Washington, DC – Today, the Washington Commanders announced their selection of HKS, a global architecture and design firm, as the lead architect for the team’s new, state-of-the-art stadium. Anchored by the stadium and the franchise’s historic $2.7 billion private investment in Washington, D.C., 180-acres at the historic RFK site will be transformed into a vibrant, year-round destination for sports, entertainment, housing, parks and recreation, and neighborhood amenities.
HKS brings unmatched expertise in designing iconic sports and entertainment destinations. The firm’s NFL venues, including SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, have redefined sports venue design through architecture that elevates the fan experience and sets new benchmarks for innovation and sponsorship integration.
“Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District,” said Mark Clouse, President, Washington Commanders. “HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact. This partnership underscores our shared vision to create a stadium that enhances the fan experience, strengthens our connection with the community, and sets a new standard for the future of sports and entertainment—delivering an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come.”
HKS designs each venue as a one-of-a-kind reflection of its city, shaped by the culture, climate and character of the people and communities it represents. The new Commanders Stadium will be designed with football at its core, delivering the loudest, most dynamic home-field advantage in the NFL. The stadium is also envisioned as a civic landmark for Washington, D.C., with monumental architecture and vibrant public spaces that come alive on game days and throughout the year. Together, the stadium and new surrounding district will reconnect the city to the Anacostia River, catalyze investment on the city’s east side and create a destination for residents and visitors that thrives beyond game day.
“HKS is thrilled to partner with the Commanders to design a new home that celebrates the pride and unmistakable energy of the nation’s capital,” said Mark A. Williams, FAIA, HKS Global Venues Director. “We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way. The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”
The approximately 65,000-seat, roofed stadium will host more than 200 activations every year, including global sporting events, concerts, community festivals and major national celebrations. Sustainability, advanced technology, an enhanced fan experience and amplified sponsorship integration will be at the forefront of the stadium design.
The stadium creates opportunities for ancillary development onsite, with plans to deliver 5,000 to 6,000 new homes, including 1,500 to 1,900 affordable units, preserve the beloved Fields at RFK, introduce new youth sports facilities, create opportunities for hotel and retail development, and dedicate at least 30 percent of the site to enhanced green spaces. This agreement represents a pivotal milestone for both the team and the District, advancing a comprehensive vision for the site that expands riverfront access and invests in Washington, D.C.’s future.
The next phase of the project includes mapping out the concept and schematic design principles with HKS and hosting a series of community engagement meetings, in coordination with the District of Columbia, to receive feedback from local leaders and community members, with upcoming meetings scheduled for November and December. Vertical construction on the stadium is expected to commence in the spring of 2027, and the full completion is scheduled for 2030.
About The Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders, owned by a group led by Managing Partner Josh Harris, were founded in 1932 and are one of the original members of the NFL’s Eastern Division. The team – which plays its home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. and trains at the BigBear.ai Performance Center at Commanders Park in Ashburn, Va. – has won five World Championship titles, including Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI. The franchise’s storied history has 22 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including multiple Hall of Fame coaches and some of the game’s most accomplished players. The Commanders organization prides itself on positively impacting the DMV through the powerful platform of football, working with numerous community groups, charities, and veteran-focused causes each year. Through the Washington Commanders Foundation, the organization provides support and services to more than 179,000 individuals annually, with a focus on children’s education, health, and wellness.
HKS is an interdisciplinary global design firm. Our team of 1,700 architects, designers, planners and advisors across 29 offices partner with clients to design and develop elegant solutions to complex challenges. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs enhance experiences and elevate outcomes for all stakeholders. Our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. We’re proud to be a carbon neutral firm since 2023.
