As preparations are made to tear down RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., officials in charge of the demolition want to ensure fans have a chance to purchase a piece of history.
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As preparations are made to tear down RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., officials in charge of the demolition want to ensure fans have a chance to purchase a piece of history.
A demolition contract obtained by local CBS affiliate WUSA9 includes a clause that will allow fans to buy memorabilia , such as seats from the stands and even the scoreboard inside the facility.
According to the contract, the district is paying more than $12 million to Smoot Construction Company in D.C. to tear down the former home of Washington's football team.
Events DC, the government office that manage RFK Stadium, is also allowed to re-use or re-sell any memorabilia from the stadium.
In a statement Wednesday, Events DC told WUSA9:
"We understand RFK Stadium has a rich history and includes items that remain of interest to many residents and fans. Currently, we are in the process of surveying RFK Stadium artifacts including seats and other memorabilia. All items will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure safety, among other considerations, prior to any dissemination. We plan to share more information regarding the sale and distribution of RFK Stadium items in the coming weeks."
Aside from memorabilia, the demolition contract shows plans for asbestos mitigation, outlining how Smoot will monitor air quality, as well as fire and emergency response plans the asbestos catch fire, breach removal containers, contaminate the air or accidentally spill.
Events DC also address the removal of the asbestos and ensuring public safety.
"Events DC regularly hosts public informational meetings with the RFK Campus’ surrounding community. During the July 11 community meeting, representatives from Events DC and Smoot Construction, the selected abatement and demolition contractor, were available to answer questions regarding the abatement process and demolition. The Events DC Community Engagement Team also regularly distributes an RFK Campus Newsletter and Community Advisories with relevant news and information. Interested individuals can subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/b1I_eb. The process involving the abatement of asbestos and any other potentially hazardous materials has begun and will take several months. While the presence of asbestos is common for a building of this age, the health and safety of community is of the utmost importance to Events DC and Smoot Construction. The abatement process is underway in accordance with all federal and local laws by licensed professionals and does not present a danger to the community."
