The Washington Commanders revealed the first designs for their new stadium to be built on the site of the former RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
At a Glance
- A luminous domed 70,000-seat stadium will replace RFK Stadium
- Design emphasizes openness, continuity and shared experience
- Vertical construction set for completion in spring 2027, full opening in 2030
- Why it matters: The venue aims to become a year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community events
The team and architecture firm HKS released renderings Thursday showing a transparent domed structure rising near the Anacostia River. The design draws direct inspiration from the legacy of RFK Stadium, according to the joint statement released by the Commanders and HKS.
“The roofed stadium will be a dynamic, year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community engagement, integrating sustainable design practices and reimagining the fan experience through immersive spaces,” the statement said.
Design Reflects Historic Neighbors
The stadium’s sculpted, transparent roof establishes what the team calls “a dynamic yet respectful profile.” It rises to welcome visitors approaching from the north and south while maintaining a lower presence along the east-west axis. This lower profile pays deference to the U.S. Capitol and adjacent monuments.
Key design elements include:
- A continuous colonnade linking the public realm to the interior
- Transparent materials to maintain visual connection with surrounding landscapes
- Height variations that acknowledge the historic core and federal landmarks
“Drawing inspiration from the legacy of RFK Stadium, the design emphasizes openness, continuity and shared experience, with a continuous colonnade strengthening the relationship between the public realm and the interior and reinforcing the stadium’s role as a unifying civic landmark,” the statement noted.
Construction Timeline
While the design may evolve, the project timeline remains firm. Vertical construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2027, with full project completion targeted for 2030.
The Commanders have not released cost estimates or detailed financing plans for the 70,000-seat venue. The team and HKS emphasized that released renderings represent the current vision and are subject to change as development progresses.
RFK Stadium, which opened in 1961, served as home to Washington’s NFL franchise for nearly three decades before the team moved to FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The crumbling stadium was demolished in 2023, clearing the way for redevelopment of the 190-acre site along the Anacostia River.
Key Takeaways
- The new stadium will seat 70,000 and feature a luminous domed roof
- Design pays homage to RFK Stadium while respecting sight-lines to the Capitol
- Project completion set for 2030 with vertical construction finishing in 2027
- Venue marketed as year-round destination beyond NFL games
