George Allen’s vision. That’s what Redskins Park represents. A secluded training ground. Far from the city’s hustle.
Redskins Park wasn’t always in Ashburn. Its first incarnation was in Chantilly Virginia. George Allen the Redskins coach created it in 1971. It was miles from the Dulles Toll Road. The area was isolated. Perfect for Allen who even hired a security guard nicknamed “007”. His job was to patrol the fence and keep spies away. Yes spies. Allen was that paranoid.
The old Redskins Park was spartan. No elevator. A small locker room. Fields full of dandelions in spring. Players were asked to pull some. Nobody ever did. The media room had one phone. Lunch was often McDonald’s. Yet the team won three Super Bowls while training there.
The team moved to its current Ashburn location in 1992. This new Redskins Park is far more modern. It boasts larger facilities. Still the old park holds a special place in Redskins history. A testament to the team’s dedication. Even in less than ideal conditions. The old park became surrounded by buildings. Workers watched practices from rooftops. Allen hated that. He even thought passing planes were Cowboys spies.
The old park eventually became a church. It’s now slated for demolition. A data center will rise on that land. So next time you think of Redskins Park remember. It’s a story of evolution. Of dedication and winning despite less than ideal circumstances. A true underdog story. A legend.