The Washington Commanders need a new stadium. The team hopes to land a site before its lease runs out at its current home, FedEx Field in 2027.
The Commanders left RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., in 1996, moving to FedEx Field in nearby Landover, Maryland. While only 6 miles separated the Commanders’ new home from its old, fans’ access to the stadium became more difficult with the lack of convenient public transportation on game days.
For years Washington fans have yearned for the team to return to the nation’s capital. But, city and federal officials, who control D.C., have been hesitant about the team returning for numerous reasons. One of those hurdles was the “Redskins” name. That changed in 2020, and the team now goes by the Commanders.
Another issue was the owner, Dan Snyder. He’s now out of the picture, selling the team to Josh Harris for an NFL record $6.05 billion. Now, there’s another hurdle possibility about to be cleared.
Per The Washington Post, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) will introduce a bill on Thursday to Congress that will give the city of Washington, D.C., control over the old RFK Stadium site. If passed, it would be a giant step toward bringing the Commanders back to the District.
NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay adds the bill expects to pass in the House. Yet, it’s unclear what the bill will do in the Senate and with the D.C. City Council. However, D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, has been pushing to get the NFL team back in Washington.
RFK Stadium’s land has been an eyesore as the years have passed since the Commanders franchise left. Giving city officials control over the land will go a long way toward redeveloping the site productively. Any political move now is perfect timing for the Commanders as they’re looking for a new stadium.
Even if D.C. does come around to the idea the city will face stiff competition. Maryland wants the team to stay in Prince George’s County. Governor Wes Moore has started campaigning to convince the new team’s ownership to remain in the state.
Meanwhile, Virginia officials are monitoring the possibility of building a new stadium there for the Commanders. The team’s headquarters and practice facility are in the Commonwealth. Governor
Glenn Youngkin has made efforts to propose a new stadium for the team. He met opposition last year. But that opposition stemmed largely against Dan Snyder and the numerous allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct levied against him.
There’s a new era with the Commanders. The presence of new owners has opened the eyes of the three nearby jurisdictions. The consensus wants the team back in the nation’s capital, at RFK Stadium. It’s a perfect location that welcomes fans from the entire DMV region.
The matter has gotten debated for quite some time. But now it appears the wheels are rolling, and the race to get the Commanders has just begun.
