You’d think the answer to "where do the Washington Commanders play" would be simple. It’s right there in the name, right? Washington. But if you’ve ever tried to navigate the Beltway on a Sunday morning, you know that the "Washington" part is more of a suggestion than a physical reality.
Honestly, the stadium situation for this franchise has been one of the biggest dramas in the NFL for years. Since 1997, the team has been playing its home games at a massive concrete bowl in Landover, Maryland. If you’re looking for the address, it’s 1600 Ring Road, Landover, MD 20785.
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For decades, we called it FedExField. But as of 2024, everything changed. The stadium is now officially known as Northwest Stadium.
The Identity Crisis of Northwest Stadium
The name change happened because FedEx opted out of its naming rights deal two years early. Enter Northwest Federal Credit Union, who stepped up with an eight-year deal to put their name on the building. It’s a new era for the team under owner Josh Harris, and the rebranding of the stadium was a huge part of washing away the stains of the previous era.
But let's be real: Northwest Stadium has a reputation. For years, it’s been ranked near the bottom of NFL stadium lists. Fans have complained about everything from "sewage" pipe bursts (which the team later said was just rain water—sure) to crumbling railings and obstructed views.
Despite the grumbles, it’s a massive venue. Back in the mid-2000s, it could hold over 91,000 people. Today, they've actually removed thousands of seats to make the experience less "crowded stadium" and more "premium experience." The current capacity sits around 64,000.
Getting to Landover (It's a Journey)
If you're planning to head to a game, don't just put "Washington DC" in your GPS. You’ll end up at the National Mall looking for a goalpost that isn't there. The stadium is about five miles east of the D.C. border.
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- Driving: Most people take the Capital Beltway (I-495) to Exit 16 or 17.
- The Metro: This is the part that surprises out-of-towners. The Morgan Boulevard Station (Blue and Silver lines) is the closest stop, but it’s still about a one-mile walk to the gates. If you aren't prepared for a 20-minute hike through a paved path, you're going to have a rough start to your Sunday.
- Parking: It’s expensive. Period. Most lots require a pre-paid permit. If you try to wing it on game day without a pass, you'll likely end up in a third-party lot miles away paying a small fortune.
The Big News: The Return to RFK
Now, here is the twist. If you ask a fan in 2026 where the Commanders play, they might give you two answers: where they play now and where they are going.
The franchise has officially secured a deal to move back into the heart of Washington, D.C. They are returning to the site of the legendary Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK). This is where the team played during its glory years from 1961 to 1996. For the "old-school" fans, RFK was a temple where the stands literally shook when things got loud.
The Future: A $3.8 Billion Masterpiece
Construction is slated to begin in 2026. This isn't just a rumor anymore; the D.C. Council has green-lit a massive $3.8 billion project.
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This new stadium, designed by the architects at HKS, will be a 65,000-seat venue featuring a translucent roof. It won't be a closed dome, but it will protect fans from the elements while letting in natural light. The plan is to have it ready for kickoff in 2030.
The Commanders are currently in a "lame duck" phase at Northwest Stadium. Their lease in Maryland technically runs through 2027, but everyone knows the bags are packed. The goal is to create a "year-round destination" at the RFK site, with housing, retail, and parks surrounding the stadium.
Why the Move Matters
It’s about more than just a shorter commute for D.C. residents. The move represents a homecoming. For nearly 30 years, fans felt a disconnect playing in a suburban Maryland parking lot. Moving back to the Anacostia River waterfront puts the team back into the fabric of the city’s culture.
Until that ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2030, though, the burgundy and gold will remain in Landover.
Practical Tips for Fans Visiting Northwest Stadium
- Arrive early: The Beltway is unpredictable. If you aren't at the stadium 3 hours before kickoff, you're doing it wrong.
- Tailgating: The Red Zone Lot is the legendary spot for tailgating. It opens 5 hours before kickoff.
- The "Dream Seats": If you have the cash, the first three rows of the lower level are called Dream Seats. They include food and non-alcoholic drinks delivered to your seat.
- Download the app: Everything is digital now—tickets, parking, and even ordering food at some concessions.
The Commanders' home is currently a transition space. It’s a stadium with a lot of history—some good, much of it frustrating—serving as a bridge to a much flashier future back in the District.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning to attend a game at Northwest Stadium this season, your first move should be to purchase a parking pass immediately. Parking is limited and almost never available for drive-up purchase on game day. Additionally, check the Metro schedule if you're taking the train, as the Silver and Blue lines occasionally have maintenance on weekends that could add another 30 minutes to your trip.
For those interested in the future of the team, keep an eye on the D.C. Council's public hearings regarding the RFK site infrastructure. These meetings often reveal the first looks at seating charts and luxury suite options for the 2030 season.