County Officials Support Washington Redskins Headquarters Move to Bowie

Bowie could soon have a football presence at all levels if the NFL’s Washington Redskins decide to move their headquarters to some land just outside the city limits near Bowie State University.

At the end of May, the county government requested a feasibility study for a potential headquarters and training facility for the Washington Redskins on land across from Bowie State University.

A feasibility study analyzes of the viability of an idea, and aims to give clarification on whether or not a project should proceed. Prince George’s County has committed to one third of the estimated $25,000 cost of this study and expects a matching amount from the State of Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and the Maryland Stadium Authority. 

“Prince George’s County has been proud to host the players and fans of the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field,” said County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III in a release.

“We are now expressing an interest in becoming the permanent headquarters of this much beloved and storied franchise. With our central location in the region and the Redskins existing facilities at FedEx Field in Landover, we believe that Prince George’s County offers an excellent choice for the Redskins’ management, staff, coaches, and players to work and live," said Baker.

The proposed land is off of Laurel-Bowie Road (MD-197) and Lemons Bridge Road, and is owned by Prince George’s County. This would have the team about 10 minutes away from Fedex Field, whereas they had been driving more than an hour to get to the field from their current headquarters in Ashburn, VA.

In the original agreement that brought the team and FedEx Field to the county, a provision was included to give the county the right of first refusal should the franchise decide to relocate its headquarters.

Del. Jay Walker (D-Fort Washington) originally approached the county about the proposal and officials followed up by raising the issue with the team.

“This represents a tremendous opportunity for Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland when you consider bringing 200 jobs into the County and the State,” said Walker. “This goes along with our vision of Prince George’s County to be a wonderful place to live, work, and play.” 

County Council Chair Ingrid M. Turner—whose council district encompasses the studied site—is also working with Del. Walker and the county executive’s administration in support of the study.

Turner said in a release Tuesday, “Given the growth our county has experienced as home to FedEx Field, there is no doubt that moving the Redskins' team headquarters and training facilities to Prince George’s County would significantly boost economic development and job creation in our county."

“My colleagues and I would welcome this move with open arms and this study will help quantify just how much of a "win-win" situation this move would be both for the county and the Redskins’ organization," she said.