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ArchPaper Publishes Commanders Stadium Conceptual Plans

April 29, 2026

The Architect’s Newspaper shares OJB’s “stadium in a park” vision for the new Washington Commanders Stadium and surrounding district. Designed to connect Washington’s historic core with the Anacostia River and adjacent landscapes, the site reflects values of openness, accessibility, and transparency, with at least 30 percent of the site dedicated to recreation. Preliminary site and building plans for the Commanders Stadium were approved by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) earlier in the month. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and full completion is scheduled for 2030 for the 2030-31 season.

“We’re designing a landscape around the stadium that feels inseparable from Washington’s park and riverfront experience,” said Jim Burnett, FASLA, founder of OJB Landscape Architecture. “The goal is a civic place that can hold the excitement of game day but also supports community health and well-being every day: spaces to walk, gather, play, recharge, and celebrate. It will offer something for everyone, in every season.”

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  • West steps and pedestrian promenade at the Washington Commanders stadium, with terraced seating and a maple canopy linking the stadium to surrounding parkland.
  • Stadium promenade at the Washington Commanders stadium, lined with ginkgo trees and active retail edges that extend the public realm beyond game day.
  • South entry to the Washington Commanders stadium, where a planted underpass and integrated seating walls move fans through the landscape toward the building.
  • Washington Commanders stadium grounds on a non-game day, with families, cyclists, and casual users in the surrounding public realm landscape.
  • Washington Commanders stadium festival plaza activated with shaded seating, lawn games, and casual gathering — landscape designed to perform beyond game day.
  • Fans moving through the Washington Commanders stadium festival plaza on game day, beneath shade trees connecting tailgate areas to the main entry.
  • Aerial rendering of the Washington Commanders stadium festival plaza, with allées of shade trees framing a central gathering space and tailgate area.
  • Aerial view of the Washington Commanders stadium east plaza, with tree-lined approaches and fan gatherings in a public realm landscape designed by OJB.