Washington Commanders’ Stadium Plan Advances
The Washington Commanders have officially secured final approval from the DC Council to start construction on a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site. This long process culminated in an 11-2 vote on Wednesday, granting approval for the ambitious $3.8 billion project.
After nearly 30 years of playing at Landover, Maryland—or as it’s now called, Northwest Stadium—the Commanders are returning to DC.
“Today is a historic day for DC, the Commander Organization, and our fans,” stated team owner Josh Harris on social media. He expressed gratitude to Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, the council, and the various communities, businesses, and labor leaders who played crucial roles in this journey. Harris further noted that the RFK project would fuel significant economic growth in the region.
According to team president Mark Kraus, there were some concerns raised about the vote due to a “last-minute request” from the council, but most amendments proposed were rejected during the session.
The Commanders aim to have the new stadium operational by 2030. The DC Council had previously approved the bill last month in a 9-3 vote, which then moved to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is in favor of the Commanders’ plan. Harris and his ownership group considered several sites across Washington, Maryland, and Virginia before deciding on RFK, which the city regained control of after legislation passed earlier this year.
In April, Harris, Bowser, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell unveiled an agreement regarding the RFK Stadium site, even meeting with then-President Trump to celebrate the announcement. The redevelopment plan includes not just the stadium but also residential units, retail spaces, and parkland.
However, the process faced hurdles when Trump voiced his opposition to the name “Washington Commanders,” instead preferring the original “Redskins.” He expressed his discontent, stating he wasn’t even sure what the current team name meant. Harris, meanwhile, remains steadfast that the name will not change.
RFK Stadium, named after Robert F. Kennedy, launched in October 1961 and closed in September 2019. Throughout its history, it has hosted various teams, including the Redskins and others. The Commanders are looking forward to making their historic return home after so many years away.
