Cue the fight song; the Washington Commanders are coming back to “Old D.C.”
The D.C. Council voted Friday in favor of a $3.7 billion stadium deal that will build a state-of-the-art home for the Commanders on the site of the old RFK Stadium.
The deal passed 9-3. Ward 3 Council member Robert Frumin, At-Large Council member Robert White and Ward 1 Council member Brianne Nadeau voted against the proposal.
Another vote to finalize the deal is expected on Sept. 17. It is subject to a 30-day Congressional approval period under the District’s Home Rule Act.
“Today’s approval by the Council is transformational for D.C. and brings the Commanders back to our spiritual home,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said. “Like many fans, RFK was the site of memories that fueled my love for this team and this city. Now we’re closer than ever to reigniting that energy for a new generation.”
Three amendments proposed by At-Large Council member Robert White failed during Friday’s markup session. The first would have taxed the team’s sale of “personal seat licenses” at the stadium.
The second would have established a new revenue-sharing agreement between the franchise and the city. A third would have provided more severe penalties if the team failed to deliver on its affordable housing promises.
The team has said it plans to build 6,000 housing units, with 1,800 reserved for affordable initiatives.
The three amendments failed in a roll-call vote.
“Given the lack of meaningful teeth to ensure timely delivery, I’m a no on this bill,” Mr. Frumin said. “We need mechanisms to ensure the mixed-use development is delivered in a timely fashion.”
On Friday, the Commanders also agreed to a labor agreement orchestrated by Council members Zachary Parker and Janeese Lewis George. The deal will require the franchise to use union labor during stadium construction, with at least 51% of workers coming from the District.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating good-paying union jobs and ensuring that this project uplifts the working families who help support our communities,” Commanders President Mark Clouse said. “This agreement is more than a contract — it’s a partnership rooted in opportunity and mutual respect.”
After negotiations with the team, Commanders officials firmed up plans for a community benefit fund. The franchise will allot $30 million for a youth sports academy, $3 million for grocery subsidies in Ward 7, $7 million in local business subsidies, $5 million in workforce development programs and $2 million for community events and tickets.
The remaining $3 million would be invested in initiatives picked by the D.C. Council.
The team also changed its planned environmental goals on Friday. Executives said they will build the team to LEED Platinum environmental standards, a higher bar than previous plans.
The stadium proposal, which underwent minor alterations since being announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser in April, features a $1.1 billion investment from the city for parking garages and supporting infrastructure. The Commanders plan to devote $2.7 billion for vertical construction and an accompanying retail district.
The project also features an $89 million community sports complex, public parks and green spaces and 6,000 housing units to bring 10,000 new residents to the area. At least 30% of the homes are expected to qualify as “affordable housing.”
The Commanders plan to break ground on their new home next year with the stadium ready for play in 2030. The franchise would agree to a 30-year lease with options for 20-year renewals.
The deal was first announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser in April. It has undergone some minor revisions offered by skeptical D.C. Council members, including Chairman Phil Mendelson. After negotiations with the team, the final deal allows the Commanders to pay just $1 a year in rent while maintaining responsibility for any cost overages during construction.
The team will pay taxes on retail, food and merchandise from the site. However, to the dismay of stadium critics, the team will only pay taxes on parking fees on non-event days.
The Commanders have regularly said they plan to host approximately 200 events per year at the 65,000-seat stadium, including NFL games, women’s soccer matches, concerts and marquee events like Wrestlemania and the Women’s World Cup.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.