After nearly three decades of playing in Maryland, the Washington Commanders have the green light to build a new $3.7 billion stadium in D.C. that should bring them back to the nation’s capital by 2030.
The D.C. Council voted 9-3 on Friday to ratify the deal between the city and the NFL team. The site of the new 174-acre complex will be the same as RFK Stadium, which remains in place even though the team moved out prior to the 1997 season.
“This is a historic moment,” Commanders managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “This project is about more than delivering a world-class stadium worthy of our players, fans and the region. It’s about revitalizing a critical part of our city, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking long-term economic benefits for the District. We look forward to working with our fans, residents, community leaders and elected officials to deliver on this vision.”
The franchise enjoyed its finest years at the RFK site, which opened in 1961 as District of Columbia Stadium. During the team’s 36 seasons at RFK, it won Super Bowls VII, XXII and XXVI while appearing in two more and earning eight other playoff appearances.
Since former owner Dan Snyder moved the team to now-Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., in 1997, Washington has amassed just seven playoff appearances in 28 years. Last season’s run to the NFC title game was the Commanders’ first push past the divisional round since 1991.
Snyder’s decision to sell his team in 2022 – a move encouraged by the NFL – helped pave the way for the franchise’s return to D.C. In addition, Harris indicated his willingness to foot more of the bill than most owners.
According to details of the deal, the Commanders are expected to handle $2.7 billion of the stadium’s cost along with any overruns. The District of Columbia will pay $1 billion, but much of that is expected to be recouped over the long haul in taxes and other revenue streams.
–Field Level Media
