Whether it’s the Washington Commanders finally taking the big step to come back to the District of Columbia. This comes on the heels of the District of Columbia Council’s surprising approval of a $611 million new stadium project at the historic RFK site. The team now plays over the state line in Landover, Maryland. Yet, it attempts to go back to the well where it was successful from 1961-1996. For all the franchise’s successes, this development is a watershed moment for the often-frustrated franchise and its equally frustrated, yet fiercely devoted fanbase.
On Wednesday, the full Council voted 11–2 to approve the proposal. This move clears the path for the Commanders to build a new, domed stadium that would accommodate 65,000 fans. The ambitious project is matched by an equally costly investment of $2.7 billion from the team’s ownership. It was a watershed moment, as Commanders’ owner Josh Harris said—it indeed had the potential to change everything. He referred to that day as historic both for D.C. and the franchise.
John Keim has covered the Washington Commanders for ESPN since 1994. He noted that the RFK site has an emotional attachment for fans. The site is an important factor of the team’s legacy but represents a move back towards the organization’s roots.
Commanders President Mark Clouse said he worried about late-breaking demands that might jeopardize the agreement. He remarked on the “list of unworkable and impractical new last-minute demands by Councilmembers, which we simply cannot agree to as it jeopardizes the deal.” Even with these worries, the approval is a positive sign for the project’s future.
The RFK Stadium project is seen as an opportunity to revitalize the area surrounding Anacostia, transforming 180 acres into a hub for jobs and economic growth. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser affirmed her commitment to this vision, stating, “It is with great pride that I can say we are officially bringing our Commanders home and turning 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, on the monumental axis, into jobs and opportunity for DC residents.”
Harris echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made this achievement possible: “With the Council’s approval, we can now move forward on the transformative RFK project that will bring lasting economic growth for our city. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and collaboration between Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, the Council and the countless community, business and labor leaders whose voices and input helped shape the process every step of the way.”
The Commanders are hoping to open their new stadium before the end of this decade. Harris expressed excitement about re-establishing a presence in D.C., saying, “We are deeply grateful for the warm return to the District and the center of the DMV, and look forward to officially bringing the team back to its spiritual home in 2030.”
There are remaining steps that need to be taken before construction can begin. This vote is a really significant milestone in the Washington Commanders’ epic saga return journey home. This team is brimming with optimism and energy for this new chapter. Their backers fervently hope to reawaken long-dormant ties to a region that is rich in heritage and lore.
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