The Washington Commanders are officially on track to return to the District after the D.C. Council voted 9-3 on Friday to approve the first phase of the Washington Commanders stadium deal. The decision clears the way for a new NFL stadium to be built on the site of the historic RFK Stadium, marking a major milestone in the franchise’s long-awaited homecoming.
The approved legislation is part of a $3.7 billion redevelopment plan that will transform 174 acres of land into a mixed-use district anchored by a 65,000-seat domed stadium. The deal also includes housing, retail, green space, and a youth sports complex. In what appears to be a dream is without a doubt reality. Commanders fans finally have a team they can be proud of, and will soon get a stadium upgrade for the ages.
It’s no knock to Northwest Stadium, but a new RFK Stadium speaks nostalgia, tradition, and who knows, maybe resolution to all the name, quarterback, and coach changes over the past decade. A minor thing to some, but the real fans know. The road to “Fight For Old DC” again began Friday, and now it’s a matter of process. WTOP reports the stadium is scheduled to be in operation in 2030.
Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with fans following the win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris released the following statement on the team’s website stating, “”Today’s approval by the Council is transformational for D.C. and brings the Commanders back to our spiritual home. Like many fans, RFK was the site of memories that fueled my love for this team and this city. Now we’re closer than ever to reigniting that energy for a new generation…” He added, “We’re incredibly grateful to the Mayor and the Council throughout this process for their leadership and guidance…”
He’s not the only one. Fox News reports a group known as RFK Now! is also happy. They were known for their heavy support to get the Commanders back to DC. RFK Now! Organizer Malcom Fox said, “We are pleased that the Council listened to DC residents and advanced a great deal for our city…Just a few years ago, bringing the Commanders home seemed impossible. With today’s vote, we’re on track to secure the largest private investment in DC history. This is an enormous win that will generate opportunity in Ward 7 and across the District for decades to come.”
Don’t think the process will be at slug speed when it begins either. When the Washington Commanders stadium deal is completely approved, team president Mark Clouse said they plan to get started right away. “You will see a commitment from us attached to legislation on a timeline of development that essentially will start in 2030 with meaningful progress and will continue over the next 10 years,” Clouse told the council Wednesday via a WTOP report.
The legislation now moves to a second and final vote in September, which is expected to pass. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2026. The Commanders would continue to train in Ashburn, Virginia, and maintain headquarters in College Park, Maryland, while returning to D.C. for home games. The stadium would be built on the site of RFK Stadium, which served as the team’s home from 1961 to 1996.
This is big news. The Washington Commanders stadium deal represents a major turning point for both the Franchise and the District. They have all the Infinity Stones of the NFL: Political support, financial backing, and community enthusiasm. This team is poised to return to its historic home and usher in a new era of Washington football. A winning season? Check. A good coach and star franchise QB? Check. There’s only one thing left to do: Win a Super Bowl.
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