Although the RFK Stadium site hasn’t been officially transferred from federal hands to the D.C. government, architect Kyle Murphy has already presented his vision for a potential new Commanders stadium.

A wooden structure with stunning views

Murphy, founder of the architecture firm Kato, has envisioned a stadium that wouldn’t just serve the Commanders. His plan emphasizes flexibility, allowing the venue to host multiple events and be seen as a truly national stadium, he said.

Even though the land transfer hasn’t been finalized, Murphy recently sent out a series of digital renderings and a polished animated concept video showcasing his vision for a multi-purpose stadium on the 170-acre site. The recipients included D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and the Commanders’ ownership group.

The visuals depict a covered stadium made primarily of wood, featuring transparent roof sections. The seating bowl is divided into multiple levels, with the stands behind the end zones intentionally lower to make way for two massive windows offering panoramic views of the surroundings. The west-facing window, in particular, is designed to provide a direct line of sight to the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument—a feature that could make the stadium one of the most visually striking in the league. The proposed capacity is around 70,000 spectators. Beyond the stadium itself, the proposal includes more than 2,000 residential units, an open-air theater, a running track, an outdoor market, and various restaurants.

© KATO Design

Decision lies with city officials and Commanders’ owners

Of course, any concrete stadium plans are still a long way off. Mayor Bowser recently stated that before the land transfer can proceed, it requires city council approval—something expected to be addressed in the coming days. Once the site officially falls under D.C.’s jurisdiction, as per the RFK Stadium legislation that narrowly passed through Congress and was signed into law in early January, discussions on how to develop the land can formally begin. While Bowser, the Commanders’ owners, and the NFL pushed for the bill’s passage to unlock the RFK site for redevelopment, there’s no guarantee that the project will ultimately move forward.

Even though this location is the preferred choice of majority owner Josh Harris and his partners, local opposition to a new stadium in this area could still pose a challenge. Moreover, any agreement between D.C. officials and the Commanders will likely involve the contentious issue of public funding—an obstacle that could complicate negotiations.

© KATO Design