Federal land, local hurdles: What’s next for the Commanders stadium project

Now that the D C Council has approved the billion deal that will bring the Washington Commanders back to the nation s capital the crew and the city will focus on beginning the rise of the -acre RFK Stadium campus Related stories The Washington Commanders are returning to DC as council approves B deal for stadium at RFK site Farewell RFK Stadium Iconic DC stadium slowly disappears Residents living near RFK site voice concern optimism as DC stadium vote inches closer Matt Winkler American University professor and director of sports analytics and management declared the final vote will spark a gold rush There s going to be a lot of people looking to be stakeholders and a lot of people you know wanting contracts wanting to get in early on these opportunities Winkler noted To win the favor of the city and a taxpayer expenditure of more than billion the project includes plans for mixed-use growth affordable housing and even a society benefits package Winkler commented that s what it takes to win over local leaders and residents a stadium alone doesn t cut it Now they re expected to be these vibrant districts you know that deliver value to the city and the public-private partnerships not just on tournament day but really days a year Winkler revealed He announced the stadium will host year-round events because it will have a roof allowing for events in inclement or cold weather The Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills are also working on new stadium developments but the Commanders face additional hurdles due to the project s urban location and the fact that numerous fans it demands to attract don t live nearby D C will have to be more creative in how they do this deal and work in partnership not just with the organization but the civic entities around Capitol Hill Winkler commented He commented the squad also has to be creative in how it approaches parking since the traditional big open lots for tailgating won t be there The group will also have to deal with a longer process to get plans approved because the redevelopment project must first go through federal review The National Capital Planning Commission is among the entities that need to sign off The commission includes commissioners who represent D C Maryland Virginia and the White House The current administration and our President has gotten involved in things like this so that s a factor that not multiple people can say that they have to deal with Winkler commented The commission advised WTOP it is awaiting the plans from the city and will work with the National Park Organization on reviewing them when they come in Those approvals will be followed by local design and permitting requirements all of which could slow the process Council Chairman Phil Mendelson disclosed Tuesday the promising for delays prompted leaders to change the deal to no longer require the first housing units be delivered during the year the stadium opens Instead the deadline will be three years after the permitting process is done Also Winkler stated unlike SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles both stadiums funded by one entity this project s success will product from all stakeholders working together This one s different because it really requirements everybody else to come together and move forward you know all working together as well and then fit it in a really tight spot there Winkler commented Despite specific of the snags the crew could hit moving forward Winkler disclosed this project will be a revenue maker Making it not just a sports outlay but also a business and real estate strategy he noted Winkler explained this project stands out because it will bring a new stadium to a historic site that s part of the squad s story Adding the historical component and special memories to the you know photos images that are out there of what it can look like I think people are going to get really excited about it Winkler stated Source