The official word has come in from the NFL that the Washington Commanders and Washington D.C., have reached a deal on relocating the team back to the RFK Campus, where the former Washington Redskins played from 1961 to 1996 at RFK Stadium.
Read more: Commanders Set to Relocate to DC Following RFK Stadium Bill Being Passed
The then-Redskins would relocate to Maryland and remain at what became known as FedExField through 1997 to present day. The lease for FedExField is set to end in 2027, which has led to the Commanders striking a deal to move the team back to its roots in Washington, D.C.
The brand-new 180-acre land will be renovated, and a new state-of-the-art, roofed stadium will be built. The area will also be renovated to include housing, parks and recreation, hotels, restaurants, retail, and neighborhood amenities.
A general view of fans in front of the Washington Commanders logo during the first half of the game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover,… A general view of fans in front of the Washington Commanders logo during the first half of the game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. Scott Taetsch/Getty
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The mayor of D.C. and the Commanders’ Managing Partner, Josh Harris, commented on the historic deal and move back to the RFK grounds. Per a release by the Commanders, Mayor Bowser and Harris stated:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Commanders back home to the Sports Capital. We said that we could do it all – Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more – and, together, that’s what we are delivering,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we got control of 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, we knew right away that partnering with the Commanders would be the fastest and surest route to bringing the RFK campus to life. As we focus on the growth of our economy, we’re not only bringing our team home, but we’re also bringing new jobs and new revenue to our city and to Ward 7.”
“Today is a defining moment for the DMV and the Washington Commanders. RFK Stadium holds a legendary place in our history – it’s where the team dominated the NFL, capturing three Super Bowls and creating unforgettable memories for fans. Now, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy by building a new world-class stadium – one that is also a once-in-a-generation catalyst for uplifting and transforming our region,” said Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Josh Harris. “Working hand-in-hand with District and community leaders, we’re focused on delivering an incredible home for our players and fans, creating a landmark venue that reflects the pride of our nation’s capital, and sparking a new era of economic opportunity across the DMV. RFK was once a place our fans loved, and opponents feared – we’re determined to make it that way again.”
According to the release, the Commanders will “drive the investment” of $2.7 billion for the new roofed stadium. “DC Government (the District) will invest $500 million for stadium horizontal and non-vertical costs from the Sports Facilities Fee,” the release also indicates.
The Commanders returning to their former longtime home stadium area and the excitement of the team’s recent success is a combination that makes this relocation the perfect timing.
Jayden Daniels has emerged as a quarterback who could be the next Tom Brady in the league, and new head coach Dan Quinn helped lead the team to the NFC Conference Championship in 2024.
Things are looking up for the Commanders, and they will have a new stadium to use in the coming years.
For more on the Commanders, head to Newsweek Sports.
