The Washington Commanders have purchased $100 million worth of land in Woodridge, Virginia for a potential new stadium site, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s John Keim was the first to report.
The 200 acres of land is located near Potomac Mills off the I-95 exit about 23 miles from Washington, D.C.
Additionally, the team has drawn up renderings for the site that includes a 60,000-seat domed stadium, a number of entertainment, residential and workspace environments at the site. The Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained a copy of the site’s renderings.
The site would include a new team headquarters, high-end retail shops, bars and restaurants, an amphitheater that may seat up to 20,000 and a small indoor music arena. The roof of the stadium will have a translucent roof and change colors between white and burgundy.
It’s worth noting, the Commanders insist no site for the stadium has been determined. The team would still need to know how much money will Prince William County and the state of Virginia commit towards a new stadium.
Virginia is expected to pass a bill to contribute an estimated $350 million towards the Commanders’ project.
The team still has the option of remaining in Prince George’s County, Maryland where their current home stadium, FedEx Field, is located. Maryland said it would commit $400 million to develop the area surrounding FedEx Field. The team would then build a stadium nearby.
However, the Commanders would love to return back to Washington, D.C. at the old RFK Stadium site where the team played from 1961-1996. But, D.C. and the site is on federal grounds. There are a number of congressional hurdles and a return there is still considered a long shot.
FedEx Field was the vision of former owner Jack Kent Cooke. The team moved to the site in 1997. It’s become outdated long before it should have. Current team owner Dan Snyder wants a move from the stadium, but their contract to play at the stadium doesn’t expire until 2026.
All three local jurisdictions, D.C., Maryland and Virginia would love the team. The Commanders’ current headquarters are located in Loudoun County, Virginia.
