At a Glance
- The Washington Commanders released renderings of a luminous domed stadium to replace RFK Stadium.
- The 70,000-seat venue is slated for vertical completion in spring 2027 and full completion in 2030.
- The design nods to RFK’s legacy with a continuous colonnade and transparent roof.
Why it matters: The project revives a historic D.C. site and could reshape sports and entertainment access for the region.
The Washington Commanders and architecture firm HKS have revealed the first images of a new domed stadium planned for the site of the former RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The renderings show a glowing, translucent roof structure intended to serve as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community events.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the team and HKS described the venue as a “dynamic, year-round destination” that will “integrate sustainable design practices and reimagine the fan experience through immersive spaces.” The 70,000-seat design draws direct inspiration from RFK Stadium, which stood on the same parcel until its demolition.
Design Anchored in RFK Memory
The architects emphasized continuity with the past. The statement notes the stadium will “link the city’s historic core with the Anacostia River and neighboring landscapes” through a sculpted, transparent domed roof that rises to greet visitors arriving from the north and south while keeping a lower profile along the east-west axis out of respect for views toward the U.S. Capitol and nearby monuments.
Key design elements include:
- A continuous colonnade wrapping the exterior
- A transparent roof to reduce visual bulk
- Sightlines planned to preserve monument views
- Pedestrian connections to the Anacostia Riverfront
“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 release stated.
Timeline and Milestones
Construction is set to follow an aggressive schedule:
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Vertical construction complete | Spring 2027 |
| Full project completion | 2030 |
Officials cautioned that the design may evolve before shovels hit the ground. “Vertical construction” refers to the point at which the stadium structure rises above ground level, a key marker for large-scale developments.
Community Engagement and Legacy
The project revives a site long tied to Washington sports history. RFK Stadium, which opened in 1961 and was demolished in 2023, hosted the Commanders during multiple championship runs and is remembered fondly by many District residents. The new venue aims to echo that heritage while adding modern amenities.
According to the release, the stadium will prioritize:
- Sustainable materials and energy systems
- Flexible spaces for concerts, festivals, and community use
- Enhanced transit and pedestrian access
- Views that connect visitors to the city’s monumental core
Project Scope
The development covers the 190-acre RFK campus east of Capitol Hill. Beyond the stadium, plans include retail, office, residential, and park space, though detailed designs for those elements have not yet been released. The District maintains control of the land through a lease with the federal government, ensuring local oversight of the broader redevelopment.
Next Steps
The Commanders and HKS will continue community meetings and design refinements before seeking final city approvals. Officials say updated renderings and environmental studies will be released throughout 2026, with groundbreaking anticipated shortly after vertical construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Cameron R. Hayes reported for News Of Fort Worth.
