The Washington Commanders have chosen HKS Architects to design their new $3.7 billion stadium complex on the site of the former Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium along the Anacostia River waterfront in Washington, D.C. The ambitious project will transform the 180-acre site into a year-round destination featuring sports, entertainment, housing, parks, and recreational facilities for the NFL franchise owned by Josh Harris.
The new development has already generated political attention, with ESPN reporting earlier this month that President Trump is seeking to have the upcoming complex named after himself. The Washington Post has begun speculating about potential names, including "The Donald J. Trump Dome." According to a senior White House staffer, the presidential dedication is what Trump wants, and it will likely happen.
The original RFK Memorial Stadium, designed by George Leighton Dahl 64 years ago, received demolition approval in 2024 after sitting vacant for five years. Congress passed the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act that same year to enable redevelopment of the site, which sits on National Park Service land. Complete demolition is scheduled for completion this fall, clearing the way for the new construction.
The new stadium will be funded through a public-private partnership, according to HKS's press statement. This project represents a key component of a massive 30-year, $10 billion master plan designed to better connect Washington, D.C. with the Anacostia River and revitalize the entire waterfront area.
While renderings have not yet been released, HKS has been tasked with designing a covered, 65,000-seat football stadium that will offer spectacular views of the Washington Monument, as the site sits on axis with the iconic landmark. The venue is planned to host approximately 200 events per year, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and major national celebrations.
The comprehensive development plan extends far beyond just the stadium itself. Approximately 30 percent of the 180-acre site will be dedicated to green space, ensuring environmental sustainability and community access to parks. The project will also include between 5,000 and 6,000 residential units, with up to 1,900 of these designated as affordable housing. Additional components will feature new youth sports facilities, hotel accommodations, and retail establishments.
"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 Mark Williams, HKS global venues director. "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."
Looking ahead, HKS will conduct a series of community engagement meetings before entering the concept and schematic design phases. Public meetings are scheduled for November and December of this year to gather community input and feedback. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027, with full project completion targeted for 2030, marking a new era for professional football in the nation's capital.
