D.C. Council gives final OK to soccer stadium deal

The D.C. Council has given final approval to using public funds to help build a stadium for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.

The District will spend roughly $140 million to secure the land for the stadium site on Buzzard Point in southwest, a neglected peninsula about 2 miles south of the U.S. Capitol. The city will also give up roughly $40 million in tax revenue. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson says interest and other costs will ultimately push the price tag over $200 million.

D.C. United will spend $150 million to build the soccer-specific stadium itself. The team currently plays at aging RFK Stadium.

The council gave unanimous approval Wednesday to the stadium deal and to a measure that authorizes borrowing and spending the money.