Washington Commanders: Homebound! New Stadium Deal Seals Return to D.C.
— The Washington Commanders are finally headed home! After nearly three decades in Maryland, D.C.’s NFL franchise has struck a deal with Mayor Muriel Bowser to build a new stadium in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Deal in a Nutshell
- The Commanders will contribute approximately $2.7 billion to the project.
- D.C. will invest around $1.1 billion over eight years.
- The new stadium, slated to open in 2030, will seat 65,000 and feature a roof for year-round events.
“It’s a great day in our process to bring the Commanders home,” said controlling owner Josh Harris, who, alongside his partners, will make the largest private investment in the city’s history.
RFK Stadium Revitalization
The new stadium will be built on the site of the old RFK Stadium, providing “the fastest and shortest route to developing the RFK campus,” according to Mayor Bowser. The project includes housing, green space, and a sportsplex along with the stadium.
Star-Powered Welcome
A video narrated by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann, speaking about his RFK Stadium experiences, broke the news on social media. “Let’s bring the Commanders home. The time is now. Let’s bring Washington back to D.C.,” Theismann said.
From Maryland to D.C.
The team has called FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, home since 1997. The Commanders will continue playing there until the new stadium is ready, having committed to redeveloping the Maryland land.
While we put together a very competitive offer… we’ve also been responsibly preparing for the possibility of the Washington Commanders choosing to return to their historic home at RFK Stadium.Gov. Wes Moore
RFK Roots Run Deep
The Commanders played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996, witnessing the team’s glory days with three Super Bowl championships from 1982 to 1991. Harris and several co-owners nostalgically recalled their fandom during that era.
NFL Commissioner’s Support
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who grew up attending games at RFK Stadium, expressed his enthusiasm for the new development. “Now a new generation of kids are going to be able to experience that,” Goodell said.
FAQs
- Q: When will the new stadium open?
- A: The new stadium is slated to open in 2030.
- Q: How much will the project cost?
- A: The total project cost will be nearly $4 billion.
- Q: What else will the project include aside from the stadium?
- A: The project will also include housing, green space, and a sportsplex.
Join the conversation: @247SportsNews – What do you think about the Commanders’ return to D.C.?