News Summary
The Washington D.C. City Council has approved a $3.8 billion project for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, set to open by 2030. The council’s 11-2 vote allows the team to begin plans for a venue on the RFK Stadium site, with substantial financial backing from both the Commanders and the city. The project aims to boost economic development and includes mixed-use facilities with affordable housing. This marks a significant step in revitalizing the area and advancing city governance following the federal land transfer.
Washington, D.C. – The Washington D.C. City Council has officially approved a $3.8 billion project to construct a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, marking a significant milestone for the franchise and the city. The council voted 11-2 in favor of the project, which will take place on the site of the former RFK Stadium and boast a seating capacity of 65,000 fans.
The passing of the bill allows the Commanders to initiate plans for the stadium, with the team aiming to begin play at the new venue by 2030. Following the council’s decision, the legislation will now head to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for final endorsement, as she was instrumental in negotiating the initial terms of this deal.
Josh Harris, the owner of the Commanders, expressed appreciation for the City Council’s decision, noting the project’s potential to spur economic development in the region. The Commanders have a long history at the RFK site, having played there from 1961 until 1996, before relocating to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The RFK Stadium had unfortunately fallen into disrepair, and demolition of the old facility is currently underway to clear the way for the new stadium.
The approval of this project came just 10 months after the control of the RFK land was transferred from the federal government to the District of Columbia, following a bill signed by former President Joe Biden. This marked a pivotal moment for local governance and development.
Financing for the stadium will see the Commanders making a substantial contribution of $2.7 billion, while the D.C. government is set to invest approximately $1 billion. This collaboration represents the largest private investment in D.C. history. In addition to the stadium, the broader RFK campus plan encompasses a mixed-use development that aims to create 5,000 to 6,000 housing units, with a commitment for at least 30% to be designated as affordable housing.
The project is designed to feature various districts, including not only the stadium but also an entertainment zone, riverfront community areas, and recreational housing facilities. Furthermore, plans include the construction of a new sportsplex adjacent to the existing sports complex at RFK.
The road to this approval was not without challenges. The Commanders had been exploring new stadium options for several years, considering multiple locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Extensive negotiations occurred among the Commanders, the D.C. Council, and Mayor Bowser to finalize the details of the deal. Prior to the vote, several last-minute amendments proposed by council members intensifying negotiations almost derailed the agreement. These amendments included discussions around new taxes, which presented obstacles that could have jeopardized the stadium’s viability. Ultimately, the council was able to finalize the proposal successfully.
This ambitious project not only seeks to reinvigorate the Washington Commanders fan base but also aims to contribute to the city’s economic landscape significantly. With construction now on the horizon, the reaction from local stakeholders, residents, and avid football fans will be closely monitored as the development progresses toward the proposed 2030 kickoff.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Commanders $3.8 Billion Stadium Project Approved
- Wikipedia: Washington Commanders
- WTOP: Washington Commanders Returning to D.C.
- Google Search: Washington Commanders stadium project
- New York Times: Commanders Stadium Final Approval
- Google Scholar: Washington Commanders stadium project
- Commanders: D.C. Council Gives Final Approval for RFK Stadium Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Washington Commanders
- Washington Post: D.C. Commanders RFK Stadium Council Vote
- Google News: Washington Commanders stadium news
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.
