Washington Commanders Announce New Name for Home Stadium: Northwest Stadium
The Washington Commanders have officially unveiled their new stadium name: Northwest Stadium. This announcement comes after the team reached an agreement with Northwest Federal Credit Union on Tuesday.
The eight-year agreement marks the transition from FedEx Field, which had been the stadium’s name since 1999 until it was recently dropped. FedEx concluded its naming rights agreement early, leading to a temporary renaming as Commanders Field before this latest deal.
Managing owner Josh Harris expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership. “Northwest Federal Credit Union has been deeply rooted in our community for many years, and we are thrilled to collaborate with an organization that shares our commitment to the DMV area,” Harris said. He added, “As we strive to build the Commanders into a top-tier franchise, we are eager to welcome our fans to Northwest Stadium and create unforgettable moments both on the field and within our community.”
The Commanders will debut their new stadium name on September 15 when they face the New York Giants. The agreement with Northwest Federal Credit Union also includes placing their logo on the team’s practice jerseys.
Jeff Bentley, president and CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union, expressed excitement about the expanded partnership. “We’re excited to build on the strong relationship we’ve established with the Commanders,” Bentley said. “This enhanced collaboration aligns perfectly with our values of supporting and enriching the local community.”
Looking ahead, Harris mentioned the possibility of a new stadium by 2030. “It’s a goal we’re aiming for,” he noted. “While we can’t pinpoint an exact date due to various factors beyond our control, we believe it’s a reasonable target.”
The lease for the current stadium in Landover, Maryland, runs through 2027. However, the naming rights deal does not prevent the team from relocating to a new stadium before the agreement’s end in 2032. Potential sites under consideration include the old RFK Stadium, located about two miles east of the U.S. Capitol, which was the team’s home from 1961 to 1996 before moving to Landover.
Returning to RFK Stadium is a popular option among fans but would require a congressional bill to return the land to the district. Harris does not anticipate any developments on this front until after the upcoming November election.
“We’re making significant progress and working diligently,” Harris added. “There’s a lot of positive momentum, but there’s not much to share at this time.”