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The Washington commanders have officially received the final approval of the DC Council to start constructing a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site.
It was a long process to come to this point, but the DC Council voted 11-2 Wednesday to approve $ 3.8 billion stadium project.
On the other hand, the commanders will finally return to DC after playing almost 30 years in Landover, Maryland, on what is now called Northwest Stadium.
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Washington commanders who control owner Josh Harris, Center, have been sent a helmet to sign next to the District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, after announcing a new home for the NFL football team on site of the old RFK Stadium, Monday, April 28, 2025, in the National Press Club in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, File/AP -Photo)
“Today is a historic day for the DC, the Command Organization and our fans,” said Commander -owner Josh Harris in a statement published on social media. “With Council approval, we can now advance to the transformative RFK project that will bring lasting economic growth to our city. This performance would not have been possible without the dedication of Mayor Bowser, President Mendelson, the Council and the countless community, business and worker whose voices and input helped shape the process every step on the road.”
“We are deeply grateful for the hot return to the district and center of DMV and look forward to officially bringing the team back to its spiritual home in 2030.”
Commander had expressed concern about the vote following “new claims at the last minute” of the DC Council, according to a letter from team president Mark Clouse. However, most of the proposed changes were rejected during Wednesday’s session.
Commanders’ DC Stadium Hopes Take Steps Forward in the middle of Trump’s nickname Presses
Washington hopes to have his new stadium completed and open by 2030.
The commanders’ persecution of playing at the old RFK Stadium site took a big step forward last month when the DC Council initially approved the bill with a 9-3 vote. The legislation demanded another approval before moving on to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has supported the commander’s plan.
Harris and his ownership group had considered several places in Washington, Maryland and Virginia before pursuing the RFK location. The city gained control of the land earlier this year after Congress passed legislation signed by the then President Joe Bid in January.
Hall of Fame, who runs back John Riggins, from the left, former Washington commanders Quarterback Doug Williams and former coach Joe Gibbs greet the District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, next to Washington commanders who control owner Josh Harris, after a announcement that a new home to nfl -football RFK Stadium, Monday 28th, 2025, in the National Press of the Club. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)
In April, Harris, Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced an agreement with DC officials at RFK Stadium -Web site. They also met with President Donald Trump in the oval office for a party. The $ 3.8 billion project includes 6,000 housing units, retail areas and Parkland beyond the new place.
However, the process hit a disadvantage in July when Trump opposed the team’s refusal to return to its former Redskins name.
“I may have a limitation on them that if they do not change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins’, and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington commanders,’ I will not make a deal for them to build a stadium in Washington.
Trump also criticized the team’s name during his announcement of reintroducing the president’s fitness test.
“I don’t even know what the hell their last name is,” Trump said. “It’s commanders or something? Is it commanding? Commanders, it’s not a good name.”
Owner Josh Harris from Washington Commanders looks at before the game against Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 11, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Harris has been steadfast in saying that the team’s name will remain forward.
RFK Stadium, named after Robert F. Kennedy, closed in September 2019 after opening in October 1961. It was home to the then Redskins of 1961-96, MLB’s Washington Senators from 1962-71 and MLS’s DC United from 1996-2017, among other teams.
