As the Washington Commanders push forward with plans for a potential $3.7 billion stadium at the old RFK site in Washington, D.C., a surprising name entered the spotlight during a recent pitch – pop icon Taylor Swift.
In a bid to rally support for the project, which still faces uncertainty in the D.C. Council due to its proposed $1 billion in public funding, Commanders team president Mark Clouse highlighted the economic impact of having a multipurpose, roofed venue – and invoked Swift’s global appeal as part of the argument.
“There is a roof on the stadium, and I think that’s going to enable us to bring 30-40 world-class events – I mean, we will be the only roofed facility on this side of the mid-Atlantic,” Clouse said.
“So, whether that’s Taylor Swift or the Final Four, or any WWE wrestling fans out there, ‘WrestleMania’ could come, but we are going to be able to host everything that’s in the city on a national stage, and because of that roof, it gives us a chance to create a pipeline of jobs in development.”
While Clouse’s comments emphasized the broad potential of a climate-controlled venue – including year-round event hosting and job creation – many Commanders fans weren’t thrilled with the messaging, particularly the reference to Swift.
Swift’s Eras Tour has reportedly contributed more than $5 billion in direct economic impact across cities worldwide, and Clouse’s mention of her name underscored that potential. But for fans focused on football, the Swift angle didn’t land well…
“Why give a crap about Swift? The roof should be all about the comfort of Commanders fans.”
“Taylor Swift. LOL. What millennial t**t wrote tweeted this?”
“Major events, and says Taylor Swift 😭”
Critics argue that the team’s priority should be improving the gameday experience for loyal fans, not courting mega-events or entertainers.
Still, stadium proposals in today’s NFL are often sold as entertainment destinations, not just homes for football, and the Commanders are following that blueprint.
The proposed roofed venue remains under review, with D.C. lawmakers still debating the use of public funds.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of Swift in the conversation – intentional or not – has once again highlighted how polarizing her presence can be in NFL-related areas.
What are your thoughts on Washington’s new stadium proposal???
