Robert F. Kennedy Stadium is December 2024 in Washington, D.C. The stadium is being demolished and a new stadium will be built at the site. (Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images)
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The Washington Commanders continue to slide closer to a new stadium at the site of RFK Stadium. The latest step comes in announcing HKS as the lead architect.
The stadium will anchor a $2.7 billion private investment at the 180-acre site of RFK Stadium, which is now undergoing demolition. The Commanders say the roofed venue will seat about 65,000 with vertical construction expected to start in spring 2027. The team expects the venue to open in 2030.
“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,” says Mark Williams, HKS global venues director. “We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means be channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way.”
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, designed by HKS.
HKS
HKS has become a staple in NFL stadium design, having designed SoFi Stadium (Rams/Chargers), U.S. Bank Stadium (Vikings), Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts) and AT&T Stadium (Cowboys). The firm will design a venue that sits within a year-round development amidst housing, parks and recreation and neighborhood amenities. “The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports,” Williams says, “and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”
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Mark Clouse, president of the Commanders, says that selecting HKS marks a major step forward in the journey to bring the team “home to the district.” He expects HKS to bring a balance of design, functionality and community impact to the project. “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,” he says.
The new stadium is expected to potentially host 200 events each year but will be designed with football at the core. The Commanders say the stadium is envisioned as a “civic landmark for Washington, D.C.” and will feature monumental architecture and public spaces open throughout the year. The team expects the venue and new surrounding district to reconnect the city to the Anacostia River and create a new destination for residents and visitors on the city’s east side.
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U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, designed by HKS.
Nic Lehoux
As part of the district, plans include up to 6,000 new homes, new youth sports facilities, opportunities for hotel and retail development and at least 30% of the land given to enhanced green spaces. The team also plans to preserve the fields at RFK.
Next for the project comes mapping concept and schematic design principles with HKS before a series of community engagement meetings in coordination with the District of Columbia in November and December.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2025/11/13/washington-commanders-move-toward-stadium-design-by-choosing-hks/
