A year after Redskins President Bruce Allen penned a letter to fans saying the team needed to improve the gameday experience at FedExField, he now says that the team "has made progress toward fixing fan concerns, and will make more progress in the future," according to Dan Steinberg of the WASHINGTON POST. Allen yesterday penned another letter to fans, noting that there were "positive steps on and off the field." But his letter "focused more on the game-day experience, which was the focus of renewed attention last spring amid a wave of negative publicity." Allen wrote that there was "faster entry and exit" from FedExField -- drive times were reduced by about 20 minutes, and fans were 27% "more satisfied with their commutes." He also noted that there was "less waiting at stadium gates, with lines clearing about 10 minutes more quickly; and better game-day features, with entertainment satisfaction scores up" by 15%. Citing the NFL's annual "Voice of the Fan" survey, Allen noted that the "overall satisfaction" of Redskins fans increased 77%. Steinberg noted feedback he received from fans indicated that there were "at least modest improvements last season: in parking, entering and exiting the stadium, and in the game-day presentation, and that team officials appeared more interested in receiving and responding to feedback" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 3/15).
SO YOU'RE NOT A FAN? ESPN’s Max Kellerman discussed the rendering of the proposed new Redskins stadium featuring a moat and said, “It would be hilarious if it wasn't so obnoxious." Kellerman: "Why do they even release (the artist rendering) now? Because they want to let all the possible destinations that the Washington franchise may go or stay to, ‘Hey, help pay for this stadium.’” He added, “It's so stupid, surfing in Washington DC.” ESPN’s Marcellus Wiley said the stadium “makes no sense" for the area, the fan base and the demographic it is targeting (“SportsNation,” ESPN, 3/15).
