The Commanders officially are returning to D.C.
After a marathon meeting, the D.C. City Council approved the $3.7 billion project to redevelop the RFK Stadium site, 11-2, according to multiple reports.
The vote authorizes the use of $1.1 billion in taxpayer money to bring the team back to the city.
Groundbreaking is expected to begin next year on a 65,000-seat covered stadium with a targeted completion date of 2030.
The deal appeared in doubt Wednesday morning when Commanders president Mark Clouse sent a letter to members of the council expressing frustration at “last-minute demands.”
“Less than 24 hours before the final vote, the Commanders organization was presented with a list of unworkable and impractical last-minute demands by Councilmembers, which we simply cannot agree to as it jeopardizes the deal,” the letter reads. “Given our deep engagement with the council over many months and our proven willingness to address any Councilmember feedback, this is unexpected and unfortunate.”
It all worked out Wednesday evening, though.
The team moved to Landover, Maryland, in 1997, and the current lease expires in 2027.
The new stadium will occupy 11 percent of the 180-acre site. The Commanders will be responsible for developing land around the stadium to attract restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues.
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