The Washington Commanders are making a triumphant return to D.C., a move that evokes nostalgia and excitement for fans who have long associated the team with the nation’s capital. For nearly three decades, the franchise has called Landover, Maryland, home, playing its games at what was once FedEx Field. Now, the Commanders have announced plans for a brand-new stadium right in the heart of Washington, D.C., to be located on the historic site of RFK Memorial Stadium, where the team once thrived from 1961 to 1996.
Narrated by longtime quarterback Joe Theismann, the announcement video calls for fans to unite once more: “Let’s bring the Commanders home. Let’s bring Washington back to D.C.” This sentiment resonates deeply as it not only highlights the team’s historic roots but also aims to reinvigorate the local fanbase with fresh hope.
In a press conference slated for Monday morning, team owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser are expected to detail their ambitious plans. The recent transfer of land ownership from the federal government to the city—signed into law by former President Joe Biden—opens the door for this project, promising a new era for the Commanders. This land will be under D.C. control for the next 99 years, a move championed by both Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
However, the road ahead isn’t without its bumps. Reports indicate that the Commanders’ ambitious vision will require D.C. Council approval, particularly concerning the financial aspects of the construction, which is expected to exceed $3 billion. Already, dissenting voices have emerged among council members, including chairman Phil Mendelson, who has expressed concerns over the use of taxpayer funds for the stadium. “My position has been that there should not be public dollars—the D.C. treasury should not be paying toward a stadium,” he recently articulated.
The ownership group, led by Harris, has consistently emphasized the importance of establishing a new home for the Commanders, ideally by 2030. While the team remains committed to its existing contract to play in Landover until 2027, the prospect of a new stadium in D.C. injects a sense of urgency and optimism among fans and stakeholders alike.
On the field, the Commanders have been riding high, finishing the 2024 season with a commendable 12-5 record—their best since 1991. The emergence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has electrified the roster, guiding the team to the NFC Championship Game, where they unfortunately fell to the formidable Philadelphia Eagles, the eventual Super Bowl champions. With such momentum brewing both on and off the field, the Commanders are not just looking to the future; they’re building a legacy that aims to bring the excitement of Washington football back to its roots.
