Commanders stadium plans revealed for RFK site

4 Min Read
Commanders stadium plans revealed for RFK site

The Boston architecture firm’s vision for the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. is bold and innovative. The proposed stadium would be constructed using mass timber, making it a pioneering approach to stadium design. Lead architect Kyle Murphy emphasized that these renderings are not an official proposal but rather a conceptual demonstration of what’s possible for the site.

The firm does not have a formal contract with the city or the team. Murphy explained, “We don’t have a dedicated national venue here, and that would be the ideal place to do that. When you think about Wembley Stadium in England or Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, we envision something that could symbolize national pride and go beyond just serving a specific team or city.”

The renderings are part of a larger rethink of the RFK Stadium site, which has been the subject of much debate and planning.

President Joe Biden recently signed a bill granting D.C. control over the site, opening up opportunities for the District to develop the space and potentially lure the Commanders back to the city. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed optimism, saying, “It is a good day for D.C. when we finally have control of our own destiny at the RFK campus. We are ready and optimistic about unlocking the full potential of this space.

With more than 170 acres of land, we can deliver housing, economic opportunity, green space, recreation, sports, and more.”

The proposed timber stadium could become the United States’ answer to Wembley Stadium. The designs showcase a more environmentally friendly construction compared to traditional steel stadiums.

Butter Not Miss This:  Shea McGee reveals how to cozy up large living spaces

Timber stadium vision unveiled

This audacious design is supported by a growing group of fans, politicians, and NFL officials who are advocating for the Commanders to move back into a new mass timber-constructed RFK Stadium, just two miles from the Capitol Building. The new plans coincide with the imminent demolition of the old concrete-based stadium. If constructed, the stadium would be the world’s largest rectangular stadium built out of mass timber.

The Commanders’ lease at FedEx Field expires in 2027, and the franchise could potentially move back to RFK Stadium by 2030. However, concerns have been raised about the plans for the Northwest Stadium site once the new Commanders home is built. Rep. Glenn Ivey called for more vision and collaboration from the Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris.

Ivey emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, “The people in the neighborhood need to know what’s being proposed too, so they can have a voice in what happens there. This is the center of the county. It could be a really dramatic economic boost if we do it right.

On the other hand, if we don’t, it really could end up looking like the RFK parking lot looks like now for decades to come.”

Discussions on the Commanders’ new home are still in the initial stages, and the team is exploring multiple options. By engaging with the community and carefully planning the development, lawmakers hope to transform the site into a major economic and cultural hub.

Share This Article