The Washington Commanders and architecture firm HKS released the first renderings of the team’s new 70,000-seat domed stadium planned for the site of the former RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
At a Glance
- The luminous domed venue will rise where RFK Stadium once stood
- Vertical construction finishes spring 2027; full completion set for 2030
- Design nods to RFK’s legacy with openness, continuity and shared experience
- Why it matters: The project reclaims a historic site and promises year-round sports, entertainment and community use
The images show a translucent roofed structure intended as “a dynamic, year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community engagement, integrating sustainable design practices and reimagining the fan experience through immersive spaces,” the team and HKS said Thursday.
Design Inspired by RFK Stadium
HKS said the stadium’s form borrows from the memory of RFK, the stadium remembered fondly by many D.C. residents that previously occupied the site.
Key design elements include:
- A sculpted, transparent domed roof
- A continuous colonnade linking public space to the interior
- A lower profile along the east-west axis to respect views of the U.S. Capitol and nearby monuments
- A welcoming elevation for visitors approaching from the north and south
“Drawing inspiration from the legacy of RFK Stadium, the design emphasizes openness, continuity and shared experience, with a continuous colonnade strengthening the relationship between the public realm and the interior and reinforcing the stadium’s role as a unifying civic landmark,” the joint statement said.
Project Timeline
The team offered a two-phase completion schedule:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Vertical construction complete | Spring 2027 |
| Full project completion | 2030 |
Officials cautioned that the design may evolve before construction finishes.
Connecting City Core and River
Planners intend the building to reconnect the city’s historic core with the Anacostia River and surrounding parklands. The statement said the structure will establish “a dynamic yet respectful profile” while serving as a civic anchor for the redeveloped waterfront.
Marcus L. Bennett reported for News Of Losangeles.
