Photo: Getty Images
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans for a more than $2.7 billion stadium to be built at the campus of the old RFK Stadium in downtown Washington, D.C., on Monday (April 28).
The proposed roof stadium will be part of a transformation project that will include housing, parks and recreation, hotels, restaurants, retail and neighborhood amenities, which is projected to be completed in 2030, according to the Commanders' official website. Renderings of the new stadium showed a glass dome roof with a view of the United States Capitol.
The Commanders previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996 before moving to the current Northwest Stadium, originally Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, in 1997.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Commanders back home to the Sports Capital. We said that we could do it all – Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more – and, together, that's what we are delivering," said Mayor Bowser. "When we got control of 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, we knew right away that partnering with the Commanders would be the fastest and surest route to bringing the RFK campus to life. As we focus on the growth of our economy, we're not only bringing our team home, but we're also bringing new jobs and new revenue to our city and to Ward 7."
"Today is a defining moment for the DMV and the Washington Commanders. RFK Stadium holds a legendary place in our history – it's where the team dominated the NFL, capturing three Super Bowls and creating unforgettable memories for fans. Now, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy by building a new world-class stadium – one that is also a once-in-a-generation catalyst for uplifting and transforming our region," said Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Josh Harris. "Working hand-in-hand with District and community leaders, we're focused on delivering an incredible home for our players and fans, creating a landmark venue that reflects the pride of our nation's capital, and sparking a new era of economic opportunity across the DMV. RFK was once a place our fans loved, and opponents feared – we're determined to make it that way again."
The Commanders pledged an investment of at least $2.7 billion to the roofed stadium project, which is the single largest private investment in the city's history, while the DC Government will also invest $500 million. The announced follows a recent renaissance for the Washington NFL franchise.
Harris officially purchased the team in 2023 and the Commanders selected former Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft with Daniels winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and going 12-5 as a starter, clinching Washington's first playoff appearance since 2020.