Unveiling the History of FedEx Field: A Deep Dive

FedEx Field, home to the Washington Commanders, has a history as complex and turbulent as the team that calls it home. To answer the burning question upfront: FedEx Field was built in 1997, opening its doors to fans for the first time on September 14th of that year. But that’s just the surface. Let’s delve into the stadium’s fascinating, and often controversial, story.

The Genesis of a Stadium: A New Home for the Redskins

Before FedEx Field, the Washington Redskins (as they were known then) played at RFK Stadium, a beloved but aging multi-purpose stadium shared with the Washington Nationals baseball team. By the mid-1990s, then-owner Jack Kent Cooke recognized the need for a modern, football-specific stadium to maximize revenue and offer a better fan experience.

Cooke envisioned a behemoth, a stadium that would not only house the Redskins but also serve as a testament to his ambition. The initial plans called for a stadium with a seating capacity far exceeding RFK, and Cooke poured his personal fortune into making it a reality.

From Raljon to Landover: A Location Battle

The process of finding the perfect location was fraught with challenges. Cooke initially sought to build the stadium in Washington D.C. However, negotiations with the city stalled due to concerns over financing and environmental impact.

Ultimately, Cooke decided to look beyond the District’s borders, settling on a site in Raljon, Maryland, an unincorporated area of Prince George’s County. (Raljon was a portmanteau of Cooke’s sons’ names, Ralph and John.) The location, later incorporated into the town of Landover, offered ample space and more favorable terms, though it meant leaving the team’s historical home in the nation’s capital.

Construction and Opening Day

Construction commenced in December 1995, and the stadium rose rapidly. The project was ambitious, aiming to create one of the largest stadiums in the National Football League (NFL). On September 14, 1997, FedEx Field officially opened its gates, welcoming fans for a game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Redskins won, christening their new home with a victory.

FedEx Field: From Glory Days to Modern Challenges

For a time, FedEx Field was seen as a triumph. Its massive capacity – initially over 80,000 seats and eventually peaking at over 91,000 – made it one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in the NFL. The Redskins enjoyed considerable success in the early years of the stadium’s existence, further solidifying its reputation.

However, over the years, FedEx Field has faced criticism. Issues with traffic congestion, parking accessibility, and the overall fan experience have plagued the stadium. Several renovations have been attempted to address these concerns, but the fundamental problems related to the stadium’s design and location have persisted.

The Future of FedEx Field

With the recent sale of the Washington Commanders to a new ownership group led by Josh Harris, the future of FedEx Field is once again under scrutiny. The team has publicly stated its intention to explore options for a new stadium, potentially in a more accessible location or even back in the District of Columbia. While FedEx Field still stands, its long-term viability as the Commanders’ home is uncertain. The era of the stadium is undoubtedly coming to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FedEx Field

Here are some frequently asked questions about FedEx Field, providing additional insights into its history, features, and future.

1. What was FedEx Field originally named?

Originally, FedEx Field was named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, in honor of the team’s owner who spearheaded its construction. After Cooke’s death in 1997, before the inaugural season, the naming rights were sold to FedEx, and it was renamed FedEx Field.

2. What is the current seating capacity of FedEx Field?

The seating capacity of FedEx Field has been reduced over the years. It currently holds around 62,000 seats, a significant decrease from its peak of over 91,000. This reduction reflects efforts to improve the fan experience by removing less desirable seats.

3. Where is FedEx Field located?

FedEx Field is located in Landover, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., within Prince George’s County. The physical address is 1600 FedEx Way, Landover, MD 20785.

4. What are some criticisms of FedEx Field?

Criticisms of FedEx Field often center around accessibility issues, including heavy traffic congestion, limited public transportation options, and expensive parking. The stadium has also been criticized for its aging infrastructure and overall fan experience.

5. What major events besides NFL games have been held at FedEx Field?

Besides Washington Commanders games, FedEx Field has hosted numerous other events, including soccer matches, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings. It has served as a venue for international soccer competitions and performances by major musical acts.

6. Has FedEx Field undergone any major renovations?

Yes, FedEx Field has undergone several renovations throughout its history. These renovations have included the addition of luxury suites, the expansion of concourses, and upgrades to the stadium’s infrastructure. However, these improvements have not fully addressed the underlying issues related to the stadium’s design and location.

7. Who owns FedEx Field?

The Washington Commanders own FedEx Field. Under the previous ownership, the stadium was controlled by Daniel Snyder. With the recent sale of the Commanders to Josh Harris’s group, ownership of the stadium has transferred as well.

8. What is the distance from Washington D.C. to FedEx Field?

FedEx Field is located approximately 10-15 miles east of downtown Washington, D.C., depending on the specific route and traffic conditions.

9. What are the public transportation options for getting to FedEx Field?

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Blue and Silver lines to the Morgan Boulevard station, which is the closest Metro stop to FedEx Field. However, it is still a significant walk from the station to the stadium. Shuttle buses are often available on game days.

10. What is the parking situation like at FedEx Field?

Parking at FedEx Field is notoriously challenging. Parking lots are located around the stadium, but spaces are limited and expensive. Traffic congestion can be severe on game days, making it difficult to access the parking lots. Many fans opt for off-site parking and shuttle services or public transportation.

11. Are there any plans to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders?

Yes, the new ownership group, led by Josh Harris, has publicly stated its intention to explore options for building a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. This could involve building a new stadium on the existing site or relocating to a different location, potentially back in Washington, D.C.

12. What is the legacy of FedEx Field?

The legacy of FedEx Field is complicated. While it served as the home of the Washington Commanders for over two decades and witnessed some memorable moments, it is also remembered for its accessibility issues, fan experience challenges, and controversies surrounding its ownership. It’s a stadium that ultimately fell short of its initial promise, a reminder that bigger isn’t always better, especially when location and fan experience are compromised. Its story serves as a lesson for future stadium projects, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive planning and prioritizing the needs of the fans.