WASHINGTON—The Washington Commanders announced on Nov. 13 that the architecture firm HKS will design its new stadium.
“Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District,” said Commanders President Mark Clouse in a statement.
“HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality, and community impact,” he continued.
“This partnership underscores our shared vision to create a stadium that enhances the fan experience, strengthens our connection with the community, and sets a new standard for the future of sports and entertainment—delivering an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come.”
HKS was behind designing SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“HKS is thrilled to partner with the Commanders to design a new home that celebrates the pride and unmistakable energy of the nation’s capital,” said the firm’s executive vice president, Mark Williams, in a statement.
The Commanders announced in April their plan to build a $3.7 billion stadium and campus in the nation’s capital at the site of the defunct Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, commonly known as RFK Stadium. The Commanders will contribute $2.7 billion to the project, which will include mixed-use districts consisting of green space, shops, housing, and restaurants.
“We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way,” said Williams. “The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”
The stadium will seat 65,000 people and be host to at least 200 events, such as concerts, per year. It is set to break ground in 2026 and open in 2030.
The new site came about due to Congress passing legislation last year to lease the stadium campus from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia for 99 years.
President Donald Trump celebrated the announcement.
“The new stadium deal is a huge win for Washington, D.C., and for the team’s incredible fan base. It will also boost economic development, create more jobs and, hopefully, lead to less crime in the area,” he posted on Truth Social.
The Commanders currently play at Northwest Field in Landover, Maryland. The team’s lease there is set to expire in 2031, though the team can legally relocate to another venue.
