Majority Back Public Funding for D.C. Stadium: Washington Post Poll Insights

In recent years, many people across the U.S. have turned against using public funds to build football stadiums. Surprisingly, in Washington, D.C., opinions seem to be shifting the other way.

A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll showed that 55% of respondents are in favor of using city funds to help build a new Commanders stadium at the RFK site. This marks an increase from past polls — in 2024, only 47% supported public funding, and in 2022, it dropped to 30%.

However, this new poll comes during a heightened marketing campaign with a recent deal between the Commanders and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Critics question the poll’s timing and relevance, especially given a controversial past poll that claimed 90% of Native Americans weren’t offended by the former name of the Washington NFL team, which was retired in 2020 after much backlash.

Instead of basing the decision on responses from 651 D.C. adults, why not let the entire electorate have a say through a public vote? A group opposed to the stadium plan is currently gathering signatures for a ballot initiative. This could be a more democratic way to gauge public opinion.

Compounding the issue is D.C.’s current budget crunch. Mayor Bowser has recently delayed submitting a proposed 2026 budget, adding to concerns about diverting $850 million in taxpayer money to a sports facility.

With the Commanders and the NFL becoming more valuable, many wonder if investing in a stadium makes sense. A public vote might not favor the project, and the reluctance of Bowser to support this option raises questions about the transparency of the decision-making process.

Ultimately, it seems only fair that a broader audience has a chance to weigh in. A ballot vote would provide a clearer picture of whether the community truly supports using taxpayer money for a new stadium.

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