The Washington Commanders are officially making a comeback to the District of Columbia. In a significant move for the team and the city, the D.C. Council voted 11-2 on Wednesday afternoon, granting second and final approval for a monumental $3.8 billion project. This development will include a state-of-the-art, covered 65,000-seat stadium built on the historic RFK Stadium site, complemented by a sprawling mixed-use development that promises to transform the surrounding neighborhoods into vibrant entertainment and dining hubs.
As part of this ambitious project, the Commanders have committed to constructing between 5,000 to 6,000 affordable housing units for city residents. Commanders owner Josh Harris expressed his enthusiasm in a recent statement, emphasizing that the stadium initiative will be “transformative” and will foster “lasting economic growth” for D.C. Harris acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and various community leaders, stating that their input was crucial throughout the process.
Wednesday’s vote culminated a whirlwind two-year journey that gained momentum after Harris acquired the Commanders from former owner Daniel Snyder in 2023 for a record-setting $6.05 billion. Under Snyder's ownership, there was little desire from the Council to negotiate a new stadium deal. However, Harris's acquisition opened new avenues for discussions, not only in D.C. but also with stakeholders in Maryland and Virginia.
Despite the optimism, securing a new stadium within the District appeared challenging, especially since the city did not control the 180-acre parcel encompassing the RFK site. This situation changed dramatically last December when extensive lobbying by Harris, Bowser, and the NFL resulted in a unanimous U.S. Senate vote to transfer land control from the federal government to D.C., effectively positioning the city as the frontrunner in negotiations with the team.
Ward 7 Councilman Wendell Felder, a strong advocate for the project, highlighted the significance of this opportunity, stating, “Ward 7 is the only ward in the District of Columbia that does not have an anchor. Today’s vote will change that.” The Commanders aimed to finalize a deal this year to commence construction on the new stadium in 2026, with a target completion date set for 2030. This timeline aligns with the team's aspirations to host the Women’s World Cup final in 2031 and potentially the Super Bowl as early as 2032, adhering to NFL guidelines requiring at least two seasons of use before hosting the championship.
The Commanders envision hosting up to 200 events annually at the new stadium, including major concerts, wrestling, and MMA matches, making it one of the busiest venues for an NFL team in the league.
The vote proceeded despite last-minute amendments proposed by several Council members, aiming to increase funding for local residents in surrounding neighborhoods. However, the Council ultimately rejected these amendments, including a significant one from At-Large Council member Robert White, which would have allowed the city to reclaim undeveloped land from the team after 2050.
Commanders president Mark Clouse expressed his concerns regarding the last-minute demands from the Council, labeling them as “unworkable and impractical.” He noted that such proposals could jeopardize the project’s feasibility and hinder its potential contributions to the community, including affordable housing and Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) participation.
Among the exciting developments in this project are several districts designed to enhance the local community. These include:
Plaza District: The main entertainment area featuring housing, hotels, restaurants, and retail shopping, with the Commanders as the Master Developer. Riverfront District: A development along the Anacostia River, incorporating housing, retail, and dining options. Kingman Park District: This area will provide additional housing and recreational facilities for the existing community. Recreation District: This district will maintain and renovate the existing Fields at RFK, offering various sports facilities. Anacostia Commons: A 30-acre riverfront community development that prioritizes green spaces and parks.Since leaving RFK after the 1996 season, the Commanders have played at what is now known as Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The new stadium represents a fresh start for the franchise, which has faced challenges over the years. With new ownership, management, and a promising team, the future looks bright for both the Commanders and the city of D.C.
As Bowser remarked, “For me, it’s been 11 years… It’s an overnight success.” The community eagerly anticipates the positive changes this project will bring to the District.
