Official announcements from D.C. government or involved parties

Congress Grants D.C. 99-Year Lease on RFK Stadium Site, Aiming to Bring Commanders Back by Friday Deadline

Dec 18, 2024, 12:13 AM

The U.S. Congress has included a bill in its continuing resolution that will transfer control of the RFK Stadium site from the federal government to Washington, D.C. This legislative move, aimed at avoiding a government shutdown, is seen as a significant step toward potentially bringing the Washington Commanders back to D.C. The bill, which has been in negotiation for years, would grant D.C. a 99-year lease on the 174-acre site, allowing for its redevelopment into a new stadium or other uses. The inclusion of the bill in the continuing resolution has been confirmed by multiple sources, and it is expected to pass both the House and Senate by the funding deadline on Friday. This development has been met with optimism by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who sees it as an opportunity to transform the site into a vibrant area for housing, recreation, and possibly a new home for the Commanders.