Washington Commanders Select HKS As Architect For New Stadium

The NFL’s Washington Commanders have selected HKS as lead architect for the team’s new stadium, targeted for completion in 2030 and anchored by the Commanders’ $2.7 billion private investment in the 180-acre historic RFK Stadium site that will be transformed into a year-round entertainment and leisure destination.

“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.”

Recent high-profile NFL venue projects designed by HKS include SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“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 team says the new Commanders Stadium will be designed with football at its core, promising the “loudest, most dynamic home-field advantage in the NFL.” The stadium is also envisioned as a civic landmark for Washington, D.C., to be used year-round and include various public spaces and businesses within the surrounding district.

Early plans call for approximately 65,000 seats, a roof and more than 200 activations per year with sustainability, technology and enhanced fan experiences playing a major role in the design. Also planned are housing units, with up to 6,000 homes along with hotel and retail development and at least 30% of the overall site being green space.

A series of community engagement meetings are planned, seeking input from local leaders and community members in November and December.

The Commanders currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, which is owned by the team and opened in 1997. The team was acquired in 2023 by a group led by Josh Harris, CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team, the New Jersey Devils NHL team and the Philadelphia WNBA team, which will begin play in 2030. The 76ers, along with the Philadelphia Flyers NHL team, are building a new arena also targeted for a 2030 opening.

Recent concerts at Northwest Stadium include The Weeknd, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Post Malone, Metallica, and AC/DC.