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The Washington Commanders moved a step closer to returning to the site of their most iconic moments as a provision in a new federal spending bill could transfer control of the RFK Stadium land from the federal government to the District of Columbia.
The House has already passed the bill, known as the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, and the Senate is expected to vote later this week. If approved, the measure would increase the chances of the Commanders building a new stadium on the RFK site, where they played from 1961 to 1996.
A Historic Venue with Sentimental Value
RFK Stadium holds a special place in Washington sports history. During their time there, the Commanders made multiple Super Bowl appearances, winning three titles between 1982 and 1991. Fans at RFK were known for creating an electrifying atmosphere, even causing sections of the stands to sway with their cheers.
The franchise moved to FedExField in Landover, Maryland, in 1997 but never captured the same magic. Since the move, the Commanders have won only two playoff games, and the current stadium lacks the emotional connection fans had with RFK.
Push for RFK Redevelopment
Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently lobbied Congress to support the legislation. Harris, a lifelong fan of the team, has expressed interest in opening a new stadium by 2030. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the potential transfer of the RFK site, calling it a “field of possibilities.”
“As a city, we’ve worked for years to get control of the RFK campus,” Bowser said. “We’re celebrating this moment, and we’re looking to the future of a field of possibilities on the banks of the Anacostia.”
Competition with Maryland
The RFK site is now in a two-location race with the Commanders’ current home in Landover, Maryland. While Maryland officials are making efforts to retain the team, momentum for a return to D.C. has grown significantly. A year ago, insiders placed the chances of returning to RFK at less than 30%. Those odds have since more than doubled.
The team currently owns the land in Landover, and their lease at FedExField runs through early 2027, with options for renewal. However, Harris and the city of D.C. appear eager to finalize plans for a new home.
D.C.’s Broader Vision for RFK
Even if the bill passes, the D.C. Council would need to approve redevelopment plans for the RFK site. These plans could include housing, a youth recreation center, and a multipurpose facility. Mayor Bowser emphasized the importance of utilizing the land for year-round activities, including events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, or concerts.
“It needs to happen and like soon,” Bowser said. “We’re very anxious to get that land into productive use.
“We just have to finalize and execute the transfer with the federal government and we have to come to terms with the team. We don’t have an agreement with the team. What’s in front of the Congress is if the district should invest our dollars and make that national park service land truly great.”
Bowser also noted that Harris buying the Commanders from former owner Dan Snyder in 2023 improved relations with city officials.
“There were many objections to the previous ownership,” Bowser said. “That’s almost forgotten I would say. The spirit of winning is also good.”
Economic Impact
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who introduced the bill, highlighted the economic potential of redeveloping the RFK site.
“Without Congressional action, this land would remain vacant, leaving ongoing maintenance costs and liabilities to burden the American taxpayer,” Comer said. “Now is the time to get the federal government out of the way and empower local officials to clean up the RFK site, invest and create new economic opportunities.”
What’s Next?
If the Senate passes the bill, D.C.’s dream of reclaiming the RFK site will move one step closer to reality. For the Commanders and their fans, a return to their historic home could mark the start of a new era, blending cherished memories with future opportunities.
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This report used information from ESPN.
