Nov 13, 2025 - Business

Commanders pick architect behind SoFi Stadium for new D.C. home

Cuneyt Dil

Wide view of SoFi Stadium during a football game, showing the green field, players, large crowd in stands, and a massive circular LED scoreboard hanging from the ceiling. — SoFi Stadium, home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. Image courtesy of HKS

The Washington Commanders want to build the "loudest, most dynamic" venue in the NFL, announcing Thursday that architecture firm HKS will design its new $2.7 billion stadium in D.C.

The big picture: Expectations are high for the 65,000-seat stadium — from local fans to President Trump, who wants it named after himself.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants it to host a Super Bowl once it opens in 2030.
HKS says it wants to channel the "rhythm and the roar" of the old RFK Stadium, the site of three Super Bowl winning seasons. "We're reimagining what home-field advantage means," said Mark Williams, director of HKS Global Venues, in a news release.

Here's an engineering challenge: The Commanders ownership want to revive the bouncy stands of RFK Stadium.

The old bleachers sat on movable tracks so the field could shift between sports, a setup that made the seats flex when fans jumped in unison.

Context: The firm is behind some of the NFL's newest venues, including SoFi Stadium in suburban LA.

State of play: Above-ground construction is expected to begin spring 2027, after the existing RFK Stadium structure is demolished and the site is prepared.

Sports teams are increasingly turning stadiums into year-round moneymakers and community hubs. The Commanders say they want 200 "activations" a year, including concerts, festivals and global sporting events.

Zoom out: The redevelopment site spans 180 acres, with 6,000 new homes and several mix-use communities planned through 2040.

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Commanders pick architect behind SoFi Stadium for new D.C. home

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