Hogs Haven
Next step in the process
Washington D.C. and the Washington Commanders got a win in the Senate today. The city has been trying to get the federal government to transfer ownership of the site that used be the home for the Washington Redskins, RFK Stadium. This bill has already passed in the House of Representatives, but was still going through committees and waiting for the chance to get a vote from the full Senate.
Montana Sen. Steve Daines had been a road block in moving on to the next step, wanting the team to honor the franchise’s old logo, and the family that provided it to the team. Josh Harris has been working with the family, inviting them to visit the team, and unveiling a tribute in the stadium, among other things. Daines said today that he was “satisfied” with the team’s effort, and he helped pass the bill in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee with a 17-2 vote today. It must now be voted on by the full Senate, whether attached to a spending bill, or as a stand alone bill which is less likely. This must be passed before December 28th, and if it stalls, the process starts over with a new Congress next year.
Transfer of the land to D.C. doesn’t guarantee a stadium will be built on the old RFK site, but it keeps it on the table as an option. The team would have to work with the city’s government, work with the restrictions on the property, along with the requirements from the city, and work with them on other funding issues that will be included with this major project.
The Washington Commanders are looking to have a new stadium built within the next 7 years, but they are still looking for the next location. They have to play their home games at Northwest Stadium through early September, 2027, but they are expected to continue playing there until their new home is ready. They own the stadium, and the land surrounding it, which is also one of the other options if Washington D.C. falls through.
The team continues to mention the three jurisdictions they are in discussions with, but not many people are seriously considering the state of Virginia as a legitimate option at this point. That could chance, but it sure looks like it’s D.C. or bust for Josh Harris, Mitch Rales, and the rest of the new ownership group.
The Washington Post provided more information on the Commanders’ efforts to get the bill passed before the end of the year. They also provided some insight into Maryland officials opposition to it, and their attempts to get concessions if they do lose the team to Washington, D.C....
