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For nearly three decades, the Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, has served as the home of the Washington Commanders. The 67,000-seat venue, originally opened as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in 1997 and later renamed FedEx Field before becoming Northwest Stadium, has hosted countless games but has also faced criticism in recent years for its ageing facilities. After 28 years, however, the Commanders’ stay in Landover is nearing its end.
On Wednesday, the Washington D.C. City Council gave its second and final approval for a $3.8 billion project that will pave the way for the Commanders’ return to the nation’s capital. By an 11–2 vote, the Council cleared the path for the construction of a new 65,000-seat domed stadium on the historic RFK Stadium site, with plans for the venue to open in 2030.
The new stadium will not stand alone. The project, negotiated earlier this year by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris, includes a transformative mixed-use development across the 174-acre RFK property. Plans call for 5,000 to 6,000 housing units (with 30% designated as affordable housing), retail, dining, and entertainment spaces, making the project one of the most ambitious developments in the city’s history.
The move will bring the Commanders back to the very place where they played from 1961 to 1996, a stretch that included three Super Bowl titles and decades of glory under the lights at RFK Stadium. The District only regained control of the RFK land in January 2024, when President Joe Biden signed legislation transferring it from federal to city control for the next 99 years. That handover set the stage for the project now approved.
The Commanders are expected to begin play in their new stadium in time for the 2030 NFL season, with hopes of hosting marquee events like the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and even a future Super Bowl.
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“We look forward to bringing the team back to its spiritual home,” Washington Commanders’ owner Josh Harris on new stadium approval
Following the Council’s vote and approval, Commanders owner Josh Harris celebrated the milestone, calling it a landmark moment for the team, the city, and its fanbase.
In his statement, Harris acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, pointed out the significance of the approval and what it means for the team’s long-term vision. He also acknowledged the collaboration that made the project possible:
“Today is a historic day for D.C., the Commanders organization, and our fans,” Harris said. “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.”
Expressing his gratitude while also looking ahead, Harris also expressed his anticipation about the franchise’s long-awaited return to Washington, noting that he is eager to see the Commanders back in their spiritual home:
“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.”
The approval marks a turning point for a franchise that has endured years of uncertainty under previous ownership but has found a new direction since Harris took over in 2023. Beyond football, the deal represents a generational investment in Washington’s Ward 7 community, which will see not just a state-of-the-art NFL venue, but new housing, jobs, and opportunities tied to the $3.8 billion project.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do the Washington Commanders currently play their home games?
The Commanders currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The team has been based there since 1997, though the venue has drawn criticism in recent years for its ageing facilities.
When will the new Commanders stadium in Washington, D.C., open?
The new 65,000-seat domed stadium on the RFK Stadium site is scheduled to open in 2030. It will open just in time for the start of that year’s NFL season.
What will the $3.8 billion RFK Stadium project include besides the stadium?
Alongside the stadium, the project will feature a mixed-use development with 5,000 to 6,000 housing units, 30% of which will be affordable, plus retail, dining, and entertainment spaces across the 174-acre property.
Why is the RFK Stadium site significant to the Commanders’ history?
The Commanders (then Redskins) played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996, a period that included three Super Bowl victories and some of the franchise’s most successful years. Returning there represents a symbolic homecoming to the team’s roots.
How will the new stadium impact the Washington, D.C. community?
The project is expected to bring significant economic growth to the city, particularly in Ward 7. It will create jobs, housing opportunities, and community spaces while also positioning D.C. to host major events like the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and potentially the Super Bowl.
