News Summary
The D.C. Council has voted 11-2 to approve a $3.7 billion deal for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders on the historic RFK Stadium site. This final vote secures funding and approval after a lengthy political process involving local officials and stakeholders. The stadium aims to accommodate 65,000 spectators and integrate housing and commercial developments in the area. City officials anticipate significant economic growth as a result of this investment, marking a historic moment for the city’s sports and development landscape.
Washington D.C. – The D.C. Council has voted 11-2 to approve a significant deal for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, valued at approximately $3.7 billion. The stadium will be constructed on the historic site of the former RFK Stadium. This decision marks the second and final vote required to solidify the agreement.
The approval comes after a lengthy political saga that has involved various stakeholders, including Congress, D.C. officials, and former President Donald Trump. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders officials initially announced the ambitious project in April.
While the council ultimately supported the project, some members voiced reservations regarding the deal’s specific terms and the level of communication from the mayor’s office. The council previously approved an amended version of the deal in August, with nine members backing the project during the first vote. Last-minute amendments were proposed ahead of the final vote, introducing new taxes on parking and merchandise revenue, as well as penalties for failing to meet housing delivery deadlines.
Despite the amendments that some, including the Commanders’ President Mark Clouse, deemed “unworkable and impractical,” the project managed to secure the necessary seven votes for approval. The final tally saw two council members—Robert White and Brianna Nadeau—vote against the deal; however, Matthew Frumin switched his vote to yes after initially opposing it in August.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson confirmed that the required votes for the project had been achieved. With this approval, the Commanders plan to have the new stadium operational by 2030. The team has committed to investing $2.7 billion in the project, with the D.C. government contributing approximately $1 billion. This collaboration is being heralded as the largest private investment in the city’s history.
The new stadium’s design will accommodate up to 65,000 spectators and feature a translucent roof, designed to host events throughout the year. The stadium will occupy just 11% of the RFK site, which will also include housing and commercial developments.
Projected outcomes from the project include the generation of between 5,000 and 6,000 housing units, with at least 30% of those earmarked as affordable housing. The redevelopment plan outlines a comprehensive vision for the RFK campus, featuring five distinct districts, including an entertainment district and a riverfront community.
The Commanders have also explored various potential stadium sites, including a notable 200-acre land acquisition in Virginia. Control of the RFK site transitioned from the federal government to D.C. earlier this year, enhancing local jurisdiction over the area.
City officials expect that the passage of this deal will lead to significant economic growth within Washington D.C., bolstering local industries and job creation. The historical significance of this development is noteworthy, as it represents a return to the RFK site, which is fondly remembered by fans for the team’s glory days during the 1980s and 1990s.
This redevelopment plan has drawn recognition as a bipartisan success, with support extending beyond local politicians to include representatives such as Rep. James Comer.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
