“District of Columbia Stadium” once echoed with cheers. It was later known as RFK Stadium. Today let’s explore the echoes of RFK Stadium’s vibrant past right where it stood.
RFK Stadium was more than just a stadium. It was a stage for history. It stood about two miles east of the U.S. Capitol. The stadium was near the Anacostia River. RFK was a place where memories were forged.
Imagine the roar of the crowd. Picture the Washington Redskins charging down the field. RFK was their home for 36 seasons. Think of the baseballs soaring. Envision the Washington Senators hitting home runs. RFK saw it all.
RFK Stadium opened in 1961. It was initially called District of Columbia Stadium. Many shortened this to D.C. Stadium. The stadium was designed to host both baseball and football games. This made it one of the first of its kind. Other stadiums served this purpose. Cleveland Stadium and Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium were such examples. RFK was among the first to employ the cookie-cutter design.
In January 1969, the stadium was renamed. It honored Robert F. Kennedy. He was a U.S. Senator. He was assassinated in Los Angeles months earlier. The stadium became Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Most knew it simply as RFK Stadium.
RFK hosted many teams over the years. These included the Washington Redskins and the Washington Senators. It also hosted five professional soccer teams. Two college football teams also called it home. The stadium was a versatile venue.
RFK held five NFC Championship games. It also hosted two MLB All-Star Games. Men’s and women’s World Cup matches were played here. Nine first-round soccer games of the 1996 Olympics were held here. Three MLS Cup matches occurred at RFK. Two MLS All-Star games also took place here.
Many other events filled RFK’s calendar. These included college football and soccer games. Baseball exhibitions took place here. Boxing matches and cycling races thrilled fans. The stadium hosted auto races and marathons. Dozens of major concerts rocked the stands.
RFK wasn’t perfect for every sport. Its circular design posed challenges. Adapting the field between baseball and football cost money. It took time. In its final form, hydraulic systems were used. Sod was laid over the infield dirt for baseball.
Despite its quirks, RFK was loved. Fans recall the stadium’s energy. The upper deck would shake when fans stomped. The stadium was incredibly loud during Redskins games.
RFK also boasted some interesting design choices. Light towers were not allowed because the stadium was in line with the Washington Monument. Instead, lights were placed on its curved roof.
In September 2019, plans changed. Events DC announced the stadium would be demolished. Maintenance costs were too high. Demolition began in 2023.
But now, there is the possibility of a rebuild. A bill passed extending the lease by 99 years. The Washington Commanders may return. A new RFK Stadium could be completed by 2030.
So as we stand here, remember RFK Stadium. Think of the games. Remember the concerts. Reflect on the history made within its walls. It was more than just a stadium. It was a part of Washington D.C.’s heart.