The D.C. Council approved a $3.7 billion deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to the RFK Stadium site, clearing the way for a new 65,000-seat football stadium and mixed-use development along the Anacostia River. The project includes $1 billion in taxpayer funding and incentives, with the team contributing $2.7 billion toward construction and surrounding infrastructure. Supporters call it the city’s largest-ever economic development initiative, while critics argue the public subsidy is overly generous to wealthy team owners.
The Washington Post reported:
After various attempts at last-minute adjustments that frustrated the Commanders and the mayor’s office, the council’s vote was in the end decisive — 11-2. In the final deal, the Commanders agreed to contribute $2.7 billion for the 65,000-seat stadium that the team hopes to open in 2030. The $1 billion from D.C. taxpayers will fund some stadium infrastructure, parking facilities, utility work and a new recreation facility.
On Wednesday, lawmakers did not alter the central terms of the deal again ahead of the final vote, but they did make some smaller changes. The council secured additional promises from the team to preserve more heritage trees on the land and to adhere to higher environmental building standards for the stadium.
About 30 of the heritage trees — typically protected because they are considered irreplaceable — would have been at risk because of the development, Allen said, but the new promise from the Commanders will protect about 20 of them that fall along East Capitol Street behind the stadium.
The team also agreed to adhere, when feasible, to the highest standards for energy efficiency at the stadium. The environmental commitments were still paltry from the perspective of the local Sierra Club chapter, which said in a news release Wednesday that the bill lacked environmental safeguards and “prioritizes a handout to wealthy team owners over protecting residents, the climate, and the Anacostia River.”
The council also accepted an amendment from council member Wendell Felder (D-Ward 7) to direct some funds the city is using for the stadium specifically toward low-income neighborhoods in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 for initiatives such as rental assistance, home-buying assistance and grants for small businesses.
The city’s contribution to the project includes $500 million for stadium infrastructure, more than $350 million for parking garages, and $202 million for utilities and a transit study. The city will also finance a sportsplex that will be run by the Department of Parks and Recreation and include an indoor track and other space for youth sports. And the city will raise and dedicate funding for transit improvements, including a possible expansion of the Stadium-Armory Metro station or a new station entirely.
The revenue from the stadium and surrounding development will be split between the football team and the city. The team will receive proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and ads at the stadium, while the city will get tax revenue from refreshments and merchandise. Parking proceeds for large stadium events will go to the team, while revenue from a tax on parking will go to the city.
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