Redskins eye land behind Science Museum for training camp

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - The Washington Redskins are showing "significant interest" in a state-owned plot of land behind the Science Museum of Virginia as the organization narrows down potential sites for the team's 2013 training camp.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions confirm to NBC12 that the mostly vacant land, on W. Leigh Street between N. Boulevard and Hermitage Road, is being examined for, among other things, its ability to be developed in time for the team's camp next year. The sources talked on condition of anonymity because no site has officially been selected at this time.

The team requires two side-by-side fields along with a field house, plus spectator and parking areas.

A spokesperson for the Science Museum of Virginia referred all calls Thursday to the press office of Mayor Dwight Jones, which did not confirm or deny the information.

An advisory board is expected to make a formal recommendation to the Mayor by the end of the month.

The high level of interest in the W. Leigh Street site was first mentioned in a report this week by Sports Radio 910. Other Richmond-based sites that were previously considered include City Stadium, Sports Backers Stadium, and Virginia Union University.

In June, the team announced it would move the three-week training camp to Richmond from its current location at Redskins Park in Ashburn. The team entered into an eight year agreement with Richmond and Virginia leaders that included a $400,000 contribution from the city and $4 million from the state.

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