The Washington NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing at home in Maryland. Commanders are currently calling the Northwest Stadium, formerly Fedex Field, Home.
The stadium has opened its doors in time for the 1997 season and is located approximately 13 miles from the American Capitol building in Washington Voisin, DC, the stadium has replaced the commemorative stadium Robert F. Kennedy formerly emblematic (RFK stadium). However, the outdoor location where the commanders have welcomed opposing teams for almost three decades quickly deteriorated, causing discussions on a possible alternative.
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General view from the outside of the RFK stadium on May 24, 2005 in the first Washington Nationals season in Washington, DC. (Images Jamie Squire / Getty)
Earlier this week, the mayor of DC, Muriel Bowser, met residents who live in the area surrounding the dilapidated site of the RFK stadium to discuss the possibility of building a cutting -edge building that could accommodate the Washington commanders. Bowser has long supported the push to bring the football team back to the Columbia district.
“I firmly believe that in world cities – world -class cities like ours – we do great things,” Bowser told residents. “We have arts and culture, entertainment, nightlife and sports. We have large neighborhoods, and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is that until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to organize events that the world is used to it. “”
Josh Harris of commanders maintains the name of the team is there to stay
The proposals believe that the stadium structure could include up to 25 acres from the 174 acres site. A mixed development featuring housing, restaurants and parks could take up the remaining land portion.
The city recently took control of the lands band after years of back and forth with federal legislators. In December, the US Senate adopted a bipartite resolution to transfer the land of the federal government to DC, the federal government would actually praise the city for 99 years.
“This is a victory for DC, for our region and for America,” Bowser wrote on his social media account after the news of approval has surfaced. “Everyone loves a good story of return – and this is the story of DC. #Ourrfk”
Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC prison on Hill East as well as a new Sports Complex on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The bill was promulgated by the president of the time, Joe Biden, in January. This decision was considered a major step towards commanders returning to the national capital, although several obstacles remain.
On Thursday, Bowser stressed the importance of building a world class stadium if the city wanted to become a viable host for concerts, super bowls and other major sporting events.
January 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, United States; General view of Fedex Field before the match between the Washington football team and the Buccaneers of Tampa Bay. (Brad Mills-USA today Sports)
“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to organize events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl – and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” said Bowser .
The mayor said that she was determined to work with the commanders, because she aims to convince the franchise that the construction of a stadium within the city limits is the best alternative to their current house. Bowser has also promised to achieve terms on a stadium agreement which would be beneficial for those who live in the community.
The main owner of the commanders, Josh Harris, made no public statement on his favorite stadium location, but recognized that the team could end up playing DC, Maryland or Virginia nearby.
The owner of Washington commanders, Josh Harris, speaks at a press conference in Commanders Park in Ashburn, Virginia, on January 08, 2024. The conference had to announce that the commanders separate from the head coach Ron will rive after A disappointing season 4-13. (Craig Hudson for the Washington Post via Getty Images)
The use of public funds to help finance a stage project of several billion dollars often meets with a considerable return. Bowser and city legislators will probably be faced with high opposite winds while placing voters of the potential allocation of public dollars to a stadium project.
At one point during her presentation of around 20 minutes on Thursday, Bowser referred to a sports study that she commanded, which estimated the economic advantages greater than 1 billion dollars. Income would come from mixed development with a modern NFL stage. Development could also create thousands of jobs.
Bowser has stopped sharing details on the quantity of public funds that she would be comfortable with the team. Rather, she noted that “the detailed analysis” of her administration determined that a NFL stage would be a strong investment.
In addition to organizing an NFL team, the RFK stadium was the home of two MLB teams, two university football teams and several professional football clubs. The stadium was also the site for several World Cup games.
On the field, the commanders have experienced a major reversal this season. Harris selected Dan Quinn as the next team coach last February, while Adam Peters was brought to take care of the functions of managing director. The commanders selected the quarter-Arrière Jayden Daniels during the NFL recovery last April. Daniels won the honors of the recruit of the offensive year and helped to raise Washington to an appearance in the NFC championship match.
