News Summary
The D.C. Council has approved a $3.7 billion plan to bring the Washington Commanders back to the district, allowing for a new 65,000-seat stadium at the site of the former RFK Stadium. This project will also include mixed-use development, generating thousands of housing units and promoting economic growth in the area. The deal was negotiated between Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris, with the goal of opening the new stadium by 2030.
Washington, D.C. — The D.C. Council has approved a $3.7 billion deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to the district, allowing the team to construct a new 65,000-seat stadium on the site of the former RFK Stadium. The significant approval vote passed with an 11-2 majority, marking a major step forward for both the team and the city.
The ambitious project encompasses a mixed-use development on the expansive 180-acre RFK Stadium campus, located alongside the Anacostia River. This redevelopment is not just limited to the stadium; it is planned to generate approximately 5,000 to 6,000 housing units, with at least 30% designated as affordable housing. A new sportsplex will also be part of the plan, situated near the existing Fields at RFK sports complex.
Mayor Muriel Bowser played a pivotal role in negotiating the agreement with Commanders owner Josh Harris. Under the deal, the Commanders will contribute $2.7 billion, while the city will invest around $1.1 billion. D.C. officials anticipate that the stadium and surrounding development will significantly transform what is presently a largely vacant and blighted area of the city.
The Commanders currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, but have expressed plans to open their new stadium by 2030. The team previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 until 1996, achieving victory in three Super Bowls during that illustrious period.
The transfer of RFK Stadium land to the city was facilitated earlier this year with a bill passed by Congress and signed by then-President Joe Biden. Following months of negotiations, the approval comes after considerable discussion among council members, particularly focusing on accountability measures before the final vote. Several last-minute amendments proposed by council members were rejected before the vote took place.
Despite some concerns raised by Commanders President Mark Clouse over “last-minute new demands,” the team proceeded positively following the Council’s vote. The redevelopment plan is ambitious, envisioning five distinct districts: the stadium, an entertainment district, a riverfront community, a housing and recreation area, and a community commons along the Anacostia River Trail.
Local leaders and community stakeholders have expressed enthusiasm regarding the project’s potential to drive economic growth in D.C., promoting not only recreational opportunities but also expected job creation and housing development. The entertainment district, retail spaces, and restaurant options included in the redevelopment promise to invigorate the local economy and provide substantial benefits to the community.
Throughout the years, the Commanders have actively sought a new stadium site, with numerous proposals analyzed from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The outcome of this project appears to be a significant victory for the city and the team alike, aiming to revive the historical connection the Commanders have with Washington, D.C., while also providing substantial developments for the surrounding area.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post: D.C. Council Approves Commanders Stadium
- NFL.com: Commanders Return to RFK Stadium Approved
- WTOP: Commanders Return to D.C. as Council Approves Stadium Deal
- New York Times: Commanders Stadium Final Approval
- CBS Sports: Commanders Stadium Project Approved
- Wikipedia: Washington Commanders
- Google Search: Washington Commanders stadium approval
- Google Scholar: Washington Commanders stadium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Washington Commanders
- Google News: Washington Commanders
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.
