The Washington Commanders have selected HKS, a prominent Dallas, Texas-based architecture and design firm, to serve as the lead architect for their new stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. The selection marks a significant milestone in the NFL team's ambitious plan to return to the nation's capital after decades of playing in Maryland.
HKS will transform the historic 180-acre site into what the Commanders describe as a vibrant, year-round destination that extends far beyond football. The comprehensive development will include sports and entertainment facilities, residential housing, parks and recreation areas, and various neighborhood amenities designed to serve the community throughout the year.
The architecture firm brings impressive credentials to the project, having designed some of the NFL's most modern and acclaimed stadiums. HKS's portfolio includes SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, home to both the Rams and Chargers; U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, where the Minnesota Vikings play; and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The firm has maintained a Washington, D.C. office since 2003, providing local expertise and familiarity with the region.
Mark Clouse, president of the Washington Commanders, emphasized the significance of this partnership in moving the team's vision forward. "Selecting the design firm is a major step forward in our journey to bring the Commanders back to D.C.," Clouse stated. He added that the 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."
Clouse further explained that the project aims to "deliver an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come." This commitment reflects the organization's long-term investment in the Washington, D.C. community and its desire to create a lasting positive impact on the area.
According to HKS, the stadium design will prioritize football as its core function while also honoring the city's rich historical significance. The firm has committed to creating a venue that respects Washington's unique character and heritage while incorporating cutting-edge design elements and modern amenities that will enhance the overall fan experience.
Beyond the stadium itself, HKS has outlined broader community development goals for the project. The firm intends to help reconnect Washington, D.C. to the Anacostia River, which has long been separated from much of the city by infrastructure and development patterns. Additionally, the project aims to catalyze investment on the city's east side, an area that has historically received less development attention than other parts of the District.
The proposed stadium will accommodate 65,000 spectators, making it suitable for NFL games as well as other major sporting and entertainment events. The broader campus development will significantly impact the local housing market by adding thousands of new residential units, with a committed percentage designated as affordable housing to ensure the project benefits residents across different income levels.
The comprehensive development plan includes youth sports facilities, recognizing the importance of community recreation and athletic development programs. Hotel and retail spaces will provide commercial opportunities and serve visitors to the area, while extensive green space will offer environmental benefits and recreational opportunities for local residents.
To ensure community input and transparency, HKS has committed to hosting a series of community meetings throughout this month and continuing into December. These sessions will involve city government officials and provide opportunities for local leaders and community members to offer feedback and express their concerns or suggestions about the project's development.
According to the city's official timeline, construction on the new Commanders stadium is scheduled to begin in fall 2027. The project is expected to reach completion and open for its first season in 2030, giving the team and its partners approximately six years to complete the extensive planning, design, and construction phases of this major undertaking.
