RFK Stadium

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium stood as a powerhouse of D.C. sports for over five decades. From deafening NFL playoff games to iconic soccer showdowns and presidential first pitches, RFK Stadium was more than a stadium — it was a beating heart of Washington, D.C.’s sporting identity. Originally known as D.C. Stadium, it debuted in 1961 and went on to host unforgettable moments in football, baseball, and soccer history. As its demolition looms, we take a look back at the rich legacy of this uniquely multi-purpose landmark.

RFK Stadium Information

Opened: October 1st, 1961

First Redskins game: October 1st, 1961

Last Redskins Game: December 22nd, 1996

Operator: D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission

Construction Cost: $24 million ($205 million in 2019 dollars)

Demolition: Expected to begin soon and cost $20 million

Capacity: 56,692 (football 1996), 45,596 (soccer)

Architect: Osborn Engineering (1960)

RFK Stadium History

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium opened in 1961 as the District of Columbia Stadium (D.C. Stadium) and was the home to the Washington Redskins for 36 NFL seasons (1961-1996).
The stadium is located two miles due east of the U.S. Capitol building, near the west bank of the Anacostia River and beside the D.C. Armory
RFK was one of the first major stadiums actually designed to host both baseball and football. It used what became known as a circular cookie-cutter design
During their stay at RFK, the Redskins won 5 NFC Championships games.
The stadium was renamed in January 1969 after U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated seven months before.
RFK was home to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United until 2017, and Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals until 2008.

Did You Know

In the 1982 Playoffs, the fans at RFK were chanting, ‘We want Dallas! We want Dallas!’ in the late stages of a convincing 2nd round victory over Minnesota. The cheers intensified and Redskin fans started bouncing in unison. The stadium seemed to come alive and was actually swaying up and down. Legend has it that the first and second sections actually compacted by nearly a foot!
The stadium hosted its first baseball All-Star Game in its inaugural season of 1962. The game was attended by Robert Kennedy’s brother, President John F. Kennedy.
The stadium is only half a mile from the Stadium-Armory station of the Washington Metro. It is served by both the blue and orange lines.
The stadium was featured in the climax of the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Notable Tenants of RFK Stadium

Washington Redskins (1961-1996)

RFK Stadium was home to the Washington Redskins for 36 seasons. Washington’s first game at D.C. Stadium was its first event. They lost 24–21 to the New York Giants on October 1, 1961. The Redskins played 266 regular-season games there, and were an impressive 173–102–3 (.628) record. They were also an unprecedented 11–1 in the playoffs. The Redskins’ last game there was a victory, a 37–10 pounding of the division champion Dallas Cowboys on December 22, 1996.

Washington Senators (1962–1971)

The Washington Senators of the American League played at RFK from 1962 through 1971. It was known as a hitters’ park, aided by the stagnant heat of Washington summers. The Senators’ only had one winning season there, in 1969 at 86–76 (.531). Their home record at RFK of 363–441 (.451), is the most games, wins, and losses by any team at RFK in any sport. Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon all went to ball games there.

Washington Federals (2005–2007)

Washington had a USFL team, the Washington Federals, that played two seasons at RFK. They had the league’s worst record both seasons, and the league’s worst attendance in 1984. The opening game featured former Redskins coaching legend, and then coach for the Chicago Blitz, George Allen. The team went a dismal 7-19 in two seasons, and perhaps appropriately, only averaged 7,700 fans per game. The team was sold, and moved to Orlando and renamed the Renegades in 1985.

Washington Nationals (2005–2007)

The Montreal Expos franchise moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005, and became the Washington Nationals. The Nationals played their first three seasons (2005–2007) at RFK, then moved to Nationals Park in 2008. While the Nationals were at RFK, it was the fourth-oldest active stadium in the majors, behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. In three seasons at RFK, the Nationals never made the playoffs or posted a winning record. They finished with a 122–121 record at RFK.

DC United

D.C. United of Major League Soccer played over 400 matches at RFK Stadium. From the team’s debut in 1996 until 2017, RFK hosted three MLS Cup finals, including the 1997 match won by D.C. United. At RFK, United were 228–113–75. They played their final game there on October 22, 2017, to complete 22 seasons at the stadium.

Other Tenants:

George Washington Colonials (1961–1966)
Howard Bison (1970–2016)
Washington Freedom (2001–2003)
Washington Whips (1967–68)
Team America (1983)

RFK Stadium Demolition Progress and Future Plans

The demolition of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., is underway, marking a significant step toward revitalizing the historic site. Events DC, the city’s convention and sports authority, commenced structural demolition in late January 2025, following approval from the National Park Service. The project is expected to take approximately 18 to 22 months to complete, with no planned implosion; instead, demolition crews are dismantling the structure methodically.

In a pivotal move, the U.S. Congress passed legislation in December 2024, and President Biden signed it into law in January 2025, transferring control of the RFK Stadium site to the District of Columbia. This transfer enables the city to plan for future development, including the potential construction of a new stadium.

The proposed redevelopment includes a $3.7 billion plan to build a 65,000-seat stadium, serving as the new home for the Washington Commanders. The project aims to incorporate housing, retail spaces, and green areas, with a significant portion of the development designated for affordable housing. However, the plan faces opposition from some local residents who advocate for alternative uses of the land, such as public parks and community facilities.

As demolition progresses, the future of the RFK site remains a topic of public interest and debate, with ongoing discussions about its role in the city’s development.

Photo credit – An aerial view of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium By MSGT Ken Hammond