Virginia Hopes For Rosy Future With Gaming & Football

Written By Matt Boecker on June 16, 2022
Washington Commanders Virginia

The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries, Virginia appears to have hit the jackpot.

In the near future, the town of only 5,687 residents will become the proud host of the Rose, set to open its doors in 2025. Excitingly, it seems like this small community and its newest addition might also have the opportunity to welcome another prominent establishment in the coming years.

Washington Commanders eye new stadium in Virginia

The recently-named Washington Commanders have reportedly acquired approximately 200 acres of land in Woodbridge, located just a short 25-minute drive north from Dumfries on I-95, as stated in an ESPN report.

The Commanders invested more than $100 million in purchasing the land, which is conveniently located just 10 miles away from Dumfries. Although the Woodbridge land remains the preferred choice for Washington and team owner Dan Snyder, the franchise is currently exploring alternative options as well. However, the team has not made any official statements regarding their potential relocation to Woodbridge or any other areas.

Currently, FedEx Field is located in North Englewood, Maryland and serves as the Commander’s current residence. The team is the proud owner of the stadium and its adjacent territory. However, once 2026 arrives, Washington will no longer have a contractual obligation to utilize the facility.

Official information regarding the next Commanders stadium construction plans has not been released yet. However, it is reported that Snyder has the following plans for the project.

  • The venue boasts a capacity of 60,000 seats and features a dome that allows for year-round utilization.
  • Team practice facility
  • 15,000-20,000 seat amphitheater
  • Small indoor music arena
  • Retail shops
  • Bars and restaurants
  • Residential living

The Rose could score big with Commanders

The Rose’s investor, Colonial Downs Group, is thrilled about the prospect of Washington relocating just 10 miles away. With an estimated 60,000 football fans attending each Commanders home game, it is highly anticipated that the Rose will attract significant crowds throughout the NFL season.

To entice bettors from the affluent communities of DC and Northern Virginia, Colonial Downs originally chose Dumfries as the venue for the Rose. The addition of an NFL team to the area would be an incredibly appealing bonus.

What to expect from Rose Gaming Resort

Colonial Downs has made its biggest investment to date with a $400 million plan to build the Rose resort.

The new establishment will be located on the former Potomac Landfill site, showcasing the timeless adage that what one person discards, another person finds valuable.

The Rose plans to provide its patrons with:

  • There is a maximum of 1,800 machines in a gaming space of 50,000 square feet.
  • 305-room luxury hotel
  • Eight bars and restaurants
  • Cultural center
  • Meeting and events space
  • There is a vast expanse of 80 acres dedicated to lush green space, offering an assortment of hiking and fitness trails, athletic fields, and playgrounds.

In 2020, as Virginia sports betting was introduced, lawmakers in Old Dominion granted construction rights for only five casinos that would offer slot machines, table games, and sports betting. Unfortunately, the Dumfries proposal was not chosen, and instead, the Rose establishment will now showcase historical horse racing (HHR) terminals.

HHR machines resemble slot machines, except they utilize past horse races as the determining factor for a winner instead of relying on random number generation.

Colonial Downs played a pivotal role in advocating for the legalization of HHR terminals in Virginia. As a result of this achievement, the Colonial Downs Racetrack has successfully reopened. Furthermore, the introduction of HHRs has paved the way for the establishment of off-track parlors in New Kent, Vinton, Richmond, Hampton, Collinsville, and a temporary location in Dumfries, which will be replaced by a permanent resort once construction is complete.

Photo by AP/Patrick Semansky
Matt Boecker Avatar
Written by

Matt Boecker

View all posts by Matt Boecker