RFK Stadium project to get first vote on Aug. 1
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The RFK Stadium project is a go — the D.C. Council unveiled a revised deal with the Commanders that sets up a vote next Friday.
Why it matters: The new deal is valued as a $779 million improvement for the District over the original proposal, thanks to tax revenue from the site and new investments from the Commanders.
Behind the scenes: Negotiations accelerated after the team said, "we're willing to make this deal sweeter for the District if you can get to a vote this month," D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson told reporters.
Among the changes unveiled by Mendelson:
- $50 million from the Commanders toward community benefits, including committing to youth sports with education.
- Commanders senior officials and the sales office will locate in D.C.
- D.C. will collect parking revenues from non-stadium-event days (estimated $260 million), parking taxes ($112 million), sales taxes on merchandise ($54 million) and sales taxes on food and beverages ($248 million). The estimates total $674 million over 30 years.
- The council also reworked the financing of the deal, saving $55 million.
What they're saying: "The opportunity to bring the team back to its spiritual home and revitalize a critical part of the nation's capital is now one step closer," Commanders president Mark Clouse said in a statement.
What's next: Nearly 500 people have signed up so far to sound off about the project at a D.C. Council public hearing on Tuesday.
- Then, the first vote will take place Friday.
- The second, final vote is currently slated for Sept. 17, Mendelson said.