Commanders Reveal New $4 Billion Stadium Designs to Recreate RFK Noise

Bringing back the noise of RFK

The Washington Commanders have shared the first designs for their new stadium. Scheduled to open in 2030, the project aims to bring back the famous home field advantage of the old RFK Stadium. The team played at RFK from 1961 to 1996 before moving to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

The new venue will sit on the site where RFK once stood. Designed by global firm HKS, the project will cost nearly 4 billion dollars. The Commanders will pay 2.7 billion dollars, while taxpayers will contribute 1.1 billion dollars. The goal is to build a stadium that seats about 65000 fans in one continuous loop.

Built for fan energy

The designs focus heavily on making the stadium as loud as possible. The seating bowl on both sides will rise straight up. This layout has minimal overhangs, which stops sound from being absorbed. It is a feature inspired by Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.

There will also be a "Wall of Fans" behind one end zone, similar to what the NBA's LA Clippers have done at the Intuit Dome. This section will offer affordable, fan friendly seating. To make things even more exciting, the new stadium will feature a special section of stands that actually bounces when fans get excited, just like the old RFK Stadium did.

The stadium will also feature a translucent roof and a glass facade that offers a view of the U.S. Capitol. Washington team president Mark Clouse said, "Every aspect of the design is intended to amplify the energy and intensity of the crowd."

Chasing past success

The Commanders hope the new venue brings back the success they enjoyed at RFK. During their time at the old stadium, Washington made five Super Bowl appearances and won three championships, specifically during the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons. They also had 18 winning seasons between 1971 and 1992.

By contrast, the team has had just eight winning seasons and reached the NFC Championship Game once since moving to Maryland. Fans will hope this return to their historic home site can help spark a new era of winning football.