The Commanders Just Picked Their Stadium Architect — And It Changes Everything for D.C.

The Washington Commanders just took their first real step toward a new home: the team has selected HKS — one of the world’s top stadium designers — to lead the vision for a 65,000-seat domed stadium at the RFK site in Washington, D.C.

According to reporting from the Washington Business Journal, this selection marks the team's first major commitment toward creating a modern, fully enclosed NFL venue that can anchor year-round entertainment and redevelopment.

This is the moment fans, developers, and city leaders have been waiting for. And if you follow real estate or regional growth, this project is about a lot more than football.

Why This Matters: HKS Doesn’t Build “Regular” Stadiums

HKS is the firm behind some of the most talked-about venues in the country — modern, tech-heavy, fan-focused stadiums that double as entertainment districts. Think massive LED displays, premium lounges, indoor-outdoor viewing decks, and designs that feel more like a resort than a sports arena.

So when HKS is chosen for a project, it signals something big:
D.C. isn’t just building a new stadium — it’s building a destination.

A Dome Means Year-Round Impact

A domed stadium is a game changer for a city with D.C.’s weather. Instead of a building that sits dormant most of the year, a fully enclosed venue becomes a 365-day asset.

Expect it to host:

• NFL games

• Major touring concerts

• International soccer

• College football

• Conventions and large-scale events

This instantly pushes Washington into the conversation with places like Atlanta and Minneapolis, where modern domed stadiums fuel non-stop economic activity.

RFK Redevelopment Finally Moves Forward

The RFK site is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in the region. A new stadium unlocks the entire campus, paving the way for:

• Hotels

• Mixed-use retail

• Apartments and condos

• Entertainment districts

• Waterfront access improvements

Developers have been circling this land for years. Now the signal has been sent: it’s go time.

This Will Shift Real Estate Demand Across the Region

Whenever a major NFL stadium is announced, the ripple isn’t small — it changes buyer behavior, investor strategy, and neighborhood momentum.

Here’s what we’ll see in the D.C.–NoVA market:

1. Increased demand near Capitol Hill and the H Street Corridor

Walkability to a major arena? Always a premium.

2. Rising investor activity well before construction begins

Short-term rentals, mixed-use, and rental properties will heat up.

3. Spillover into Northern Virginia

Arlington, Alexandria, and even Fairfax will benefit from entertainment-driven regional growth.

I’m already seeing families and young professionals talking about D.C.’s next decade — and this stadium is now a centerpiece of that conversation.

The Bottom Line

The Commanders choosing HKS is not just a football story — it’s a regional development story. This move sets off a multi-year transformation that will reshape neighborhoods, attract new investment, and elevate the entire D.C. metro.

Construction hasn’t even started, and the impact is already being felt.

Want Real Estate Insights on D.C. and Northern Virginia?

If you want updates on major developments, housing trends, and investment opportunities across the region, reach out anytime.

Chris Colgan Team – eXp Realty

RealNovaNetwork.com | info@colganteam.com | 571-437-7575

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