District's City Council approves $3.7 billion football stadium project led by its commanders.
Washington Commanders Stadium: D.C. Council Approves $3.7 Billion Plan
After months of negotiations and discussions, the D.C. Council has given final approval to a $3.7 billion stadium and development plan for the Washington Commanders. The project, which includes a 65,000-seat venue and a surrounding mixed-use project on the site of the former RFK Stadium, is set to break ground in 2026 and open in 2030.
The Commanders will provide $2.7 billion for the stadium, while the city's $1 billion contribution will cover infrastructure, utilities, parking, and a recreation facility. The city's investment includes $500 million for infrastructure, more than $350 million for parking garages, and $202 million for utilities and transit work.
The momentum for the project accelerated last December when Congress transferred control of the 180-acre RFK parcel from the federal government to the city. Since then, the D.C. mayor, Muriel Bowser, and council chairman Phil Mendelson have been credited for shaping the project.
The agreement includes provisions for new retail, entertainment, riverside park space, and between 5,000 and 6,000 affordable housing units. The Commanders expect to host up to 200 events each year, including NFL games, concerts, college tournaments, and a potential Women's World Cup final in 2031.
However, the process was not without its challenges. Mendelson acknowledged a lot of discussion with the Commanders and the group's frustration with late changes. Commanders president Mark Clouse expressed frustration in a letter to the Council about unworkable and impractical last-minute demands.
Despite these challenges, most proposed amendments failed, but the final bill added requirements for stronger environmental standards and protections for heritage trees on the site. The project includes a transformative agreement as described by team owner Josh Harris.
The architect responsible for the new stadium and the surrounding mixed-use project is HOK. The revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, parking, and advertising will go to the team, while D.C. will collect taxes on concessions, merchandise, and parking.
The final terms of the agreement were approved by the Council this week, marking a significant step forward for the project. The Washington Commanders are excited to bring a state-of-the-art stadium to the nation's capital and contribute to the city's growth and development.
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