Washington Commanders announce $3.7 billion stadium plan for RFK site

April 28, 2025

Former Washington football legends and fans are celebrating a proposed $3.7 billion deal to build a new stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris announced the agreement on Monday, though it still requires approval from the city council, with a vote expected this summer.

The proposed development extends beyond just a stadium, featuring commercial spaces, affordable housing, and green areas. Former quarterback Joe Theismann expressed deep emotional ties to the original venue, stating, “When I first stepped into RFK Stadium, I knew I found a home,” and calling for a revival of the team’s legacy in the District.

Other franchise icons joined in celebrating the announcement, including coach Joe Gibbs, quarterback Doug Williams, running back John Riggins, and cornerback Darrell Green. Green emphasized the potential community impact, saying, “It’s going to be huge for our community, for the city.”

The excitement has reached beyond former Washington players. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who never played for the franchise, shared his personal connection to RFK Stadium, recalling both his first NFL game as a spectator in 1981 and his first regular season road game as a professional in 1992.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who grew up attending Washington games at RFK, called the site a “special place” and expressed enthusiasm for future generations of fans who will experience games at the new stadium.

Team co-owners Mark Ein and Mitchell Rales shared their nostalgia, with Ein writing, “The best memories of my youth were in these seats at RFK Stadium with my family. Visions can come true and we are bringing the team home!”

Even President Trump joined the celebration, describing the deal as “a HUGE WIN for Washington, D.C., and for the Team’s incredible fan base,” and suggesting it would boost economic development and create jobs.

While some residents in the neighboring Kingman Park area have expressed concerns, public response has been predominantly positive. If approved by the city council, the new stadium could be operational in time for the 2030 NFL season, bringing Washington football back to its historic home after a long absence.

This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com

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