With an outstanding pre -season in the NFL, the Washington Commanders made the hearts of their fans beat faster. In the future, these should also be able to cheer on a historical location. Because the Commanders are planning a mega project.
As the Commanders announced, the team will probably return to the capital in 2030, or rather where the time -honored Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is currently. A new mega arena will be opened there in five years, which will have space for 65,000 spectators. Cost: $ 3.7 billion!
The Commanders had played their home games from 1961 to 1996 at the RFK Stadium, which is currently being demolished. Since then, the team has been playing in Landover/Maryland, 8 km northeast of Washington.
According to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, the new arena will, according to the heart of an 180 hectare development project in the US capital, where apartments, parks, hotels, restaurants and shops are also to be built. That is why $ 1.15 billion also comes from the district, the Commanders invest around $ 2.7 billion in the project.
So much for the plan, because this still has to be nodded off the Washington City Council.
NFL: pure nostalgia
However, those involved seem to be very good things. Josh Harris, managing partner of the Commanders, already spoke of a “decisive moment” for the city and the franchise. “RFK was once a place that our fans loved and feared the opponents – we are determined to make him such a place again,” he said.
Washington had won three Super Bowls from 1982 to 1991 while the RFK Stadium was his home. In total, the Commanders played over 30 years in the arena (1961-1997).
The history and nostalgia are accordingly large. This also emerged at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who grew up nearby and previously visited games in the old stadium. He also commented on the plans.
“In a way, it is very emotional,” he said. “This is a very special day that many of us have been looking forward to for many years. The future of the Commanders is rosy.”