid field conditions leading to several high-profile injuries over the years. The biggest problem for Washington is other teams’ fans invading FedEx Field. It’s specially bad with the WFT’s three NFC East rivals.

We could do an entire series on FedEx Field’s woes.

This week’s trash talk from the Dallas side to Washington is good for the NFL. The NFL needs this rivalry to mean something again. Does McCarthy look like a buffoon for predicting a Dallas win? Of course, he does. And this wouldn’t be the first time McCarthy looked like a buffoon. Paging Aaron Rodgers here.

But if one side talks trash and fires up the other side, then it gets fans invested. Perhaps it will bring back some of those lapsed Washington fans who swore off the team after owner Daniel Snyder’s many mishaps. Remember the old days of Washington fans chanting “We want Dallas” from RFK Stadium? Those fans haven’t had many reasons to cheer over the years.

The rivalry is back.

 

 

5 things to know about Washington-Chiefs heading into Week 6

Here are five things to know about Sunday’s Week 6 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Football Team.

The Washington Football Team will see a familiar face on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid come to town in Week 6. Reid was the head coach of the Eagles for 14 seasons and has faced Washington more than any other coach in the NFL.

Surprisingly, this week’s game features a pair of 2-3 teams. The Chiefs have struggled after two straight Super Bowl appearances, primarily due to the NFL’s worst defense.

Meanwhile, Washington, the defending NFC East champions, has also struggled due to terrible defensive play. The difference between the two teams is Washington’s defense was expected to be the team’s strength.

Now, here are five things you should know about the Chiefs heading into Week 6:

WATCH: Sewage pipe bursts at FedEx Field during first half of Washington’s Week 1 game

A sewage pipe bursts at FedEx Field. Yes, this happened.

The Washington Football Team spent the offseason completely replacing the playing surface at FedEx Field while team president Jason Wright continued to improve the fan experience.

Unfortunately, during the first half of Washington’s Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, a sewage pipe burst at FedEx Field, leading many fans running for cover.

Yes, this really happened. See for yourself.

Just when things started to look up for FedEx Field, this happened.

Not a great start to the season for the home field. Perhaps it was mirroring the early performance of the home team.

This from Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Things seem to be better now. Only at FedEx Field.

Washington bans Native American headdresses and face paint at FedEx Field

Washington announced new policies and protocols for home games at FedEx Field in 2021.

The Washington Football Team announced new 2021 stadium policies and protocols for home games at FedEx Field on Wednesday.

The biggest change is fans are prohibited from wearing Native American headdresses and face paint moving forward.

As you might expect, this created strong emotions from a segment of the fan base online. One of Washington’s most famous fans is the late “Chief Zee.” Chief Zee, whose real name was Zema Williams, passed away in 2016. He was a superfan who was an unofficial Washington mascot for many years, greeting fans everywhere.

Chief Zee was famous for wearing a Native American headdress to Washington games.

Here are all of the new policies and protocols straight from the team’s official website:

Recommended Mask Wearing: Face coverings are recommended for FedExField guests who are not vaccinated and optional for guests who are vaccinated. These mask guidelines may be updated consistent with applicable local regulations and/or FedExField policy.
FedExField is Now Cashless: Patrons at FedExField will have the chance to enjoy great food and beverage options throughout the stadium with cashless payment. Payment via credit/debit cards with scan/chip and mobile devices will be accepted at all points of sale.
Tailgating Returns to FedExField: Fans attending events at FedExField will have the opportunity to tailgate around the facility. For specific details, please see the “Tailgating” section in the stadium guide.
Approved Fan Attire: We are excited to welcome everyone back wearing their Burgundy & Gold. However, Native American-inspired ceremonial headdresses or face paint may no longer be worn into the stadium.

 

 

 

 

 

Washington to host ‘Friday Night Football’ for fans in August

Washington continues its positive outreach to the fan base with this event.

The Washington Football Team continued its goodwill gestures to the fan base on Wednesday by announcing a special “Friday Night Football” event for 20,000 fans under the lights at FedEx Field.

The event will occur on Friday, Aug. 6, and gates will open at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets will be free for the fans who will have a chance to sit in the lower bowl of the stadium and watch practice as Washington prepares for its first preseason game.

Per the Washington website, fans can claim tickets online at Ticketmaster using the following link. An additional 5,000 club-level tickets will be made available for season ticket holders, suite holders, sponsors and others through a special link.

“It’s exciting to be welcoming our fans back into FedExField for the first time this season,” said Head Coach Ron Rivera. “Washington fans are the most passionate in the NFL, and I know our players are going to feed off of their energy at practice. We can’t wait to embark on the 2021 season with the fans cheering us on at FedExField.”

The fans will also get their first look at Washington’s new 2021 entertainment team, hype team and drumline. This will be the first time each group performs at FedEx Field.

“We’re so excited to welcome our fans back for this unique practice under the lights at FedExField,” said Jason Wright, President of the Washington Football Team. “After a season unlike any other, it’s truly a privilege to share all of the new fan initiatives and an invigorated team with this many fans and Season Ticket members all together. There are so many reasons holding an event like this is important for our team and fan base, so we are looking forward to this being just the beginning of a great season for the team and our fans.”

Consider this another positive step developed by Wright in his continued outreach to the fan base.

Washington Football Team plans to have full capacity at FedEx Field this fall

The WFT is hoping to have the seats filled at FedEx Field, though current Maryland restrictions would limit attendance at 50 percent.

The NFL will release the 2021 schedule next week. That means dates and times are known for all of the Washington Football Team’s opponents, and single-game tickets will go on sale shortly thereafter.

Yes, you read that correctly. Tickets will go on sale as Washington plans a return to full capacity at FedEx Field this fall. Currently, Maryland restricts outdoor events to 50 percent capacity, however, and all attendees are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Washington team president Jason Wright released the following statement:

As we have always said, the safety of our fans, employees, coaching staff and players is our top priority. We take our responsibility to create a safe return for fans very seriously, and we do so with the confidence and collaboration of our state and local public health authorities with whom we stay in constant contact to assure proper protocols are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Following the 2020 season, our organization was praised for its infection control approaches, and we now endeavor to build on this track record by providing a safe and fun 2021 gameday experience for our fans, the best in all of football.

To celebrate the return of fans to FedEx Field, Washington is waiving all single-game ticket fees for the first 24 hours, beginning when the schedule is released at 8 p.m. ET May 12.

Washington announces no fans will be allowed at playoff game against Bucs

Washington announced on Monday that there won’t be any fans in attendance on Saturday at the team’s first playoff game since 2015.

It doesn’t come as much surprise, but the Washington Football Team announced on Monday night that they will not be able to allow any fans at Fed Ex Field for the playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Washington will be hosting a wild-card game, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET with a chance to continue their season, but there won’t be any fans in attendance, although it’s the first playoff game Washington will be involved in since 2015.

“Our entire team, especially our players, will miss having our passionate fans in the stadium as we take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Washington said in a statement. “We are grateful for all of the support from our community and encourage everyone to stay safe.”

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