The RFK Stadium Return? Bill Clears Major Hurdle for Commanders to Possibly Move Back to Washington D.C.
Big-time NFL news out of Washington, D.C.! It’s like something out of a dream for longtime fans of the Washington Commanders. The buzz is real, and it’s picking up steam after the latest development. For the first time in years, the idea of the Washington Commanders moving back into the heart of D.C. is very possible. If you’re sitting down, get ready, because a huge hurdle in this process was just cleared. Washington football may once again call RFK Stadium home in the future!
For background, RFK Stadium (once the rowdiest football stadium in the land for Washington fans) hasn’t hosted the team since 1996. Ever since, the Commanders have been playing their home games miles away in Landover, Maryland at FedEx Field—a stadium known for convenience issues, long-standing maintenance problems, and a poor fan experience. Commanders fans have had their share of frustrations with FedEx Field over the years. Let’s just say it probably wouldn’t make anyone’s Top 10 sports venue list.
Fast forward to 2023, and there’s suddenly hope for a bigger and better future. A Senate committee just approved a bill that creates a direct legal path for part of the RFK Stadium site to be used for an NFL stadium again. This isn’t a done deal yet, but this vote officially pushes the ball further down the field toward a key touchdown for a possible D.C. comeback for the Commanders.
How Did We Get Here?
The bill, which passed through with a strong bipartisan effort from officials like Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and a team of lawmakers, cleared the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The magic number was 14 “Yes” votes versus one single “No” vote on the bill. That’s about as good as anyone could have expected out of this step in the legislative process.
The bill itself opens up the 190-acre parcel of land where RFK Stadium is located. This entire site is right along the Anacostia River—a prime spot that many in D.C. have been excited about for years. But it’s not just about football. The plan is to also repurpose the site for housing, retail, and commercial development. And yes, a new, state-of-the-art NFL stadium could be a cornerstone of this development.
The RFK land is currently owned by the federal government, which is why this bill is so important. The legislation would give D.C. officials more power to really take charge of the land’s future. And D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has long been vocal about her excitement and commitment to bringing the Washington Commanders back to D.C. The stars are aligning for things to happen sooner rather than later.
If you break this all down, one thing’s for sure: the new ownership group of the Commanders, led by Josh Harris (who also owns teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils), now has the wind at its back. Moving the team to a new stadium in D.C. appears way more doable than it did even a few months ago.
Not Without Competition
Before you go looking at maps of downtown D.C., let’s pump the brakes just a little. This situation is still full of moving parts. Besides D.C., Virginia is also proposing to build a shiny new stadium for the Commanders, and Maryland clearly doesn’t want to lose one of its most lucrative sports teams easily. The team has been playing in Maryland for nearly three decades, after all.
All things considered, D.C. is building momentum after several years of stalled efforts. But this time, the RFK site remains the most attractive for a potential return, especially to sports fans eager for the Commanders to link back up with their roots.
There are expectations on Capitol Hill that the full Senate could pass the bill by early 2024. And D.C. lawmakers, including Mayor Bowser, seem likely to push hard for the bill’s swift passage.
Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, excited about keeping the role of football in Virginia’s future, says there’s a real competition at hand, and he’s ready to play hardball. According to Youngkin, the Commanders would be welcomed with open arms in Virginia. And while Maryland seems quieter on the matter, they’re definitely keeping Maryland’s hand in the D.C.-Commanders debate alive. So no matter which direction Washington’s on-the-field performance heads, off-the-field moves are looking just as crucial.
It’s going to be a fight to the finish for which locale ends up with the multi-billion-dollar transaction of an NFL stadium deal, but all eyes are on what happens in Washington, D.C.
Current Context for the Commanders
The possible move couldn’t come at a better time, considering how much is happening right now within the Commanders organization. New ownership has already altered the course for a franchise that had found itself in rough waters. And under this fresh ownership group, the franchise can finally try to leave the controversies under previous owner Daniel Snyder in the past. Snyder’s era, full of scandals and investigations concerning workplace misconduct and other issues, was a dark cloud over the organization that seemingly blocked the team from reaching its full potential.
