The Washington Commanders have their headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia; play their home games at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland; and represent Washington, D.C. All three jurisdictions are in the running to be the home of the team’s next stadium.
On Thursday, a Kentucky Republican congressman, James Comer, introduced a bill to give control over the land of the RFK Stadium site to the D.C. government.
The news excited fans, who yearn for the team to return to the nation’s capital. The bill has bipartisan support in Congress. The Mayor of D.C. also is behind the movement of the Commanders coming back. Ward 7 Councilman Vincent Gray, where RFK sits, is opened to the Commanders returning. The door opened on a return to the city by the unpopular former owner Dan Snyder selling the team to Josh Harris last week.
Yet, one city council member remains a steadfast opponent.
“I don’t support building a costly and rarely used NFL stadium at that site, and I really don’t support a stadium that requires substantial District tax dollars,” Ward 6 City Councilman Charles Allen stated in a letter to constituents.
Allen then used Twitter he supports D.C. getting control over the RFK site. However, Congress’s bill does not require an NFL stadium built at the site. He called a stadium a “poor use” of D.C. tax dollars and land and wouldn’t create economic growth for the city.
In a perfect situation, the Commanders would love a return to Washington, D.C. The team left the city in 1996 for FedEx Field. Fans want it, especially at RFK, because it’s easy to access for all traveling from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
As long as there is political opposition, Maryland and Virginia remain in the race. Maryland Governor Wes Moore is campaigning to keep the Commanders in Prince George’s County. Virginia Governor is doing the same to get the team’s new stadium.
The Commanders’ lease runs out in 2027 for FedEx Field. They’d like to have a site in place by then. There will be some needed convincing for D.C. to be the choice.
