Commanders splurge $100 million on possible stadium site in Virginia

The Washington Commanders‘ lease at FedEx Field expires in 2026, so the organization is wisely being proactive in browsing potential relocations.

On Monday, the Commanders made their biggest step yet in that regard, as ESPN’s John Keim reported the franchise forked over more than $100 million for land in Virginia for what could be a possible site for its next stadium.

The deal was finalized last week, but has not yet been filed with Prince William County, the site of the land. The purchase totals 200 acres and Keim understands Washington is pondering buying another 65-70 acres at a site close to I-96 in Woodbridge that is upwards of 20 miles from the nation’s capitol.

The piece of land is the Commanders’ preferred site for a new stadium and their investment reportedly includes the intent of building “retail shops, restaurants and apartments,” as Keim put it, to make the stadium a full-fledged attraction.

The Commanders spent $100 million on land in Virginia for what could be possible site for their next stadium.

A few months ago, the Virginia House and Senate introduced the idea of building an entertainment and sports complex in Prince William County or Loudon County, the latter of which is home to the team’s practice facility in Ashburn.

Though this is the clear frontrunner, the Associated Press reported the Commanders are still considering other locations in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Relocating to a site 20 miles outside DC might not resonate with fans, but your opinion might change when you read the team’s plan for the project.

Here’s how Keim described it.

"According to a source, their plans include a 60,000-seat domed stadium — so it can be used throughout the year — as well as: the team’s practice facility; an amphitheater that seats between 15,000 and 20,000; a small indoor music arena; high-end retail shops; bars and restaurants and residential living. The roof would be translucent and the stadium’s facade could change colors — it would be white during the day and, for example, burgundy at night."

That certainly sounds better than what’s left of FedEx Field. Even better? Keim provided a blueprint of what the stadium would look like, including a glimpse into the reported plan to have the stadium’s facade change colors. Check it out.

We’d never judge a book by its cover, so to speak, but that definitely looks like a stadium worthy of a relocation, no?

Wherever you stand, nothing is set in stone. The Commanders still need to find out how much money Prince William County (and the state of Virginia) are willing to dedicate to the project before it can start building.

Thats why it’s important for the team to keep its options open. In terms of otther potential locations, the Maryland House said it would spent $400 million to develop FedEx Field’s surrounding area. The pledge, for lack of a better term, didn’t include money for a new stadium, however.

The District of Columbia is most fans’ preferred location, specifically at the team’s old RFK Stadium site, which they called home for 35 years spanning 1961-1996, but the fact its on federal land complicates those ambitions.