A little while back, I mentioned the possibility of DC United fans organizing a march in support of the team remaining in the District. United's stadium plan issues are well-documented and well-publicized, and the march would be a grassroots example of soccer fans uniting behind their beloved club.
I have a brief update on the matter, after the jump.
Desperate times call for a show of force, and that's exactly what the march is intended to be. DC United'a prominent supporters groups have taken the lead on the idea, and are currently in the process of obtaining the proper permits from the District of Columbia. I've been assured that those permits are forthcoming, and that it's just a matter of the process running its course.
Originally, discussion revolved around two DC United home dates: May 2nd, when United faces FC Dallas, and May 9th, when the DC club hosts Toronto FC. Each date has it's benefits. The May 2nd match provides a national television forum, as FSC will broadcast the game. May 9th comes with it the possible aid of traveling TFC fans, who United supporters might ask to join the cause. The thought that TFC fans could get along with another team's fans might elicit a chuckle from some, but the feeling is that all MLS fans should join together to help keep United where they belong.
Neither date has been announced, and I'm unable to pin down which date is currently being targeted. May 2nd is obviously only a few short days away, and without time to properly publicize the event, that date makes little sense. My feeling, and it's only a feeling, is that those involved are planning on May 9th.
I have been assured that the front office fully supports the march. My concern prior to that confirmation was that United's ownership might consider the march counterproductive; if the fans demonstrating were vocally derogatory to the city's leadership, hurt feelings could hamper any remaining efforts to come to an understanding on a stadium. Obviously McFarland, Chang, and Payne have no such concerns, and it's great to see them encouraging their supporters groups to do what they do best.
I'll update further as events warrant. I hope to have confirmation of a date, as well as an interview with one or more of the parties responsible for the efforts, in the not-too-distant future.
**UPDATE**
I've received confirmation that the march is planned for May 9th. The following is a statement from the team provided by Doug Hicks directly to MFUSA:
'Supporters of D.C. United are planning a march on May 9. The group is in the process of planning an event fully sanctioned by local authorities that will result in a peaceful and meaningful demonstration. As the best fans in Major League Soccer, we look forward to a large group, representing the interests of United fans throughout the region, gathering in a positive show of support for a proper stadium solution for their club.'
