NCPC Provides Feedback on New Stadium on RFK Campus

• By Stephen Staudigl
• February 06, 2026

NCPC Provides Feedback on New Stadium on RFK Campus

At its Thursday, February 6 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission provided comments on concept plans submitted by the Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia for the New Stadium at RFK Campus. Plans call for a new domed 65,000-seat stadium for the Washington Commanders on the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The entire campus master plan will include five districts, but the Commission's review is focused on the approximately 30-acre Stadium District.

The conceptual stadium's design is inspired by architecture in Washington's monumental core, seeks to balance innovative stadium design with respect for the location by maintaining the East Capitol Street viewshed towards the U.S. Capitol, and by referencing the original stadium's form. Commissioners liked how the design celebrates Washington as a monumental city, pays homage to the old stadium, and anticipated that it will become a new landmark in the nation's capital.

The Commission made several recommendations and requests for the next submission. These included additional information on views of the stadium and lighting. They also requested to see designs for the two parking decks (G1 and G2), as well as information about the landscape and planting plans, kiosk and pavilion designs, and perimeter security approach. The Commission also recommended coordination with the adjacent DC National Guard Armory and National Park Service.

The Commission then heard an update on the Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative, a multi-federal and District agency effort to reinvigorate and transform the 1.2 mile stretch of the Avenue between the White House and U.S. Capitol. While Pennsylvania Avenue is an iconic location in the nation's capital, it is not living up to its potential. Aging materials, visible wear, extreme heat and flooding, and ad-hoc security measures cluttering the sidewalks have eroded its comfort and dignity. The lack of consistent street-level activity leaves it feeling empty and unwelcoming, while events depend on bulky, unattractive temporary infrastructure that project neglect rather than civic pride.

This multi-agency partnership is preparing a new Pennsylvania Avenue Plan to transform the Avenue into both a premier venue for regional and national events and a great everyday street for city life. The plan envisions a magnificent stage -showcasing the best of American art, culture, and entertainment -paired with beautiful public spaces, modern infrastructure, and integrated security that will serve the nation for generations. Staff aims to submit plans to the Commission for concept review in early spring, preliminary review in early fall, and final review in early 2027. There will be opportunities for public input during this review period.

The Commission also heard an information presentation by National Park Service staff on the Great Falls Area Maryland Development Concept Plan. The plan covers the section of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Maryland bounded by the Anglers Parking Area to the south, MacArthur Boulevard to the east, Potomac River to the west, and Swains Lock (Lock 21) to the north and centered on the Great Falls Visitor Center. This section is the most popular area of the park with five million annual visitors. The plan incorporates several strategies including formalizing river and canal access points; providing clear, consistent, and simplified signage; improving circulation and parking; and providing access to a wider range of recreation and visitor activities. Information on the plan may be found online.

Commission actions and related materials are available online.

The Commission approved two items on the Consent Calendar (no presentations were made). Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.

1. Comments on the draft Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Dormitory Facility Plan, 20 MacDill Boulevard, SE. (MP55E)
2. Comments on concept plans for the Pentagon Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility, Pentagon Reservation, Arlington, Virginia. (8741)

The Executive Director approved five items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.

1. Preliminary and final building plans for the Washington VA Medical Center Antenna Upgrade, 50 Irving Street, NW. (8743)
2. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the District of Columbia Armory Vehicle Control Point Design, 2001 East Capitol Street, SE. (8517)
3. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the FDA White Oak Energy Storage and Power Conversions Systems, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland. (8742)
4. A report to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia for a Technical Correction to 11-DCMR (DC Municipal Regulations) Zoning Regulations. (ZC 08-06S)
5. A report to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia for Text Amendments to Modify and Clarify Various Provisions of 11-DCMR (DC Municipal Regulations) (Part 2). (ZC 25-12)