If you ask a casual fan where the Washington Commanders are from, they’ll probably point toward the White House. It makes sense, right? It’s right there in the name. But if you actually try to find their stadium or their practice facility using a DC map, you’re going to end up very lost or very frustrated in traffic.
The truth about the Commanders' geography is a bit of a tri-state identity crisis. They represent the District, they play their home games in Maryland, and they eat, sleep, and breathe in Virginia. It's a weird setup that’s been part of the team's DNA for decades, and honestly, it’s only getting more complicated with the new stadium news dropping this week.
Where Are the Washington Commanders From (Originally)?
Before they were the Commanders—and before they were even in Washington—this team belonged to Boston. In 1932, they started out as the Boston Braves. They played at Braves Field, sharing the space with the baseball team of the same name.
That didn't last long. A year later, they moved to Fenway Park and changed their name to the Redskins to avoid confusion with the baseball guys. But owner George Preston Marshall was famously grumpy about the lack of support in Boston. In 1937, he packed up the whole operation and headed south to DC.
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For a long time, they were actually from DC. They played at Griffith Stadium and then spent 36 legendary years at RFK Stadium, which sat right inside the city limits. That’s where the "Hogs" were born and where the stadium literally shook during the Joe Gibbs era. If you talk to older fans, that’s the only place they’re "from."
The Current Maryland Connection: Northwest Stadium
Right now, if you’re going to a game, you aren’t going to DC. You’re heading to Landover, Maryland.
The team moved into what was then called Jack Kent Cooke Stadium back in 1997. Since then, it’s had a dozen names—most famously FedExField—but as of August 2024, it’s officially Northwest Stadium.
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It’s about five miles east of the DC border in Prince George’s County. To be totally blunt, fans have a love-hate relationship with this spot. It’s notorious for being hard to get to, and it lacks that "city" vibe that RFK had. But for nearly 30 years, this patch of Maryland soil has been the physical answer to where the Washington Commanders are from.
The Virginia Factor: Ashburn Headquarters
While the games happen in Maryland, the actual "work" happens in Virginia. The team’s headquarters and training facility, known as Commander Park, is located in Ashburn, Virginia.
This is where the players spend 90% of their time. It’s a massive 162-acre complex in Loudoun County. When you hear about training camp or trade deals being signed, it’s happening in the Virginia suburbs, not the nation's capital.
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The Big 2026 Update: Returning to the District?
Everything I just told you is about to change. Just a few days ago, on January 15, 2026, the team and HKS Architects finally pulled the curtain back on the renderings for a brand-new stadium.
And guess where it’s going? Back home.
The plan is to build a $3.7 billion "monumental" stadium on the old RFK site at 2400 East Capitol Street SE. Here’s the breakdown of what we know about the move:
- Location: It’s being built along the Anacostia River, right back in DC proper.
- Design: It’s going to have a translucent roof and a "colonnade" look that’s supposed to mimic the Lincoln Memorial.
- Timeline: Groundbreaking is set for later this year (2026), with the doors opening around 2030.
- Capacity: Roughly 70,000 seats, designed to be a "year-round destination."
Why the Location Debate Actually Matters
It’s easy to say "who cares?" but for the fans, this matters a ton. Being "from" Maryland has felt like an exile for some. The move back to the RFK site is about more than just a shorter commute; it’s about reclaiming the team's identity.
The Commanders are currently the only team in the DC area that plays its home games outside the city limits. The Nationals, Capitals, and Wizards are all firmly planted in the District. Moving back to DC is a power move by the new ownership group led by Josh Harris to reconnect with the city’s heartbeat.
Summary of the "Where"
To keep it simple, here is the current breakdown of where the Washington Commanders are from and where they operate today:
- Origin City: Boston, Massachusetts (1932–1936).
- Official Home: Washington, D.C. (1937–Present).
- Current Stadium: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
- Team Headquarters: Ashburn, Virginia.
- Future Home: The New Commanders Stadium at the RFK site in DC (2030).
If you’re planning a trip to see them play before the new stadium opens, make sure you book your hotel in Landover or near a Metro line that runs to the Morgan Boulevard station. Don't just put "Washington Commanders" into your GPS and hope for the best—you’ll likely end up at a practice facility in Virginia when you should be at a kickoff in Maryland.
Check the game day schedule specifically for "Northwest Stadium" to ensure you’re heading to the right state. If you're a local resident, keep an eye on the DC Council meetings regarding the RFK site revitalization—the 2026 groundbreaking is going to cause a massive shift in Hill East traffic and real estate.