Northwest Stadium boasts something no other NFL stadium has: a dedicated United Service Organizations (USO) Club, open to all ticket holders with a military ID. At yesterday's Salute to Service game, the tent, located across from Section 109 on the main concourse, was bustling more than an average gameday, and the space had an overall different feel to it.
"I love the vibe. The DJ is amazing, the food and drinks are a huge plus. It's great just having a place where all the military people can congregate," said Monette Madayag, a 28-year member of the Army and Commanders season ticket member. "The little things always matter. I appreciate this franchise and how much they love the military."
That appreciation for the military was on display in a new way in the USO Club this year. In the offseason, ownership invested money to renovate the space, giving some extra shine to an area all about showing gratitude for those who served.
The USO Club at Northwest Stadium was established in 2017. Over the years, thousands of veterans, active-duty service members -- from every branch of the military -- and their families have enjoyed the amenities within. Connections have been forged, many beverages enjoyed and speeches from some of the highest-ranking military members in our country have been made inside the tent. All of that has led to a fair share of wear and tear.
"I think I can honestly say it was getting a little haggard," Lisa Marie Riggins, Region President of USO Southeast, said at the USO Club yesterday. "There were a lot of boots coming through here, and it was starting to look like a military Quonset hut."
Enter Managing Partner Josh Harris, Limited Partner Mark Ein and the rest of Washington's ownership group. Amping up the ambience of the USO Club became a task up near the top of their to-do list as they assessed where to make upgrades at Northwest Stadium.
"They [Harris, Ein and rest of ownership] had a lot of priorities, and they could have easily put this tent at the end of line, because military people all we care about is some cover, a warm place, a bit of wack," Riggins said. "But, no, they put in a significant amount of money because this was important to them. You guys [the military] are important to them."
The largest structural renovation included bringing in a new tent top and fixed doors.
"It seems more enclosed, and it's just really nice," Air Force veteran Ron Holcomb noticed.
Fully enclosing the space allows for the tent to be heated, an ability that was savored during Week 10 in particular, the coldest home game (yet) of the season. Many who came through the doors made comments about the warmth of the space. Other renovations include new event flooring and furniture.
There's no place like this in the league, and thanks in part to investment this past year, there's no place quite like this at Northwest Stadium. The revamped USO Club is just a small "thank you" token for a community that is so important to the DMV region and the Commanders.
"It's nice to be recognized like this, the veterans, troops and families who come through here, getting to enjoy these festivities" Army veteran Bernard Womack said. "You feel special."
