The D.C. Metro Will Stay Open Late For A Capitals Game Thanks To The Generosity Of, Uh, Qatar

Aside from the nonstop playoff losses, I imagine the worst thing about being a Washington D.C.-area sports fan is the fact that the Metro closes at 11:30 on weeknights, often before local games— especially playoff baseball—come to an end.

In the past, however, companies have occasionally stepped up to pay the $100,000 per hour fee to keep the Metro open later, and for Game 3 tonight of the Capitals’ Eastern Conference Finals series against Tampa Bay, Exelon and Pepco are doing just that. The Metro savior for Game 4, however, is reportedly much, much stranger: the nation of Qatar, future hosts of the 2022 World Cup. Via the :

On Tuesday, (chair of the Metro board Jack) Evans told The Washington Post that the tiny, wealthy nation of Qatar has agreed to pay the $100,000 fee to keep Metro open until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, when the Capitals host Game 4. That game also is set for an 8 p.m. start.

Evans led a delegation of D.C. government officials and private business representatives to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates last April in hopes of getting foreign investors interested D.C. projects. The government of Qatar previously invested heavily in the development of D.C.’s City Center.

Once again, Washington D.C. residents can give thanks for slave labor.

[ Washington Post]