Abandoned iconic stadium officially to be demolished and replaced by new NFL venue after $1.1 billion decision

THE Washington Commanders’ plan to return to the District of Columbia is one step closer to becoming a reality.

DC officials approved the $3.8 billion plan to redevelop the site of RFK stadium for a mixed-use project.

EPA

RFK Stadium is finally set to be demolished[/caption]

Getty

RFK Stadium is being replaced with a new stadium for the Washington Commanders[/caption]

The Council of the District of Columbia passed the stadium bill by a vote of 9-3, which was more than the neccessary number.

The Commanders are set to pay $2.7 billion of the development costs of the project.

Around $1.1 billion will come from the District of Columbia.

With this decision, the historic RFK Stadium will officially be demolished.

Part of the deal for the new stadium ensured that a majority of workers on the job will be DC residents.

“The era of a crumbling sea of asphalt on the banks of the Anacostia is finally coming to an end,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement.

“In its place, we will bring our team home and deliver a state-of-the-art, Super Bowl–ready stadium for our Commanders.

“We will build a campus that makes our city proud for generations of Washingtonians to come.”

City and team officials hope that the new, state of the art stadium will revive the economy in the area.

“This is a historic moment,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said.

“This project is about more than delivering a world-class stadium worthy of our players, fans, and the region.

“It’s about revitalizing a critical part of our city, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking long-term economic benefits for the District.”

Fans are thrilled to see the stadium making progress, and shared their thoughts on social media.

“1 step closer!” one fan said.

“Commanders forever!” another fan said.

“Josh Harris changed my life,” a third fan said.

“WE ARE GOING BACK TO DC!!” a fourth fan said.

“We’re back!!” a fifth fan said.