WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following is a statement issued by D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne regarding Wednesday's formal announcement that Major League Baseball will relocate a team to Washington, D.C.:
"First, we'd like to congratulate Mayor Williams, his staff and the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission for their successful effort to return Major League Baseball to the District. We look forward to meeting in the coming weeks with the Sports Commission to develop plans that will enable D.C. United and the baseball team to co-exist at RFK Stadium in a way that is mutually beneficial.
The loyal fans of D.C. United should be comforted by the assurances we've received from the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission that our importance to RFK Stadium is not diminished. The DCSEC has committed to us that it will work with United and our fans to minimize any inconvenience that might be caused by the conversion of RFK Stadium to a baseball configuration. We also look forward to working with the DCSEC to ensure that the playing surface will remain at the high standard to which our players and fans have become accustomed."
