Sports
Washington Commanders Plan Millions More In FedEx Field Upgrades
The new Commanders ownership intends to make millions more in upgrades in FedEx Field, which was once named the NFL's worst stadium.
![The Washington Commanders ownership intends to make more upgrades to FedEx Field, which has drawn criticism for poor conditions. The next round of work will bring the cost of update to $75 million total.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22924509/20240227/043413/styles/patch_image/public/washington-commanders___27155921406.jpg)
ASHBURN, VA — Aside from the Washington Commanders' performance on the field in recent years, the state of FedEx Field may remain one of the biggest pain points for the team's fans. And lawmakers are set to discuss the possible renovation of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., once the storied home of the Washington Redskins.
On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders announced their intent to continue fixing FedEx Field in suburban Maryland, once ranked the worst NFL stadium. Since new ownership took the reins last July, the Commanders have promised more than $75 million in upgrades to the stadium.
The newly-announced upgrades include quicker entry into the stadium, new premium seating options and suite experiences, improved food and drink options, sound system upgrades, elevator and escalator upgrades, water and mechanical system updates, and other infrastructure upgrades.
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"Our ownership team continues to make significant investments to improve the overall stadium experience for Commanders games and an impressive slate of concerts and other great live events coming to the DMV in the future," said Commanders President Jason Wright.
The premium options will include the 1932 Club premium suite space, VIP field tunnel club near where the team takes the field, upgraded furniture and carpeting in some premium areas, new terrace tables, and an upgraded USO lounge for our veterans and military members.
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Fans will find updates to food and drink service with new market concepts and drink lanes. Entering the stadium will be streamlined with a more efficient parking system and security entry points.
The team is under contract to play at FedEx Field in Landover through 2027.
The U.S. House is scheduled to consider the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act Wednesday, which decides what to do with the old DC site, according to a spokeswoman for D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.
“It would allow the land where RFK Stadium sits — crumbling — to be used for a new stadium, parks, commercial or residential purposes,” the spokeswoman said in a post on X.
If approved, Washington, D.C., could enter a 99-year lease on the site with the National Park Service, allowing the city to redevelop the area or pave the way for the Commanders to build a stadium there, WTOP reported.
Related:
- NFL Owners Approve $6B Washington Commanders Sale: Report
- Commanders Sold For $6.05 Billion To Group Led By Josh Harris: Report
- Commanders Fire Coach Ron Rivera After 4 Disappointing Years, Turmoil
Last year, the team announced a $40 million upgrade in FedExField, including work on the stadium infrastructure and the overall fan experience. Those upgrades include three new themed suites, new ticket scanning pedestals, point of sale upgrades and updated Commanders branded imagery around the stadium, as well as maintenance repairs to the bowl and paint around the stadium.
Aside from the newly-announced stadium upgrades, it's been a busy offseason so far for the Commanders. After the team fired former Head Coach Ron Rivera following the regular season, the Commanders replaced General Manager Martin Mayhew with Adam Peters and added new Head Coach Dan Quinn and other staff.
The Commanders will also have to make a decision about their quarterback and tackle other priorities for the upcoming season. Next season's schedule will be released in the spring. In the meantime, FedEx Field will host events over the summer, including several concerts and a soccer friendly with FIFA World Champion Argentina vs. Guatemala.
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