Northwest Stadium
Jack Kent Cooke died months before the stadium opened on the 14th of September 1997. He had chosen Wilson Dairy Farm in Landover, Maryland, as the site for his new venue. The project began with a vision to replace RFK Stadium after early 1990s planning sessions. Cooke initially considered land near Laurel Park Racecourse but rejected it due to parking issues. He named the development Raljon after his sons Ralph and John. This name appeared on the United States Postal Service records for the stadium's ZIP Code. A special exit from Interstate 495 was built to serve the location. His sons completed the construction and dedicated the facility as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. Daniel Snyder purchased the team and stadium from Cooke's estate in May 1999. He briefly renamed the venue Redskins Stadium that same year. Snyder then sold naming rights to FedEx for 27 years at an average of $7.6 million per year. The official renaming to FedExField occurred on the 21st of November 1999. The Raljon dateline requirements were phased out by the start of the 1999 season. In July 2023, Josh Harris led a group that bought the team for $6.05 billion. FedEx opted out of its contract before its 2026 expiration in February 2024. The venue temporarily became Commanders Field until the 27th of August 2024. Northwest Federal Credit Union announced a sponsorship to rename it Northwest Stadium.
The stadium held the NFL's largest capacity of 91,000 seats from 2004 until 2010. Demand declined after 2010, prompting significant reductions in seating numbers. Fourteen thousand seats were removed from the upper deck between 2002 and 2010. Another 4,000 seats had been removed by 2015, leaving a capacity of 62,000. One thousand five hundred seats were re-added in 2025 for a total capacity of 64,000. Daniel Snyder owned the facility from May 1999 until July 2023. He sold the team and stadium to a group headed by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment took over operating non-NFL events the following year. The Washington Commanders currently own and operate the stadium for their games. Non-NFL events are managed by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. The Commanders plan to vacate the site upon completion of New Commanders Stadium in 2030. This new venue will be located at the former site of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The structure features five distinct levels including Lower Level, Club Level, Upper Level, and two Suite Levels. The Lower Level bears the name of Bobby Mitchell, who served as a running back and executive from 1962 to 2002. The Club Level honors Joe Gibbs, the head coach during two separate tenures from 1981 to 1992 and 2004 to 2007. The Upper Level is named after former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. The facility contains 257 suites distributed across these tiers. Eighteen hundred premium dream seats were added in three rows in front of the original first row in 2005. The distance between the stadium and the Morgan Boulevard Metro station remains approximately one mile away. Federal regulations prohibit publicly paid shuttle service when private options exist. The design prioritizes suite distribution while maintaining large general seating areas for football games.
Northwest Stadium hosted six matches during the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup starting the 23rd of June 1999. A quarterfinal game on the 1st of July 1999 drew 54,642 spectators for the United States victory over Germany. The venue held an Army, Navy Game in both 2011 and 2024. A 1998 match featured Notre Dame Fighting Irish against Navy Midshipmen. Another 2004 contest pitted USC Trojans against Virginia Tech Hokies. On the 28th of March 2015, Argentina defeated El Salvador before a crowd of 53,978. D.C. United hosted Chelsea F.C. during the 2005 World Series of Soccer with 31,473 attendees. Manchester United played Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup on the 29th of July 2014. Barcelona faced Manchester United again on the 26th of July 2017 drawing 80,162 fans. Real Madrid beat Juventus 3-1 during the 2018 International Champions Cup on the 4th of August 2018. A rugby union match between New Zealand and USA Eagles occurred on the 23rd of October 2021 with 39,720 people present.
The Rolling Stones performed their Licks Tour at the stadium on the 4th of October 2002. Metallica headlined the Summer Sanitarium Tour on the 18th of July 2003 alongside Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band played The Rising Tour on the 13th of September 2003. U2 appeared for their 360° Tour on the 29th of September 2009. Guns N' Roses and Alice in Chains shared the stage for Not in This Lifetime... Tour on the 26th of June 2016. Taylor Swift hosted her Reputation Stadium Tour on the 10th of July 2018. Beyoncé and Jay-Z performed On the Run II Tour on the 11th of July 2018. Coldplay brought their A Head Full of Dreams Tour to the venue on the 6th of August 2017. AC/DC is scheduled to play Power Up Tour on the 12th of May 2025. Metallica will perform M72 World Tour on the 28th of May 2025. Post Malone brings his Big Ass Stadium Tour on the 2nd of June 2025. Kendrick Lamar and SZA headline Grand National Tour on the 18th of June 2025. Beyoncé returns for Cowboy Carter Tour on the 4th of July 2025.
The stadium opened in 1997 but faced immediate criticism regarding transit access from Morgan Boulevard station. Three water leaks occurred near two fans during a game in 2021. A barrier separating seated fans from the away team tunnel gave way in 2022 as Jalen Hurts walked down the tunnel. Several people fell near him when the structure failed. Witnesses reported that staff yelled get the fuck off the field instead of calling medical attention. Team statements claimed evaluations were provided on site while one fan denied receiving care. Hurts wrote an open letter to the NFL asking for prevention measures against future incidents. Daniel Snyder had been discussing new stadium construction as early as 2007. The venue is regarded by many as one of the worst stadiums in the NFL due to these recurring issues.
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Common questions
When did Northwest Stadium open and who chose the site?
Northwest Stadium opened on the 14th of September 1997. Jack Kent Cooke selected Wilson Dairy Farm in Landover, Maryland as the location for the venue.
Who owns Northwest Stadium now and when was it renamed to that name?
The Washington Commanders currently own and operate Northwest Stadium. The venue received its current name after Northwest Federal Credit Union announced a sponsorship agreement following the expiration of the FedEx contract in February 2024.
What is the seating capacity history of Northwest Stadium from 2004 to 2025?
Northwest Stadium held an NFL record capacity of 91,000 seats from 2004 until 2010. Capacity dropped to 62,000 by 2015 before increasing to 64,000 after adding 1,500 seats in 2025.
Which major concerts have been performed at Northwest Stadium since 2002?
Notable performances include The Rolling Stones Licks Tour on the 4th of October 2002 and Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour on the 10th of July 2018. Future scheduled events feature AC/DC Power Up Tour on the 12th of May 2025 and Metallica M72 World Tour on the 28th of May 2025.
Why is Northwest Stadium considered one of the worst stadiums in the NFL?
The venue faces criticism for transit access issues from Morgan Boulevard Metro station which remains approximately one mile away. Structural failures occurred including a barrier collapse during a game in 2022 that caused fans to fall near Jalen Hurts.