Building a community vision for the RFK stadium site
A group of neighbors
In 2023, members of the nonprofit civic association Friends of Kingman Park came together to discuss ways to to ensure that local residents’ voices were heard as the District considers the future of the RFK Stadium site. RFK Future was one outcome of that initial June meeting. The hope is to serve as a community-led hub for information about the project and showcase your vision for the future of the RFK stadium site.
RFK Future began fielding a survey of local residents and canvassed door-to-door in August 2023 to better understand community priorities and to craft a vision for the new site that took into consideration what the residents of the areas surrounding the former stadium would like to see. On October 18th, 2023, RFK Future presented the results of the survey to Mayor Bowser.
Now, a deal between the District and the Washington Commanders is in front of the DC Council to develop the land . RFK Future is committed to bringing neighbors’ voices to the center of the conversation. Our community deserves a seat at the table as we envision the future of the development site.
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Useful Resources
Websites, Studies, and Surveys
For updates from the following entities, please visit:
DC City Government: OurRFK
EventsDC: RFK Status, The Fields at RFK, GoPlay
Office of Planning April 28 Presentation
DC 2050 online workshop and survey (June 7 Deadline)
Councilmember Felder’s Small Business subcommittee (DSLBD)
If you’d like to read the WMATA and DDOT study, click here
National Capitol Planning Commission RFK Project
Councilmember Felder’s Community Benefits Oversight Committee Members and Updates
The future of the RFK site’s trees: Proving our advocacy works and Sign the Heritage Trees Petition
When you need some restoration after your advocacy work, please visit Kingman and Heritage Islands!
Background Information
(2023) RFK Future Presentation of Preliminary Survey Results
(2023) The Economics of Stadium Subsidies: A Policy Retrospective
(2022) The Impact of Professional Sports Franchises and Venues on Local Economies: A Comprehensive Survey
(2001) Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis: Should Cities Pay for Sports Facilities?
(1997) Brookings Institute: Sports, Jobs, & Taxes: Are New Stadiums Worth the Cost?
(1993) Final Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed stadium at the RFK site.
Press
May 2026 (WUSA9): 'We were promised this pot of gold' | Ward 7 neighbors pushback against plan to not build a new Metro station at DC's RFK site
May 2026 (GGW): Breakfast links: WMATA proposes bus, no new rail station or entrance at RFK site
April 2026 (WTOP):Federal planners approve preliminary Commanders stadium plan, but have parking questions
January 2026 (NBC4): The Commanders are coming back to DC—but at what cost to neighbors?
November 2025 (FOX5): DC residents weigh in on proposed design for Commanders new stadium
September 2025 (ABC7): How a green space is fueling DC neighbors' push for change to RFK deal ahead of final vote
January 2025 (GGW): Whether or not it gets a stadium, RFK needs a second Metro station
6/24/25: PODCAST: Why a Community Benefits Agreement Matters
10/19/2023: WUSA 9:Neighbors around RFK Stadium oppose new stadium project, survey shows
10/19/2023: Washington Informer:In RFK Campus Discussion, Maloof Skate Park Patrons Stand Strong
10/19/2023: Fox 5 News: RFK Stadium being demolished. What will replace it?
10/19/2023: WTOP News:RFK Stadium neighbors weigh the future of the site
10/19/2023: Washington Post:Bowser outlines vision for RFK Stadium site to skeptical residents
10/18/2023: DC News Now:Survey finds majority of participants do not want stadium on RFK site
10/17/2023: NBC Washington: Future of RFK Stadium site to be discussed at public forum
10/1/2023: Washington Post: As Commanders eye RFK, D.C. stadium’s neighbors hope team punts
9/20/2023: Washington Informer:Excitement, Contention Surround D.C.’s RFK Stadium Proposal; Residents Voice Concerns Over Noise Pollution, Traffic
8/3/2023: Washington Post: Help wanted in D.C.: How to finance a new stadium?
8/1/2023: Washington Post: Opinion: Yes, D.C. Needs a Stadium Deal. But not at RFK.
7/29/2023: Washington Post: D.C. Council Mixed in Positions on RFK Stadium, but Backs New Federal Bill.
6/15/2022: Global Sports Matters:So Your City Wants to Build a Stadium. Here’s What to Know.
11/6/2019: DCist:RFK Stadium Once ‘Had A Holy Feel To It.’ Now, Its Days Are Numbered