Things are looking up though! Josh Harris and his talented and experienced group—including people like NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson—are ready to turn things around. And a new stadium, back in the District, could be the most symbolic step toward not just a new home but a new era altogether.
Let’s not forget, despite the team struggling in recent seasons, Washington’s football history is loaded with winning tradition. The Commanders still possess three Super Bowl titles (1982, 1987, 1991), a devoted fan base (although weary from the years at FedEx Field), and a hunger for a return to glory. Washington’s population played a part in elevating the Commanders to iconic status in the late 20th century. FedEx Field couldn’t live up to the legacy, but RFK Stadium’s vibes remain a high note that many loyal Washington fans will never stop remembering.
Check Out These Awesome Stadium Facts
- Opened: RFK Stadium first opened its gates in 1961
- Iconic Run: Washington’s NFL franchise called RFK home from 1961 to 1996
- Famous Vibe: Before closing in 2019, RFK Stadium was known for a rocking home crowd where fans gave the venue a unique “bounce”
- Historic Name Honors: It’s named after longtime D.C. leader Robert F. Kennedy
The current FedEx Field doesn’t even come close to RFK’s legendary atmosphere, so you could say all of this RFK news is creating quite a bit of excitement from old-school Washington NFL fans.
What Could a New Commanders Stadium Look Like?
Yes, a modern reinvention of an NFL stadium on the RFK site would probably blow any fan’s mind. First of all, how cool would it be for Washington to have an urban stadium centrally located just a short distance from Capitol Hill? The idea fits perfectly into what every sports league wants these days—accessible, multi-use developments that generate excitement year-round (not just on game days).
While details are still hard to come by in this early stage of the process, it’s safe to believe that Harris and company won’t be cutting corners. NFL stadiums these days can cost upwards of $2 billion to construct. Just look at the splashy deals for stadiums in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This would be a milestone project for the Commanders, who are trying to distance themselves as much as possible from the worn-out, decades-old reputation of their current FedEx home.
In fact, Harris said before that bringing the team to D.C. is something they’d seriously explore, and he’s not alone. Fan polling done locally suggests a strong portion of Washington folks is all in for the team to move back inside D.C. And for fans, the possibility of returning the Commander’s base to a stadium in Washington, D.C., stirs up imagery of the good times back when the team regularly made the playoffs and packed the house.
This isn’t just about the team, either. The prospect of a stadium could bring millions of dollars to the D.C. area for retailers, local restaurants, and hotels. It’s a major jolt for a D.C. economy that’s hungry for some action. We’re talking about tens of thousands of fans flooding into the city every Sunday, and that kind of revenue would make a massive difference for the District.
RFK Comeback: What’s Next for the Commanders?
Well, there’s still a lot to be worked out on the Washington Commanders’ front. The bill’s passage in the committee is an amazing first chapter, but there’s still the big approval from the full Senate and House of Representatives to be overcome before this dream becomes reality.
That said, this vote definitely puts the team on the pathway to building a new stadium at the place that holds so many great memories for hardcore Washington football fans. Negotiations will surely continue between the Commanders and other municipalities, but don’t be surprised to see the Washington Commanders-DC partnership headline even more sports stories in the coming months.
It’s an exciting time for Washington Commanders supporters. Perhaps soon the thunderous cheers of “Hail to the Commanders” will ring out over the Anacostia River once again.
Key Takeaways
- A Senate committee has passed a bill that might allow the Washington Commanders back at the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C.
- This marks a huge step forward in what could be the next big chapter for the Commanders, as D.C., Virginia, and Maryland position themselves for a chance to host the team.
- New ownership, led by Josh Harris, is considering how a move back into the city might revitalize not just the team but also Washington’s economy.
It seems like everything’s lining up for the Commanders. Watch this space because, should the momentum keep building, RFK’s legendary turf could once again see Washington’s football meet its greatest moments.
Originally Written by: Jim Sergent
