DC United fans march in support of new stadium

WASHINGTON—Supporters who want to see a new stadium for D.C. United took their message to the streets Saturday.

Hundreds of fans rallied in Lincoln Park and then marched down East Capitol Street to RFK Stadium. Many fans were dressed in DC United gear, waved DC United flags and a few brought drums along for the rally and march.

"We are here to get DC United a new stadium," yelled one excited fan.

Some fans told WTOP that they feared that another city could steal DC United with a better stadium deal.

Kevin Payne, president of the soccer club, joined the marchers Saturday. He tells WTOP that the soccer club is doing all that it can to stay in the city.

"We would like to stay in D.C., but if D.C. doesn't want us then we'll try to find a home to keep us in the region so that we won't have to move," he says.

After the march, supporters tailgated before the D.C. United's game against Toronto FC. The march was organized by the Screaming Eagles and La Barra Brava fan clubs.

Prince George's County recently rejected a bill to allow the Maryland Stadium Authority to study whether to build the new stadium inside the county.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved)