You’d think a professional football team representing the nation's capital would actually play in the nation's capital. Honestly, it’s a bit of a running joke among locals. If you’re asking where does commanders play, the short answer is Landover, Maryland. But if you're looking for the "real" answer—the one involving billion-dollar deals, shifting names, and a massive homecoming project—it gets a lot deeper than a simple GPS coordinate.
Right now, the Washington Commanders call Northwest Stadium home.
It’s located at 1600 Ring Road in Landover, about five miles east of D.C. proper. If that address sounds familiar but the name doesn't, there’s a reason. Until very recently, everyone knew this place as FedExField. After a brief, awkward stint as "Commanders Field" in early 2024, the team inked a massive deal with Northwest Federal Credit Union. So, if you're heading to a game in 2026, look for the Northwest banners.
The Current Grind at Northwest Stadium
The stadium in Landover has a reputation. To be blunt, it hasn’t always been a good one. Opened in 1997 under Jack Kent Cooke, it was built fast and, some say, it shows. It’s a massive concrete bowl that once sat over 90,000 people. Today, things are different. Josh Harris and the new ownership group have been hacking away at the capacity, bringing it down to a more manageable 64,000 seats to improve the "vibe" and stop the embarrassing sight of empty yellow seats on TV.
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- Getting There: It’s a trek. Most fans take the Blue or Silver line to the Morgan Boulevard Metro station, then walk about a mile.
- The Experience: They’ve spent over $75 million recently on basic stuff—fixing pipes, upgrading the sound system, and finally getting the "burgundy and gold" paint to actually look like the right shades.
- The Surface: It’s natural Bermuda grass, which is a point of pride compared to the "carpets" used in some other NFL cities.
The lease in Maryland technically runs through 2027. However, with the way stadium construction goes, the team is essentially stuck there for a bit longer while they figure out their permanent future. Basically, Landover is the "right now" house, but nobody is unpacking their suitcases for good.
Where Does Commanders Play Next? The RFK Homecoming
The biggest news in D.C. sports right now isn't about the quarterback—it's about the dirt. For years, fans have begged the team to move back to the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK).
Well, it's finally happening.
In 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Josh Harris announced a nearly $4 billion deal to bring the team back to East Capitol Street. Groundbreaking on the infrastructure is slated for 2026. This isn't just a stadium; it’s a massive 180-acre "mini-city" along the Anacostia River. The plan is to build a 65,000-seat masterpiece with a translucent roof designed by HKS, the same firm that did the Cowboys' and Vikings' stadiums.
Why the RFK Site Matters
- History: This is where the team played from 1961 to 1996. It’s where the stands literally shook during the "Hogs" era.
- Location: It’s actually in D.C. (Imagine that!).
- Economy: The project is expected to create 14,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent ones.
The Long Wait Until 2030
While 2026 marks the start of the "physical" transformation at the RFK site, the Commanders won't actually be playing games there until 2030. That leaves a massive gap.
During this middle period, the team is basically doing "stadium maintenance" in Maryland. They’re trying to make the Landover experience suck less while keeping their eyes on the prize across the river. There were rumors for a long time about a move to Northern Virginia—Woodbridge or Dumfries—but those plans are mostly dead. The fans hated the idea of a two-hour drive into Virginia traffic, and political support for a stadium in the Commonwealth crumbled faster than a pocket under a blitz.
What You Need to Know if You’re Going
If you’re planning to see where the Commanders play this season, don't just wing it. Parking is a nightmare unless you buy a pass in advance. Seriously. They won't even let you into the lots without a pre-paid pass in most cases.
Also, the stadium is now completely cashless. Whether you're buying a $15 beer or a $100 jersey, you’ll need a card or your phone. If you’re a traditionalist who likes the old-school RFK feel, you’re not going to find it in Landover. But you can see the ghosts of it in the new "Legends Square" area they've set up to honor the past.
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check the Venue Name: Ensure your tickets say Northwest Stadium. Older GPS units might still list it as FedExField.
- Use the Metro: Traffic on I-495 (the Beltway) on a Sunday morning is a special kind of hell. Use the Morgan Boulevard stop.
- Follow the Construction: If you're a local, keep an eye on the RFK site demolition and the Benning Road infrastructure work starting this year.
- Stay Updated on Seating: Because they are constantly renovating, your "usual" seats from five years ago might literally not exist anymore.
The question of where does commanders play has been a sore spot for three decades. Between the crumbling infrastructure in Maryland and the political hurdles of D.C., the team has lived in a sort of geographical limbo. But with the 2026 groundbreaking at the RFK site, the "spiritual home" is finally becoming a physical reality again. For now, enjoy the grass in Landover, but keep your eyes on the Anacostia River for the future.