WASHINGTON — D.C. leaders are moving forward with plans to bring the Washington Commanders back to the District.
WUSA9 learned that even before Congress reached agreement to give D.C. long-term control of the RFK site, Mayor Muriel Bowser had already begun meeting with Commanders ownership about the framework of a potential stadium deal. Bowser acknowledged those conversations on Wednesday.
“We’re very excited,” Bowser said less than 24 hours after Congress reached agreement to give D.C. long-term control of the RFK site.
“That is housing. That is other recreation. Parks, entertainment -- all of those things can happen in 177 acres including a world class stadium,” Bowser said.
A new Washington Commanders football stadium complex on the RFK site could cost billions of dollars. And how much D.C. would be asked to kick in is unclear.
“I think that we agree that this is the best site,” Bowser said of her conversations with the Commanders. “We’ve absolutely had preliminary conversations with the team; we want to be serious about what we advance to the community and the team.”
This, even as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore continues to pitch the Commanders on staying in Prince Georges County. Virginia leaders have been noticeably silent on the Commanders stadium issue.
But the focus of most fans remains on the team’s potential return to the District. And WUSA9 learned the Commanders have begun the process of lobbying D.C. councilmembers on the idea, since the Council will ultimately have to approve any plans.
Some, like Councilmember Christina Henderson, say they have asked the team how much features like a retractable roof would add to the price tag. Industry insiders say retractable roofs can cost $600 Million or more. But they are outdated based on the most recent NFL Stadium models which all feature translucent roofs, a price tag of $200-$400 million dollars.
“Do you really want me building hundreds of millions of dollars on an NFL Stadium?” asked Councilmember Charles Allen, who has spent years fighting the idea of using the RFK site for a new football stadium.
“I'm excited about the fact that now finally D.C. is in charge of making the decision that we can control the future of that site,” Allen said. “That's something every D.C. resident, every D.C. leader should be excited about. Now, what comes next? That's where the hard work begins, and I know I would like to see something other than NFL stadium there.”
D.C. Councilmember Broke Pinto says she’s behind stadium talks.
“D.C. residents have many great memories attending sporting events at RFK Stadium and I fully support developing this site for productive use for housing, retail, transit, recreation space, and as a potential home for the Commanders and space for other sports and entertainment uses,” Pinto said in a statement. “The conversations are ongoing to ensure that the community is engaged, and a part of the process and that RFK can be a world class destination for residents and visitors.”
Mayor Bowser has not revealed how much D.C. would kick in on a new Commanders Stadium or where the city would come up with the money.
WUSA9 reported that the District is virtually out of power after paying half a billion dollars for renovations at Capitol One. But on Wednesday, the mayor said the city's borrowing power changes from year to year.
In August, the District paid an LA consultant more than half a million dollars on how the city could build and finance a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. That study has yet to be completed.