Washington, D.C.
After a long battle with the District of Columbia Council, the Washington Commanders gained approval to rebuild the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. On Wednesday, the council voted 11-2 in favor of the 3.7 billion dollar deal to revamp the Commanders’ old home base.
With demolition already in progress, the stadium is projected to be open for play by 2030. The five-year build has allocated money for the reconstruction of a new and improved stadium as well as the development of housing, shops, public parks, parking and transportation services in the surrounding area.
“With the Council’s approval, we can now move forward on the transformative RFK project that will bring lasting economic growth for our city,” said Commanders managing partner Josh Harris. “We are deeply grateful for the warm return to the District and the center of the DMV, and look forward to officially bringing the team back to its spiritual home.”
The RFK Stadium was originally home to the Commanders before the team shifted to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland following the 1996 season, after their initial goals to renovate the stadium were blocked by Congress.
Throughout the year, there were concerns about the additional terms of the deal resulting in the need for a second vote after setbacks in August. Despite last-second attempts from council members to add financial penalties for falling behind on developmental milestones, the deal was eventually passed.
“I think we ended up in a place where we can all really be proud, and I can’t wait to cut the ribbon in 2030,” said At-Large Council member Kenyan McDuffie. “But I’m hoping that we’ll get to a Super Bowl well before then. So thank you all, I appreciate it, and let’s bring the Commanders back home.”
Paris
Fresh off a Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain opened its Champions League campaign strong with a dominant 4-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday.
The offense played strong from the jump with an early goal from left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who was fresh off a calf injury. Center back Marquinhos added a second goal to increase the lead before the end of the first half. Continuing the shutout into the second half, left back Nuno Mendes and striker Gonçalo Ramos scored one goal each for extra security to close out the game.
“We wanted to control the game from the start and managed to do so,” Mendes said.. “We are on the right path.”
This start marks an improvement from last year, when the team opened Champions League play with one win and three losses before finding the fire to rally for the Champions League title — a promising sign for PSG manager Luis Enrique.
“It’s a joy to see such a performance. I think our fans can be happy,” Enrique said. “We created a lot of chances and deserved the win.”
While the game was full of excitement for the Parisians, the team took a hit when midfielder João Neves left the game before the hour mark after suffering an injury to his hamstring. Neves is expected to miss PSG’s next match amid recovery. His absence adds to the losses of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, who were already sidelined in their matchday one win.
PSG is set to take on Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday at the Stade Velodrome.
Sydney
Former Wallabies flyhalf James O’Connor will join his former squad for the last two Championship tests for the Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand.
O’Connor recently relocated to London to join the Leicester Tigers — an arrival that was already delayed after he made his return to the Wallabies following the injuries of flyhalves Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh.
“I put it out there two years ago, even last year when I left,” O’Connor said. “A goal of mine was to play in this Lions Series — not just the Lions Series, to play for the Wallabies again.”
Despite the passion from the flyback to help lead his team to success in the Bledisloe Cup, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt initially seemed unsure about O’Connor’s appointment to the roster. At 35 years old, O’Connor’s age presents concern and he has been away from the squad for quite some time.
During his recent reunion with his old squad, O’Connor has been making an impact on the pitch. He inspired a 19-point onslaught against Sydney and assisted a huge win against South Africa after a double miss-out pass to Max Jorgensen leading to a score on a long-range try.
“He backs himself, and that confidence that he brings, brings everyone with him as well,” said Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott.
The Wallabies will head to Auckland next Saturday, Sept. 27 to face off against the New Zealand All Blacks.
Contact Emily Barbire at [email protected]
