WASHINGTON (7News) — The future of the Washington Commanders’ return to the historic RFK Stadium site could be decided Wednesday, as D.C. Councilmembers prepare for their final vote on a $3.7 billion redevelopment plan.

Demolition of the iconic stadium is now in its final stages. Drivers passing by will notice the familiar roof beams are gone, and crews are dismantling the structure piece by piece rather than imploding it — a method chosen to limit dust and other safety hazards. What remains is the skeletal frame of a stadium that has long been a landmark in Northeast D.C.

The proposed redevelopment plan includes a brand-new stadium for the Commanders, projected to open by 2030, and a 2,500-space parking garage. Councilmembers have negotiated hundreds of millions in new tax revenue as part of the deal, aiming to boost the city’s finances and revitalize the surrounding area.

However, not all residents are celebrating. Neighbors in Kingman Park have expressed concern that the current plans put green space and quality of life at risk. They are advocating for more jobs, housing, and community benefits to be included before the deal is finalized.

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“I support this not just as a diehard Commanders fan, but as a diehard Washingtonian,” said “Tailgate” Ted Abela, a longtime supporter of the team. “It is the fastest way to rebuild that part of town that has been a blight.”

Council Chair Phil Mendelson noted that the final version includes only minor “technical changes” rather than major revisions. One notable update eliminates hard deadlines for the mixed-use portion of the project, acknowledging that the team cannot control the rezoning process. If approved, ground could break on the new stadium as early as spring 2026. For context, the last Commanders game at RFK Stadium took place in 1996, and the venue’s last official event was a D.C. United match in 2017.

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As the vote approaches, city leaders and residents alike are watching closely to see if the long-awaited plan to bring the Commanders back to RFK will move forward.