WASHINGTON (7News) — Fans of the Washington Commanders are getting their first look at the future home of the NFL team when they make their return to Washington, D.C. in 2030.
HKS, the architectural firm designing the new stadium, released five concept renderings on Thursday of what the stadium will look like.
The stadium is being built on the former site of RFK Stadium along East Capitol Street in Northeast D.C. The demolition of the old stadium is nearly complete, with little left standing.
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“We are proud to share the first visuals of our future stadium, a defining milestone in the next phase of the development process,” said Mark Clouse, President of the Washington Commanders, in a statement. “This moment underscores the strength of our partnership with HKS, whose thoughtful, forward -looking approach has helped us shape a concept that is worthy of its extraordinary site along DC’s Monumental Axis and truly embodies the spirit and character of the District.”
HKS has a history of designing iconic sports venues, such as the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
“HKS is honored to work on one of the world’s most extraordinary sports and entertainment sites, and this project calls for an equally extraordinary response. Every design decision is guided by the significance of place – shaped by its local, regional and national history and generations of memories rooted in RFK Stadium, ” said Mark A. Williams, FAIA, HKS Global Venues Director in a statement.
The stadium will have a roof and around 65,000 seats. It is anticipated to host more than 200 events varying from sports, concerts, festivals and major celebrations every year.
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“These renderings give DC a lot to look forward to – a beautiful and unique waterfront stadium and the return of our Commanders; year -round events that are steps away from an entertainment district and public transportation; and, of course, jobs for DC residents and new opportunities for DC businesses,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser in a statement.
Bowser, who announced in November that she is not running for reelection, will have to hand off plans to her successor to push the project across the goal line.
“We will have a schedule in place that will make RFK unassailable. That’s my plan. I think we’re on that path. I think the team has been working diligently, even before there was a final vote. They felt strongly they had to risk, put some of their investment at risk to even get started with the planning,” Bowser said during her November announcement.
Vertical construction on the stadium is expected to start in the spring of 2027. It is expected to be fully completed by 2030.
Housing and shops are also part of the plan, but that development is expected to be delayed by about a decade after the stadium opens.
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