In a long-awaited decision, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced its approval for the demolition of RFK Stadium in Northeast D.C. The stadium, which has remained unused for the past five years, has been deteriorating for even longer. The District of Columbia (D.C.) Mayor, Muriel Bowser, held a symbolic removal of the last stadium seat back in December 2022, with initial plans to tear down the stadium before the end of 2023.

To ensure the safe demolition of the stadium, asbestos abatement was completed, and seats and artifacts were removed. However, the actual demolition process was delayed as the NPS conducted an assessment to determine the environmental impact. This assessment has now been completed, and the NPS has recommended the approval of the demolition in a recent statement.

As part of the demolition process, the NPS and D.C. will sign an agreement confirming that the demolition adheres to the 1957 District of Columbia Stadium Act's requirements. While D.C. owns the stadium itself, the land on which it sits is owned by the NPS.

RFK Stadium, which opened in 1961, served as the home for Washington's NFL team until the late 1990s, when the team relocated to Maryland. Over the years, the stadium also provided a temporary home for the Washington Nationals and hosted various other events.

The stadium site has gained attention as a potential location for a new Commanders stadium. In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would extend D.C.'s rent-free lease on the land for another 99 years, facilitating the transformation. However, the bill still requires approval from the Senate.

D.C. Mayor Bowser expressed her desire to not only demolish the stadium but also to control and invest in the 170-acre site. Prior to the Commanders' change in ownership, the organization voiced support for D.C.'s control over the site.

Events DC, the organization operating the stadium, welcomed the NPS's issuance of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) as a positive step towards the demolition. They are currently completing final concrete testing to identify portions that can be reused as backfill on the RFK site. Once this testing is finished, and the NPS issues a permit, structural demolition can commence.

While the approval of the demolition by the NPS is a significant development, the ultimate fate of RFK Stadium and its site hinges on the Senate's decision to extend the lease for the District. Additionally, the Commanders' ownership will have to consider whether to relocate the team back to D.C.

This is an evolving story, and News4 will provide updates as new information becomes available.