The headlines two weeks ago said that the Redskins are moving their training camp to Richmond starting in 2013. But the lead was buried.
The location of training camp only matters for about three weeks per year. For the next eight years at least, the Redskins will spend the other 11+ months out of the year in Loudoun County, Virginia.
On Tuesday, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors formalized the agreement that had been reached with the team earlier, one that will keep the Redskins in Loudoun.
“We are a proud business partner,” said Mitch Gershman, the team’s chief marketing officer. “We look forward to staying in Loudoun for years to come.”
The county will pay the Redskins $2 million over four years starting in 2013. As part of the deal, Loudoun will be receiving a good amount of advertising and PR from the team including banner ads on the website, mentions in press releases, and placement on press conference backdrops at Redskins Park.
The Virginia legislature was not entirely pleased with the state’s part of the deal, which pays the Redskins $4 million. That did not appear to be the case in Loudoun as nary a dissenting voice was heard.
“I’m just delighted that you all are staying here in Loudoun,” said Supervisor Suzanne Volpe.
“I just want to say to the critics that I think this is a good deal. I really do. And I think that the Redskins add value to our local economy,” added Supervisor Ken Reid.
The payments to the Redskins will come from hotel taxes. The Redskins estimate that the promotional services they will provide Loudoun will be worth $16 million over the eight years on the deal.
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