Mayor Scott Declares March 7 BMore United Day; D.C. United Commits Long-Term

Mayor Brandon Scott declared March 7 BMore United Day as D.C. United unveiled an outreach push and said it is pursuing a long-term presence in Baltimore that could include a permanent soccer campus with a stadium and youth academy. The move ties a high-profile match at M&T Bank Stadium to broader plans for youth programming, local investment and potential public financing.

The announcement coincided with news that D.C. United will play Inter Miami at M&T Bank Stadium on March 7. WMAR2 reported the game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m., and NationalToday noted Lionel Messi will be part of the Inter Miami roster for the match. D.C. United also plans a community engagement kickoff on March 4, when the club will join the Boys and Girls Club for an event described as the start of deeper neighborhood work. A WMAR2 team representative said, “This decision is about more than one day. This is about a long term investment into the city of Baltimore. It starts on March 4th when DC United will join the Boys and Girls Club for a community event that marks the beginning of deeper engagement within our neighborhoods.”

Jason Levien spoke about the project alongside Mayor Scott at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, according to District Press. Sources differ on Levien’s formal title; NationalToday describes him as CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United, while District Press refers to him as a co-owner. District Press reported that Levien discussed a partnership with former NBA star Carmelo Anthony and plans to bring a Major League Soccer Next Pro team plus women’s and development soccer to Baltimore. WMAR2 also reported that Carmelo Anthony has joined as a partner in the project.

Site identification remains underway. WMAR2 said the club is working with state and city officials to identify sites for a soccer campus that would include a stadium and youth academy, making Baltimore a permanent home for professional soccer. District Press identified one proposed location: Carroll Park Golf Course, where reporting described a 12,000-seat stadium and academy as a possible plan.

Financing questions surfaced immediately. District Press reported that State Delegate Mark Edelson introduced legislation to authorize the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue up to $216.6 million in bonds for acquisition and construction, with debt service to be paid from state sports wagering revenue. District Press, citing Sports Business Journal, reported that total project costs could exceed $300 million and that D.C. United’s contribution would be roughly $100 million. Those figures remain reported estimates pending review of bill text and budgeting documents.

Mayor Scott offered a civic framing of the announcement, saying, “We're a soccer town and Baltimore's a city that knows how to rise together. We are proud to welcome D.C. United and professional soccer here next month.” WMAR noted its original item was reported on-air and converted with AI assistance, with the station’s editorial team verifying the reporting.

For Baltimore residents the immediate implications are tangible: family-facing events on March 4, a marquee match on March 7, and a public debate ahead if a Carroll Park proposal advances. Expect questions about neighborhood impacts, traffic and job opportunities, and watch for the legislation text, Maryland Stadium Authority reviews and community meetings that will determine whether a temporary weekend celebration becomes a lasting chapter in Baltimore sports and youth development.