The D.C. Council has granted final approval for the Washington Commanders to construct a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site, concluding a lengthy negotiation process. The vote, which saw 11 in favor and 2 against, endorses a $3.8 billion plan that marks the team’s return to D.C. after nearly three decades in Landover, Maryland. Commanders owner Josh Harris expressed his gratitude for the council’s decision, emphasizing the project’s potential to stimulate economic growth in the city. His statement acknowledged the various stakeholders, including Mayor Bowser and council members, who contributed to the project’s advancement.
The ambition to revive the RFK site took a significant leap last month when the D.C. Council first approved the proposal with a 9-3 vote. The measure required a subsequent endorsement before being sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser, a known supporter of the initiative. Harris and his ownership group previously evaluated several potential locations across Washington, Maryland, and Virginia but have firmly settled on the historic RFK location, especially after the government transferred land control following Congressional action earlier this year.
In April, significant figures, including Harris, Bowser, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, reached an agreement concerning the RFK site, even participating in a celebratory meeting with former President Donald Trump. This comprehensive $3.8 billion redevelopment promises not only a new stadium but also includes residential units, retail space, and parks, fundamentally transforming the area. However, complications emerged in July when Trump expressed his discontent regarding the team’s current name, the Commanders, suggesting that renaming it back to the Redskins could enhance the project’s value.
Trump openly threatened to impose restrictions on the stadium’s construction should the team remain named the Commanders, declaring it an unappealing choice. This controversial stance attracted attention during his announcements about the Presidential Fitness Test, where he further dismissed the evolution of the team name. In response, Harris has remained firm on retaining the Commanders’ name, asserting that the brand identity will not revert to its previous iteration.
RFK Stadium, which opened in 1961 and was named in honor of Robert F. Kennedy, has a rich history, serving as a venue for multiple sports teams, including the Redskins, the Washington Senators, and D.C. United, before closing in 2019. The nostalgic significance of the RFK site resonates with many fans, leading to heightened anticipation for the Commanders’ return. The revival aims to create a modern venue steeped in historical legacy, symbolizing a fresh chapter for the team and its supporters.
As the Commanders prepare for their return to D.C. in 2030, the enthusiasm surrounding the project reflects a broader desire for community engagement and economic revitalization. The collaboration among city leaders, stakeholders, and residents serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the initiative, fueling hopes for a successful transformation of the area. The project marks not just a return for the Commanders but also a new era for D.C., positioning the city as a vibrant hub for sports and community activities.
