Commanders Owner Josh Harris Reveals Major Stadium Update

The Washington Commanders keep saying their new stadium project is moving exactly how it should. But in a recent interview with the New York Times, Commanders owner Josh Harris gave a major update on the progress of the new build and what to expect.

Commanders Owner Josh Harris Provides Stadium Update

“We’re doing some of the detailed design features,” Harris said, “and there are so many cool opportunities with the innovation in stadiums, whether it’s the shape of the scoreboard, which we may have some things up our sleeve on, whether it’s the size of the scoreboard, the sound, the nature of the roof, how close many of the seats are relative to other stadiums.”

Before getting there, though, the basics are still in place. Harris confirmed the project is “totally on track,” with utility construction expected to begin soon and vertical construction targeted for around this time next year.

Still, the more interesting takeaway isn’t when the stadium will be built. It’s what they’re trying to build.

Harris didn’t give specifics on any of those features, which honestly makes it more intriguing. You don’t tease scoreboard design or seating proximity unless you believe it’s going to be noticeable. Fans in Washington have sat through years of a stadium experience that felt outdated before kickoff even started. This sounds like an attempt to flip that completely.

Not Just a Stadium, But an Experience

And then there’s how the organization is framing the entire project.

“I mean, one of the things I’ll say about this stadium is that it’s not just a stadium,” Harris said. “That’s a small part of what (it will be) for neighborhoods.”

That line says more than anything else.

This isn’t just about replacing Northwest Stadium. It’s about creating something that lives beyond Sundays. Restaurants, gathering spaces, and a reason to be there when there’s no game. Other franchises have already gone this route. The Commanders are clearly trying to catch up, and maybe even push past that model.

So far, the team and its architect, HKS, have only released exterior renderings. Interior views are still being held back, which feels deliberate at this point. If you’re going to tease innovation, you don’t show everything at once.

Harris Gives Update on Practice Facility

Some things, however, are not moving quickly.

Naming rights and even the stadium name itself are still years away from being finalized. “Yeah, so we’re about four years or more away from that,” Harris said. “We’re focused on building a great stadium, having an amazing fan experience.”

Translation. Get the product right first. Worry about the branding later.

At the same time, the Commanders aren’t ignoring what they currently have.

There are no immediate plans to leave the Ashburn practice facility. In fact, they continue to invest in it. Renovated locker rooms, expanded training areas, and additional meeting space. All of it is designed to improve day-to-day operations for players and staff.

“Right now, there are no real plans to leave,” Harris said. “People love that area. The team loves it. It doesn’t mean that we’ll never leave, but right now, we’re focused on the stadium.”

On top of that, ownership is putting another $25 million into upgrades for both the practice facility and the current stadium in Landover. That comes after more than $100 million has already been spent on improvements over the past couple of years.

Harris didn’t pretend the situation they walked into was ideal.

“Obviously, we didn’t inherit a great situation there,” he said. “But look, ultimately, you have to keep your fans happy… we want to make sure that everyone has a first-class experience.”