Congress halts RFK Stadium land transfer, devastating blow to Commanders and NFL fans
- The federal government has removed the provision transferring RFK Stadium land to D.C. control from a spending bill.
- The Washington Commanders were seeking this land for a new stadium but face setbacks due to political opposition.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser argued that revitalizing the RFK site is crucial for the city’s development and image.
In December 2024, the U.S. Congress removed a provision to transfer the land of the old RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., from federal control to local authorities. This decision was part of a short-term spending bill lawmakers were rushing to pass to avoid a government shutdown. The Washington Commanders, an NFL team, had hoped to use the site for a new stadium, making this removal a setback for their plans. Team owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had actively lobbied for the inclusion of this provision earlier in the month, seeking to secure the land for future development. The initial proposal included a long-term arrangement where the land would remain under D.C. control for 99 years. However, following criticism from influential figures such as President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, Congress opted to revise the spending package, leading to the exclusion of the RFK provision. The team has been considering various locations in and around Washington, D.C., as potential sites for a new stadium, as their lease at the current venue in Landover, Maryland, won’t expire until 2027. Harris described 2030 as a potential target for the opening of the new stadium and emphasized his team's commitment to this endeavor. Historically, the Commanders enjoyed great success from 1982 to 1991, winning three Super Bowl championships while playing at RFK Stadium, fostering a deep emotional connection to the site among the team’s ownership. The possible construction of a new stadium is seen as an effort to reclaim the legacy and fan engagement that the franchise had during its glory years. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted the significance of the site, criticizing it as an underutilized area that has been neglected since the stadium ceased operations approximately ten years ago. She stated that revitalizing RFK Stadium’s 177 acres is essential for the city’s image and future development. Despite her efforts to advocate for the land transfer, the political climate appears to have shifted against it, and discussions surrounding alternative plans for the site and the team's future remain open-ended.