Vote Expected Soon for Commanders’ $3B Stadium

The Virginia legislature will reconvene April 4 in a special session where the Washington Commanders’ $3 billion domed stadium proposal is expected to come up for a vote on the floor. 

The two versions of the bill have been in a conference committee since March 2, before the 2022 session concluded on March 12 after a stalemate on the state budget.

The special session could stretch over multiple days — outstanding bills, a gas tax holiday, and the budget will be debated before a floor vote occurs.

Del. David Reid proposed several amendments for the public funding portion of the stadium complex that could reach as much as $1 billion. 

• A proposal that would make the Commanders forward 75% of the naming rights revenues to the stadium authority until the bonds issued to finance the project are paid off — up from the 50% currently proposed. 
• The Commanders and NFL must certify “in writing” that both parties have “addressed and resolved all outstanding claims of sexual harrassment or misconduct made against owner Dan Snyder.” 
• The development of an “end-of-use plan” to “ensure that a derelict stadium does not become a financial burden.”

Treating Commanders Like Amazon

Reid looks to bolster the benchmarks much like those Amazon received from state and local officials when millions of dollars in incentives were approved for a new headquarters in Arlington. 

“You’re going to have to have your own investments, and then the state will incentivize you after you’ve met certain goals,” Reid told FOS.