President Joe Biden recently signed a bill that transfers the land encompassing the old RFK Stadium from federal government ownership to city control, marking a significant step towards potentially bringing the NFL's Washington Commanders back to the nation's capital.
This move grants the District of Columbia control of the land for the next 99 years, enabling the demolition of the deteriorating old stadium and the redevelopment of the site for various purposes. Among the possibilities being considered is the construction of a football stadium and additional entertainment options at the franchise's former home.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her enthusiasm for the development, stating, 'It is a good day for D.C. when we finally have control of our own destiny at the RFK campus.' She emphasized the potential for the 170-acre land to accommodate housing, economic opportunities, green spaces, recreational facilities, sports amenities, and more.
Bowser credited the successful outcome to years of persistent advocacy, collaborative efforts, and bipartisan leadership. The bill was passed by Congress just before the holiday recess after being separated from the year-end spending bill, posing a challenge to the extensive work done by Bowser and other stakeholders over the past 18 months.
While the prospect of the Commanders returning to Washington is promising, it is not guaranteed. The team is exploring various locations in the district, Maryland, and Virginia for the construction of a new stadium in the upcoming years. Their current lease at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, is valid until 2027, with 2030 being considered a feasible target for the completion of a new stadium.
The Commanders previously played at RFK Stadium, situated 2 miles east of the Capitol, from 1961 to 1996 before relocating to Maryland. The team's controlling owner, along with co-owners who are avid Washington football fans, are reminiscing about the glory days of the franchise, which included three Super Bowl championships from 1982 to 1991.
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