Washington’s NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing home games in Maryland. The Commanders currently call Northwest Stadium, formerly FedEx Field, home.
The stadium opened in time for the 1997 season and is located roughly 13 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building in neighboring Washington, D.C. The stadium replaced the once iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK Stadium). But, the open-air venue where the Commanders have welcomed opposing teams for nearly the last three decades has rapidly deteriorated, prompting discussions about an eventual alternative.
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General view of the exterior of RFK Stadium on May 24, 2005 during the Washington Nationals first season in Washington, DC. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with residents who live in the area surrounding the dilapidated RFK Stadium site to discuss the possibility of building a state-of-the art building that could host the Washington Commanders. Bowser has long supported the push to bring the football team back to the District of Columbia.
“I believe firmly that in global cities — world-class cities like ours — we do big things,” Bowser told residents. “We have arts and culture, entertainment, nightlife, and sports. We have great neighborhoods, and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is, until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events that the world is used to.”
COMMANDERS’ JOSH HARRIS MAINTAINS TEAM NAME IS HERE TO STAY
Proposals estimate the stadium structure could comprise up to 25 acres of the 174-acre site. A mixed-used development featuring housing, restaurants, and parks could take up the remaining portion of land.
The city recently gained control over the swath of land after years of back-and-forth with federal lawmakers. In December, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to transfer the land from the federal government to D.C. The federal government would effectively lease the acerage back to the city for 99 years.
“This is a win for DC, for our region, and for America,” Bowser wrote on her social media account after news of the approval surfaced. “Everybody loves a good comeback story – and that’s DC’s story. #OurRFK”
Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC Jail on Hill East as well as a proposal for a new SportsComplex on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The bill was signed into law by then-U.S. President Joe Biden in January. The move was viewed as a major step toward the Commanders returning to the nation’s capital, although several hurdles remain.
On Thursday, Bowser stressed the importance of constructing a world-class stadium if the city wanted to become a viable host for concerts, Super Bowls, and other major sporting events.
Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; General view of FedEx Field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl — and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.
The mayor said she is committed to working with the Commanders, as she aims to convince the franchise that building a stadium within the city limits is the best alternative to their current home. Bowser also vowed to reach terms on a stadium deal that would be beneficial to those who live in the community.
Commanders principal owner Josh Harris has not made any public declarations about his preferred stadium location, but acknowledged the team could end up playing in D.C., Maryland, or nearby Virginia.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris speaks at a press conference at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on January 08, 2024. The conference was to announce that the Commanders are parting ways with head coach Ron Rivera following a disappointing 4-13 season. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The use of public funds to help fund a multi-billion stadium project is often met with some considerable push back. Bowser and city lawmakers will likely face strong headwinds as they make their case to constituents about the potential allocation of public dollars towards a stadium project.
At one point during her roughly 20-minute presentation on Thursday, Bowser referenced a sports study she commissioned which estimated economic benefits in excess of $1 billion. The revenue would come from a mixed-used development along with a modern NFL stadium. The development could also create thousands of jobs.
Bowser stopped short of sharing details about the amount of public funds she would be comfortable with the team using. She instead noted that her administration’s “detailed analysis” determined that an NFL stadium would be a strong investment.
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Aside from hosting an NFL team, RFK Stadium was the home to two MLB teams, two college football teams, and multiple professional soccer clubs. The stadium was also the site of several World Cup matches.
On the field, the Commanders experienced a major turnaround this season. Harris selected Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach last February, while Adam Peters was brought in to handle general manager duties. The Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels in last April’s NFL Draft. Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped lift Washington to an appearance in the NFC Championship game.
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