D.C. United announced Monday that they have signed a five-year agreement with The St. James, a new 450k SF sports complex in Springfield, Fairfax County, Virginia.
The Washington-based soccer club started playing in a new stadium in the District last year. This year, they practiced in the new facility in Fairfax which they plan to continue through the 2023 season.
According to a press release by the team, its players will practice in the new 450k SF sports complex and also use its pool house for aquatic training. The team will take advantage of the training center in the complex for strength and conditioning exercises. The St. James’ staff will, on their part, provide athletic performance testing, including rejuvenation treatment and other services to the players.
“We wanted to give our first-team access to expertise, services and facilities that would give them the best platform to compete on the field. The St. James has been a great partner to us throughout the season and has been integral to our team’s early success in 2019,” D.C. United Chief Revenue Officer Andy Bush said in the official statement.
“Our partnership with The St. James will allow us to continue our upward trajectory and fuel the chase to bring trophies back to the District,” he added.
Not just for soccer
The construction of the sports complex, which began in 2017, finished in 2018. Lacrosse, football, and rugby can also be played on the field house of the complex. It also features a court house for basketball and volleyball, including an ice house for hockey and skating. Baseball and softball can also be played in the hitting house of the complex. Gymnastics, dance, squash, golf, and rock climbing facilities are also available.
In addition to other services, a restaurant, a spa and rejuvenation center, including a 30K SF entertainment center for children and an indoor water park is also part of the facility.