The DC City Council voted 11-2 to move forward with the construction of a new stadium on the site of the long-defunct RFK Stadium, which will become the future home of the Washington Commanders.
The 11-2 vote followed months of controversies on public funding of the project, which will include 5,000 housing units, restaurants and retail outlets. The stadium aspect of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2030, with the full site being finished by 2040.
The Commanders have been playing at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, since 1997.
Josh Harris, the team’s managing partner, issued a statement that said, “Today is a historic day for DC, 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. 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.”
