A provision to transfer the land of the old RFK Stadium site from the federal government to the District of Columbia has been included in Congress’ short-term spending bill, a win for the Washington Commanders and the NFL. This move unlocks the site’s potential, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who described it as “a giant step forward” towards revitalizing the area.
The land transfer is part of a broader agreement that requires the team to tear down its current stadium in Landover, Maryland, and redevelop the RFK campus with an equal economic impact. This plan has been praised by lawmakers, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, who said it will unlock the district’s full potential and generate new jobs.
The transfer also clears a path for the Commanders to potentially return to their old home in Washington D.C., although team owner Josh Harris has stated that 2030 is a “reasonable target” for building a new stadium. The team’s lease at Northwest Stadium runs through 2027, and they have been exploring options for a new stadium in Maryland, Virginia, or the district.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed support for the RFK legislation, saying his state will continue to work towards securing funding for a new stadium in Landover. However, he acknowledged that competition with the team’s home in Maryland may exist. The Commanders have played in Maryland since 1997 and practice in Virginia, but the prospect of returning to D.C. remains an exciting possibility for fans.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/washington-commanders-rfk-stadium-95c740d398a84e7ca4aa7877b826c0e0