President Joe Biden has signed the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act into law, transferring control of the RFK Stadium site from the federal government to the District of Columbia for the next 99 years. This legislative move enables the demolition of the deteriorating stadium and opens the door for redevelopment, including the potential construction of a new stadium for the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
The signing ceremony took place in the Oval Office, with President Biden joined by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders’ owners Josh Harris, Mitch Rales, and Mark Ein. The Commanders, who played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996, have expressed interest in returning to the nation’s capital. In a statement, the team described the legislation as a significant victory for Washington, D.C., and its residents, expressing eagerness to participate in discussions about the site’s future as they evaluate potential locations for a new home.
Mayor Bowser, a strong advocate for redeveloping the RFK site, emphasized the opportunity to revitalize 177 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C. She envisions the area accommodating housing, economic opportunities, green spaces, and recreational facilities, in addition to a potential stadium.
The Commanders are currently exploring options for a new stadium, with their lease at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, set to expire in 2027. Team owner Josh Harris has indicated that 2030 is a reasonable target for completing a new stadium. While the RFK site is a strong contender, Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore, are actively working to retain the team, proposing the construction of a new stadium adjacent to the current one.
The transfer of the RFK site to D.C. control is the culmination of extensive bipartisan efforts. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in February, and the Senate approved it in December. Representative James Comer, who introduced the bill, highlighted the economic potential of revitalizing the site and praised the collaboration with Mayor Bowser to bring the legislation to fruition.
With the land now under D.C. jurisdiction, Mayor Bowser can initiate formal negotiations with the Commanders, positioning Washington, D.C., as a competitive option alongside Maryland and Virginia for the team’s new stadium. The decision on the Commanders’ future home will significantly impact the region’s economic landscape and the franchise’s identity.
The Commanders’ potential return to the RFK site carries historical significance, as the location was the team’s home during a period that included three Super Bowl championships between 1982 and 1991. For many fans and team owners who grew up during that era, a move back to the District represents a return to the franchise’s roots.
As discussions progress, the future of the RFK site remains a focal point for city officials, team owners, and fans, all eager to see how this prime real estate will be transformed in the coming years.
