Commanders and Washington Strike $4 Billion Deal to Revitalize RFK Stadium Site: What This Means for Fans and the Community

Growing up in Washington, Josh Harris loved watching his favorite football team play at RFK Stadium. With legends like Joe Theismann and John Riggins, the atmosphere was electric during those glory days. Now, as the controlling owner, Harris, along with fellow fans Mitch Rales and Mark Ein, is on the verge of bringing the team back home.

Washington’s NFL franchise is making a comeback to the capital thanks to a recent agreement with the District of Columbia. This deal allows for the construction of a new stadium on the same site as the legendary RFK Stadium, which was home to the team for over 30 years. The total project cost is nearly $4 billion.

“We’ve imagined this since we bought the team,” Harris said. “We remember what RFK was like and want to revive that spirit.” The new stadium is slated to open in 2030, with construction expected to start next year, pending city council approval.

Here’s the breakdown: the Commanders will invest $2.7 billion, while the city is putting in about $1.1 billion through 2032. This investment will not only cover the stadium but also housing, park space, and a sportsplex on 170 acres near the Anacostia River. The stadium is designed to seat 65,000 and will feature a roof, making it suitable for year-round events.

This public-private partnership is noteworthy. The city’s contribution of 24% is lower than the average for NFL stadiums since 2008. For example, the Tennessee Titans received 60% public funding, while the Jacksonville Jaguars received 50%. This relatively lower public investment reflects a growing trend towards private funding sources in sports infrastructure.

The announcement was lively, with the song “Welcome to DC” playing as Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell entered the venue. Goodell remarked that this new stadium increases the chances of Washington hosting a Super Bowl in the future. “We want to make this more than just a stadium,” Harris noted, hinting at opportunities for concerts and entertainment beyond football.

The Commanders have been playing in Landover, Maryland, since 1997. Their lease there runs until 2027. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland noted that while the state worked hard to keep the team, it also understood the owners’ desire to return to D.C. “We’ve prepared for this possibility,” he said, emphasizing regional cooperation for future growth.

Historically, the Commanders played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996 before relocating to Maryland. Harris and his co-owners are determined to build at the old site, not just for nostalgia but to strengthen the connection to D.C. It’s a strategic location, close to significant landmarks like the Capitol and Washington Monument.

Goodell expressed similar sentiments, recalling his own experiences at RFK Stadium and stating, “Now, a new generation will get to enjoy that excitement.” It’s clear that the future of Washington football is looking brighter, with the team’s rich history at the forefront of this new chapter.

For more information on this developing story, visit AP NFL.

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