Council to cast deciding vote on Commanders' potential return to RFK Stadium location in DC
The D.C. Council is set to vote on a significant redevelopment plan on Wednesday, which includes the potential return of the Washington Commanders to the historic RFK Stadium site. The plan, authored by local officials, aims to revitalize the surrounding area and boost the city's finances.
The Commanders last played at RFK Stadium in 1996, and the venue's last official event was a D.C. United match in 2017. Demolition of the stadium is currently in its final stages, with crews dismantling the structure piece by piece.
If approved, the proposed redevelopment includes a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, projected to open by 2030. The plan also encompasses a 2,500-space parking garage.
City leaders and residents are closely watching the progress of the plan. While some are excited about the prospect of the Commanders' return, others have expressed concerns. Neighbors in Kingman Park have raised questions about the impact of the plans on green space and quality of life.
Councilmembers have negotiated hundreds of millions in new tax revenue as part of the deal. Notably, one update eliminates hard deadlines for the mixed-use portion of the project. However, the team cannot control the rezoning process, as acknowledged in the deal.
Some residents are advocating for more jobs, housing, and community benefits to be included in the deal before it is finalized. The final version of the RFK stadium deal includes only minor 'technical changes'.
If the vote is in favour, ground could break on the new stadium as early as spring 2026. The redevelopment plan is a significant step towards revitalizing a historic site in Washington, D.C., and potentially bringing back a beloved sports team to its original home.
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