The Washington Commanders National Football League team has selected a joint venture of Clark Construction Group, Mortenson and Smoot Construction Co. to lead construction of its new 65,000-seat stadium.
Located on the site of the now-demolished RFK Stadium on the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., the estimated $3.8-billion HKS-designed facility is the centerpiece of a multi-phase redevelopment plan for the surrounding 180-acre campus, including housing, parks and recreation, hotels, restaurants, retail and neighborhood amenities.
Enabling work has been underway since June on the 1.8-million-sq-ft stadium, with full construction set to begin in the spring of 2027. Along with serving as the Commanders’ home field beginning with the 2030 season, the enclosed, climate-controlled facility will have the ability to host a broad range of events each year. Sustainability, advanced technology and an immersive fan experience will be at the forefront of the stadium’s design, according to a team announcement.
The joint venture brings a wealth of collective experience building complex high-profile sports and entertainment venues, including local landmarks such as Nationals Park and Capital One Arena, as well as NFL stadiums in other cities.
Clark is also the lead contractor for the White House Ballroom project, which is currently paused pending the outcome of litigation over the controversial project.
The stadium design is in the final stages of its federal review process, following the Commanders’ presentation to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on July 16. Commission members welcomed design changes requested at its April meeting, including the addition of a new west-side balcony that will offer views of both the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Although refinements were also made to the stadium’s east and west entrances, the commission requested further work on those areas in advance of its final vote on the project, now scheduled for mid-September.
