The Washington Commanders have made a major advancement in their quest for a new stadium on the former RFK Stadium site in D.C., as the city council approved crucial legislation to proceed with the project on Friday. This development marks a pivotal moment for the team, which has long sought to bring the franchise back to its spiritual home in the nation’s capital.
However, the project now faces political hurdles, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who has actively pressured the team over its nickname. Trump criticized the Commanders for not reverting to their previous name, the Redskins, and has threatened to block the stadium construction unless the team changes its name. This has added a layer of political complexity to the already intricate process of finalizing the stadium deal.
After the council’s approval, the next phase involves securing final approval from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has been a key collaborator in the project. The second vote is scheduled for September 17. The approved plan includes a $3.7 billion redevelopment project, which would transform the RFK Stadium site into a new stadium, along with 6,000 housing units, retail spaces, and parkland. The project also includes plans to host the NFL Draft on the National Mall in 2,027, further highlighting its significance for the city.
Team owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have been instrumental in negotiating the stadium deal and have been working closely with D.C. officials. Harris expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing its transformative potential for the city and the region. He noted that the new stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for the team but would also create thousands of jobs and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
Organizations like RFK Now! have been rallying support for the Commanders, advocating for the project and expressing optimism about the upcoming vote. However, the July controversy involving Trump’s criticism of the team’s nickname threatened to derail the project. Trump had threatened to impose restrictions on the Commanders unless they changed their name back to the Redskins, a move that could have potentially halted the stadium construction.
Despite the political pressure, Harris has remained resolute in his stance, emphasizing that the Commanders’ name is a source of pride for the team and the community. This resolve underscores the broader political implications of the name issue, as it continues to be a point of contention between the team and the former president. The outcome of the project will have significant implications for the team, the city, and even the broader sports community, as it moves forward with its plans to bring the Commanders home to D.C.