So, you’re looking for the Washington Commanders. Good luck. Finding them isn't as simple as driving into D.C. and looking for the White House. If you plug "Washington Commanders" into your GPS and just wing it, you might end up in a residential neighborhood in the District wondering where the 60,000 screaming fans went.
The short answer? Northwest Stadium—formerly known as FedExField—is located at 1600 Fedex Way, Landover, Maryland 20785.
It’s not in D.C. It’s in Prince George’s County. It’s tucked inside the Capital Beltway (I-495), specifically in a spot often called Landover, though you'll hear people call the area Raljon or Summerfield too. Honestly, the naming is a mess. It’s been a point of contention for decades. Fans hate the commute. The team knows it. But for now, that's where the magic (or the heartbreak, depending on the season) happens.
The Identity Crisis of Northwest Stadium
Let’s talk about the name first because it’s confusing. For a long time, everyone knew it as FedExField. Then, in 2024, the naming rights shifted. Now it's Northwest Stadium.
But here’s the kicker. The stadium isn't even in the Northwest quadrant of D.C. It’s east. Way east. The name comes from Northwest Federal Credit Union, which inked a massive deal to put its brand on the building. It’s a bit ironic, really. A stadium located in Maryland, representing a team with "Washington" in its name, now carries a "Northwest" moniker that refers to a bank, not a compass direction.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re driving from the city, you’re looking at a 20 to 40-minute trek, depending on how much the Beltway decides to hate you that day. Most people take I-495 and get off at Exit 16 or 17.
Pro tip: Don't trust the ETA. Game day traffic is a beast. You’ll see sea of burgundy and gold jerseys crawling along Brightseat Road. If you aren't there three hours before kickoff, you're basically asking to miss the first quarter. The parking lots are expansive, but they are notorious. There’s the Red Lot, the Green Lot, the Orange Lot... it feels like a rainbow of asphalt. Some lots require a pre-paid permit. If you show up thinking you can just hand a guy a twenty-dollar bill at the gate, you’re going to have a bad time.
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The Metro Struggle
Can you take the train? Technically, yes. Is it a "short walk"? Absolutely not.
The closest Metro station is Morgan Boulevard on the Silver/Blue lines. From the station to the stadium gates, it’s about a mile. On a breezy October day, that walk is fine. In the blistering humid heat of a September season opener? You'll be drenched by the time you reach your seat. Or if it’s a late December night game? That mile feels like ten.
People do it, though. It saves you the $60+ parking fee. Just wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. Leave the dress boots at home.
Why Isn't It in D.C. Anymore?
To understand where the Commanders stadium is, you have to understand where it was.
Older fans still talk about RFK Stadium with a misty-eyed nostalgia. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium was in the heart of the District. It vibrated. Literally. When the fans jumped, the bleachers shook. It was accessible, iconic, and right on the Anacostia River.
In 1997, the team moved to Landover. The late Jack Kent Cooke wanted a bigger palace. He wanted more seats, more luxury boxes, and more revenue. The move to Maryland allowed for a massive footprint that D.C. couldn't offer at the time. However, many argue the soul of the team stayed back at RFK. Since the move, there’s been a constant push-pull. The fan base is split between Virginia, Maryland, and the District.
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The Logistics of the Landover Site
Landover isn't exactly a "destination" in the way Navy Yard is for the Nationals or Penn Quarter is for the Capitals. There aren't many bars or restaurants within a three-block radius of the stadium.
Tailgating is the culture here because it has to be.
Since there’s nowhere to go before the game, fans set up elaborate rigs in the parking lots. We're talking full smokers, satellite TVs, and enough beverages to hydrate a small army. It’s a survival mechanism. If you’re visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a group in the parking lot and make friends, or head to the "Fan Zone" areas inside the stadium gates.
Specific Landmarks Near the Stadium
- Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex: Right next door.
- The Woodmore Towne Centre: A few miles away if you need to grab supplies (Wegmans, Costco) before hitting the lots.
- I-495/I-95 Junction: The pulse of the region’s traffic.
Looking to the Future: Will the Stadium Move?
Everyone is asking this. New ownership, led by Josh Harris, has made it no secret that they are exploring options.
The lease at Northwest Stadium doesn't last forever. There is massive speculation about where the "new" home will be.
- The RFK Site: The dream for many. It’s in D.C., it’s historic, but the red tape is staggering.
- Virginia: Specifically Loudoun or Prince William County. Virginia has been thirsty for a pro sports team for a long time.
- Maryland (Staying put): There’s a chance they build a new facility right next to the current one in Landover or move to a different site in the state like Oxon Cove.
Until then, Landover is home. It’s an aging building—opened in 1997—and it shows its years. There have been issues with pipes, railings, and seat views. But it’s the only place you can see the Commanders play a home game.
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Things to Know Before You Go
If you are actually heading to Northwest Stadium this weekend, keep these three things in mind.
First, the stadium is cashless. If you try to buy a hot dog with a ten-dollar bill, the vendor will just stare at you. Bring your card or set up Apple Pay.
Second, the Clear Bag Policy is strictly enforced. This isn't a suggestion. If your bag is opaque and bigger than a clutch, you’ll be hiking back to your car to drop it off. Buy a cheap clear plastic bag online before you go.
Third, the weather in Landover is unpredictable. Because the stadium is an open bowl, the wind can whip through there and drop the temperature ten degrees lower than what you see on your phone's weather app. If it’s raining, only the very top rows of the lower bowl and some of the club levels have any cover. Most of you are getting wet.
The Verdict on the Location
The Commanders stadium is in a weird spot. It’s geographically in Maryland but culturally tied to Washington. It’s in a suburban sprawl that requires a car or a very long walk from the Metro.
It isn't the most glamorous setup in the NFL. It’s not SoFi Stadium in L.A. or AT&T Stadium in Dallas. It’s a gritty, concrete giant in the middle of a Maryland suburb. But for the fans who have spent decades tailgating in the Red Lot, it’s the home of the burgundy and gold.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Download the Commanders App: You’ll need it for your tickets. Don't rely on the stadium Wi-Fi to download them at the gate; it’s notoriously spotty. Screenshot your QR codes or add them to your digital wallet before you leave the house.
- Plan Your Parking: If you don't have a permit, do not try to drive to the stadium. Use the Largo Town Center or Morgan Boulevard Metro stations and pay for parking there, then walk in. It’s significantly cheaper.
- Arrival Time: Aim to be in the vicinity of Landover at least three hours before kickoff. This gives you time to navigate the inevitable traffic snarls on Landover Road and Brightseat Road.
- Check the Entry Gate: Your ticket will usually specify a gate. Northwest Stadium is massive; walking from the wrong gate to your seat can take twenty minutes inside the concourse.
- Monitor the Weather: Use a localized forecast for Landover, MD, not just "Washington D.C." The microclimate near the Anacostia and the open fields of Prince George's County can be different than the city center.