Washington, D.C. is gearing up for a significant change in its sports landscape as the Commanders, the city’s professional football team, plan to return to the historic RFK Memorial Stadium. This move marks a notable shift, especially as many teams across the country are relocating away from their urban homes.
The announcement came during a press conference featuring Mayor Muriel Bowser and team owner Josh Harris. Under the proposed agreement, the Commanders will invest $2.7 billion to redevelop the RFK site, while the city will contribute $1 billion. The deal, which still needs approval from the D.C. City Council, includes provisions for the team to cover any cost overruns. The new stadium is expected to open in 2030, with plans to enhance the surrounding area as well.
This deal stands out when compared to other recent stadium negotiations in cities like Cleveland and Chicago, where team owners are only offering to cover about half of the costs. Harris’s commitment to fund over 75 percent of the new stadium expenses has been viewed favorably by city officials.
The move back to RFK is particularly noteworthy given the trend of teams migrating to suburban areas. The Chicago Bears, for instance, are in the process of leaving Soldier Field for Arlington Heights, while the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos are also considering moves away from their current downtown locations. The Commanders’ return is a rare exception to this trend.
Josh Harris, who has strong ties to the area, is determined to bring the team back to what he calls its "spiritual home." This decision follows a successful season where the Commanders came close to reaching the Super Bowl. The previous owner, Dan Snyder, had shown little interest in negotiating a return to RFK, making Harris’s efforts all the more significant.
For many fans, the return to RFK is a nostalgic moment. The stadium has a rich history, and although the team has changed its name and faced challenges, the connection to the past remains strong. An old sign marking the exit for RFK still stands, serving as a reminder of the team’s long absence from its home.
As plans move forward, the excitement among fans is palpable. The Commanders’ return to RFK could breathe new life into the team’s identity and strengthen its ties to the city. With a new stadium on the horizon, Washington, D.C. is ready to welcome its football team back home.