The Washington Commanders are officially coming home. On Tuesday, the D.C. Council voted to approve plans for a new stadium at the site of the former RFK Stadium, clearing the way for the franchise to return to the District for the first time in more than two decades.
Commanders owner Josh Harris called the approval a milestone moment for the team and its fan base. “Today is a historic day for D.C., the Commanders organization, and our fans. With the Council’s approval, we can now move forward on the transformative RFK project that will bring lasting economic growth for our city,” Harris said in a statement. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and collaboration between Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, the Council and the countless community, business and labor leaders whose voices and input helped shape the process every step of the way. We are deeply grateful for the warm return to the District and the center of the DMV, and look forward to officially bringing the team back to its spiritual home in 2030.”
The project marks a full-circle moment for the franchise. RFK Stadium, which opened in 1961, was home to Washington’s NFL team for 36 seasons and served as the backdrop for three Super Bowl-winning eras under head coach Joe Gibbs. The Commanders left RFK following the 1996 season for FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, where they have played since.
The new stadium plan includes a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility designed to anchor a larger redevelopment of the RFK campus, which is expected to feature entertainment, retail, dining, and community spaces. Supporters of the project have highlighted its potential to generate jobs, tax revenue, and year-round activity in the District.
While shovels aren’t yet in the ground, the timeline calls for construction to begin within the next few years, with the Commanders targeting the 2030 season for their long-awaited homecoming. For fans across the region, the Council’s approval represents not just a new stadium, but a return to the heart of the city where the franchise’s greatest memories were made.
