Washington’s NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing home matches in Maryland. Commander is currently calling Northwest Stadium, former FedEx Field, Home.
The stadium opened in time for the 1997 season and is located about 13 miles from the US Capitol building in neighboring Washington, DC Stadium replaced the once iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK Stadium). But the outdoor point where the commanders have welcomed opponents teams in almost the last three decades has quickly worsened, which has led to discussions about a possible alternative.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
General view of the exterior of RFK Stadium on May 24, 2005 during Washington National’s first season in Washington, DC. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser met with residents living in the area around the fallen RFK Stadium site to discuss the possibility of building an advanced building that could host the Washington commanders. Bowser has long supported push to bring the football team back to the District of Columbia.
“I firmly believe that in world-class global cities like ours, we do big things,” Bowser told the residents. “We have art and culture, entertainment, nightlife and sports. We have good neighborhoods and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is until we have a modern stadium we will not be able to host events The world is used to.
The commanders’ Josh Harris maintains the team name is here to stay
Proposal estimates the stadium structure may include up to 25 hectares of the 174 target large place. A mixed used development with homes, restaurants and parks could take up the remaining part of the country.
The city recently gained control of the country’s cuts after years of back and forth with federal legislators. In December, the US Senate decided a Bipartisan decision to transfer the land from the federal government to DC that the federal government would effectively rent Acerage back to the city for 99 years.
“This is a victory for DC, for our region and for America,” Bowser wrote in his social media account after the news of the approval appeared. “Everyone loves a good comeback -story – and it’s dc’s story. #Ourrfk”
Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC prison at Hill East as well as a proposal for a new sports complex at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium -Websted, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The bill was signed in the law by the then US President Joe Biden in January. The move was considered a major step towards the commanders returning to the nation’s capital, although there are several obstacles left.
On Thursday, Bowser emphasized the importance of constructing a world -class stadium if the city would become a viable host of concerts, Super Bowls and other major sporting events.
January 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; General view of FedEx Field before the game between Washington football team and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Brad Mills-has Today Sports)
“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl – and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.
The mayor said she is obliged to cooperate with the commanders as she aims to convince the franchise that it is the best alternative to their current home to convince the franchise that building a stadium within the city’s borders is the best Alternative to their current home. Bowser also promised to reach terms on a stadium agreement that would be advantageous for those living in the community.
Commander’s Principal -Owner Josh Harris has not made any public statements about his preferred stadium placement, but acknowledged that the team could end up playing in DC, Maryland or nearby Virginia.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris speaks at a press conference at Commander’s Park in Ashburn, VA on January 8, 2024. The conference should announce that the commanders stand out with head coach Ron Rivera after a disappointing 4-13 season. (Craig Hudson to the Washington Post via Getty Images)
The use of public funds to help fund a stadium project of several billion stage often meet with some significant pushback. Bowser and the city’s lawmakers are likely to face strong headwinds as they make their case voters about the potential award of public dollars for a stadium project.
At one point under her approx. 20 minutes of presentation Thursday, Bowser referred a sports survey she ordered, which estimated financial benefits of over $ 1 billion. Revenue would come from a mixed used development along with a modern NFL stadium. Development can also create thousands of jobs.
Bowser briefly stopped sharing details about the amount of public funds she would be comfortable with the team using. Instead, she noted that her administration’s “detailed analysis” determined that an NFL stadium would be a strong investment.
Apart from hosting an NFL team, RFK Stadium was home to two MLB teams, two college football teams and several professional football clubs. The stadium was also the place for several World Cup matches.
On the course, the commanders experienced a major reversal this season. Harris chose Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach last February last year, while Adam Peters was brought in to handle the general manager. Commander chose Quarterback Jayden Daniels last April’s NFL draft. Daniels won offensive rookie of the year honors and helped lift Washington to a performance in the NFC Championship Game.
