Northwest Stadium is an American football stadium located in Landover, Maryland, 5 miles east of Washington, D.C. It serves as the home ground for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). The stadium opened on 14 September 1997 under the name Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, named after the former team owner. It was later renamed FedExField in 1999 after FedEx acquired naming rights, a title it held until 2024. After a temporary period as Commanders Field, the stadium became Northwest Stadium in August 2024 following a naming deal with Northwest Federal Credit Union.
The stadium has undergone expansions in 1998, 2000, and 2005, reaching a peak capacity of 91,000. It now accommodates 62,000 spectators with 257 executive suites across five levels. The stadium’s Lower Level is named after Bobby Mitchell, the Club Level after Joe Gibbs, and the Upper Level after former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
In addition to NFL games, Northwest Stadium has hosted several college football matches, including the Prince George's Classic and Army-Navy Games. It has also been used for international football (soccer) matches, including games during the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It has hosted high-profile club football matches, including teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
The stadium has hosted concerts featuring major artists like U2, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Beyoncé. It also held its first rugby union match in 2021 between New Zealand and the USA Eagles.
Northwest Stadium, originally known as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, was constructed to replace RFK Stadium as the home of the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders). The project began in March 1996 when team owner Jack Kent Cooke sought a larger and modern venue for the team. After an initial plan to build near Laurel Park Racecourse failed due to lack of parking and public support, the stadium was built on Wilson Dairy Farm in Landover, Maryland. A special exit, Arena Drive (Exit 16), was added to the Capital Beltway to improve accessibility.
The stadium opened on 14 September 1997 with the Redskins playing their first game against the Arizona Cardinals. Before his death, Cooke named the location Raljon, a combination of his sons’ names, Ralph and John. However, after Daniel Snyder acquired the team and the stadium in 1999 from Cooke’s estate, the Raljon name was phased out. Snyder briefly renamed the stadium Redskins Stadium before selling naming rights to FedEx. The stadium was officially renamed FedExField on 21 November 1999, under a 27-year deal worth $205 million.
During the early 2000s, FedExField was expanded, reaching a peak capacity of 91,000, making it the largest stadium in the NFL at the time. From 2002 to 2010, the Redskins led the league in home attendance. However, due to declining ticket demand, 14,000 seats were removed from the upper levels in 2010, and another 4,000 were taken out by 2015, reducing capacity to 62,000.
In July 2023, a group led by Josh Harris acquired the Commanders and the stadium for $6.05 billion, marking the end of Daniel Snyder’s ownership. Harris’s company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), also took over management of non-NFL events at the venue.
On 28 February 2024, FedEx ended its naming rights agreement two years early. The stadium was temporarily renamed Commanders Field until August 2024, when Northwest Federal Credit Union secured the naming rights, leading to the stadium’s current name, Northwest Stadium.
Throughout its history, the stadium has hosted a variety of events. In 1999, it was a venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosting key matches, including the United States' quarterfinal win against Germany. The stadium has also hosted college football games, including the Army-Navy Game (2011, 2024) and the Prince George’s Classic. It has been the site of international football matches featuring major clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona as part of exhibition tournaments.
In addition to sports, the stadium has served as a concert venue for prominent artists, including U2, Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran. In 2021, the stadium hosted its first rugby union match between New Zealand and the USA Eagles.
The stadium has faced criticism over accessibility, safety issues, and structural concerns. Events such as water leaks and the collapse of a barrier during a game in 2022 drew attention to its declining infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Northwest Stadium remains a key venue for sporting and entertainment events in the Washington metropolitan area.
As of 2024, Northwest Stadium continues to serve as the home of the Washington Commanders, accommodating 62,000 spectators and hosting a range of events beyond NFL games. It plays an important role in the region’s sports and entertainment landscape.
Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, is designed with a clear and functional layout to accommodate various events, including American football, concerts, and other large gatherings. The stadium is divided into five levels to manage seating and facilities efficiently. These levels are the Lower Level, Club Level, Upper Level, and the Lower and Upper Suite Levels. Each level serves a specific purpose to enhance the experience for spectators.
The Lower Level is named after Bobby Mitchell, a long-serving player and executive of the Washington team. This section offers seating close to the field and provides general admission access for fans. Above this is the Club Level, named after Joe Gibbs, a former head coach of the team. This level includes premium seating options with additional amenities such as lounges, bars, and improved catering services for ticket holders.
The Upper Level provides affordable seating and is named after Pete Rozelle, a former NFL commissioner. This section ensures capacity for a large number of spectators while maintaining good views of the field. The stadium also features 257 executive suites, spread across the Lower and Upper Suite Levels. These suites are designed to accommodate corporate groups and private gatherings, offering enclosed spaces with high-end amenities.
The layout includes spacious concourses for food stalls, restrooms, and fan activities. The stadium's design prioritises clear sightlines from all seating areas. Parking areas are located around the stadium, and a dedicated exit, Arena Drive, connects the venue to Interstate 495 for smooth access.
The structure of Northwest Stadium is simple and organised, allowing for the management of large crowds and various event types. Despite criticisms over its condition, its design continues to serve as a functional venue for sports and entertainment.
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