It's no secret that RFK Stadium is a pretty ancient place by US standards – D.C. United's home is the oldest venue in MLS, by a safe margin – dating way back to 1961. Age plus its proximity to the Anacostia River has made it something of a wildlife haven, most famously in the form of the raccoons who are often spotted in and around the hulking stadium.
That's led many – primarily fans of opposing teams – to turn the furry little creatures into something of a mascot for both the venue and its home team over the years. "Ronnie Raccoon" has starred in D.C. supporters' tifo displays, and a few years ago, a t-shirt was even made for New York Red Bulls supporters to tease their Atlantic Cup rivals with.
But now D.C. United are proudly taking ownership of the meme.
On Thursday, a few hours before their 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs curtain-raiser vs. Montreal, the Black-and-Red used a clever tidbit of social media to unveil their new “rally raccoons,” adorable plush varmints emblazoned with the club's logo.
Will these cute little rascals inspire United to make a deep playoff run? Only one thing is certain: You've got to be there to grab one. The rally raccoons are only sold at the D.C. team store inside RFK.
