WASHINGTON โ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that the possibility of the U.S. capital hosting its first Super Bowl would greatly increase with the establishment of a cutting-edge Commanders stadium in Washington. โFirst, we need to get it built,โ Goodell emphasized.
The ambitious project, estimated at nearly $4 billion, aims to revamp the site of the old RFK Stadium but awaits a majority decision from the Council of the District of Columbia for approval. This process, however, is unlikely to be straightforward due to the proposed $1.1 billion investment expected from the city. Despite the hurdles, controlling owner Josh Harris displays optimism regarding the projectโs approval.
โThis is an incredible opportunity for D.C.,โ Harris expressed, adding confidence in the councilโs recognition of the projectโs potential value. He further emphasized the importance of staying transparent and providing necessary information to garner support.
Yet, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has previously voiced skepticism about the financial feasibility and lack of council support for the costly undertaking. Councilmember Charles Allen criticized the financial burden, labeling the stadium as a โbad dealโ for D.C. and doubting its economic viability beyond eight home games and a few concert events each year.
Nevertheless, the team and city envision the venue as a bustling multi-use facility, hosting over 100 private events annually. They propose varied attractions, from high-profile concerts to sporting events such as mixed martial arts, wrestling, March Madness, Premier League soccer, and even the Army-Navy football game, drawing in about 1.4 million visitors annually.
To bring this vision to fruition, the plan requires seven votes from the typically 13-member council, currently down to 12 members. Among the supportive voices is Wendell Felder, who represents the district where the stadium is intended to be built. He sees the potential for the stadium to serve as a central economic driver and community enhancer.
โThis gives Ward 7 a chance for transformation,โ Felder explained, highlighting the importance of community engagement and leveraging the project to create local jobs and business opportunities.
Mayor Muriel Bowser assured the public that no residents would be displaced, as the proposed development will remain confined to the โRFK campus,โ although some residents may still experience the impact of construction and increased activity.
Bowser mentioned that the RFK site has historical precedence as a stadium location. โResidents are eager for revitalization,โ she stated, describing plans to turn the 180-acre plot, once a parking lot and stadium, into a vibrant space.
Plans incorporate the construction of 5,000 to 6,000 homes, dedicating at least 30% to affordable housing. The blueprint also includes recreational spaces, restaurants, stores, hotels, and significant allocation for parks and green areas.
Harris noted infrastructure investment from the city would have been necessary regardless of the project, which enhances the siteโs value significantly. โThe return for D.C.: jobs, tax revenue, events,โ Harris insisted, claiming that the city is deserving of such an initiative.
The projected timeline aims for the stadiumโs operational debut by 2030, requiring council approval by summer. This would allow planning to commence in the fall, paving the way for groundbreaking by late 2026.
Referencing the recent approval of Capital One Arenaโs extensive $800 million renovation project, aimed at retaining Washingtonโs Capitals and Wizards, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie is unfazed by the urgent task at hand, confident in the councilโs ability to multitask.
โWe are adept at handling concurrent tasks in the nationโs capital,โ McDuffie noted, highlighting the economic and community growth potential of the initiative. โThis presents tremendous opportunities for growth, involving local residents and small businesses.โ