A Touchdown for D.C.: The Washington Commanders Take a Major Step Toward Returning to the Capital

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After decades away, the Washington Commanders may soon find their way back to the heart of the nation's capital. In a dramatic late-night session on Saturday, the U.S. Senate cleared the way for the team to potentially return to its historic home, RFK Stadium, by passing the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

The resolution, which transfers the decaying RFK Stadium land from federal control to the District of Columbia for the next 99 years, is now awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature to become law. This landmark decision sets the stage for the revitalization of the 174-acre site and offers the Commanders a chance to rekindle their legacy in Washington.

A New Era for RFK Stadium

The bill’s passage marks the end of a contentious journey filled with political hurdles, misinformation, and heated debates. District Mayor Muriel Bowser, Commanders owner Josh Harris, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and bipartisan congressional leaders worked tirelessly to secure this victory.

“We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington, D.C., the opportunity to decide on the future of the RFK Stadium site," Harris said in a statement. “This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered.”

The site, abandoned and crumbling since the team’s departure in 1996, will now have a chance at revival. The land could host a new stadium and entertainment district or be transformed into another community-focused project.

The Commanders' Path to D.C.

While the bill brings the Commanders closer to returning to Washington, it doesn’t guarantee a new stadium. The team is also weighing options in Maryland and Virginia, with their current lease at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, set to expire in 2027. Harris has hinted at 2030 as a target for opening a new stadium.

RFK Stadium, just two miles from the Capitol, was the team’s home from 1961 to 1996. Those years included the franchise's glory days, highlighted by three Super Bowl championships from 1982 to 1991.

For Harris and several co-owners, the site holds sentimental value. They grew up as fans of Washington football during its golden era and now see the potential for a historic comeback.

Regional Cooperation and Local Impact

The bill's passage is a significant achievement for Bowser, who praised the bipartisan effort. “Everybody loves a good comeback story — and that’s D.C.’s story,” she said.

The resolution includes a provision prohibiting federal funds from being used for a stadium, a critical factor in securing bipartisan support. Bowser emphasized this point after combating misinformation spread by Elon Musk, who inaccurately claimed taxpayers would bear the cost of the new stadium.

Maryland lawmakers, including Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, voiced their support for the land transfer after securing assurances that the RFK site would be redeveloped responsibly if the Commanders decide to move. “Through regional discussions and cooperation, our concerns with this proposal have been addressed,” they said.

A Vision for the Future

The Commanders' potential return to D.C. isn’t just about football; it’s about reviving a community space that has long been a symbol of the city's culture and history. Harris, the NFL, and city leaders envision a site that brings economic growth, entertainment, and a renewed sense of pride to the district.

As Ein, one of the Commanders’ co-owners, said, “This is bigger than a stadium. Last night’s bill was an extraordinary moment of bipartisan and regional cooperation to breathe new life into 174 acres of critical land.”

What’s Next

If Biden signs the legislation, Washington, D.C., will officially control the RFK site. While the Commanders’ next move remains uncertain, this victory sets the stage for exciting possibilities. Whether it’s a new football stadium or another transformative project, the RFK site’s future is brighter than it has been in decades.

For fans of the Commanders, the dream of seeing their team play once again in the heart of the capital feels closer than ever. The comeback story of D.C. football—and RFK Stadium—is officially underway.

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