Washington Commanders Planning FedEx Field Renovations?

Commanders managing partner Josh Harris has shared plans for stadium renovations to update the experience for fans.

By Isaiah Deanda

Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) throws a pass during the NFL preseason week 3
Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) throws a pass during the NFL preseason week 3 / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

The Washington Commanders are entering a new era both on the football field with new head coach Dan Quinn and the No. 2 overall pick, as well as with the stadium itself. 

Team managing partner Josh Harris (One of Washington’s new owners as of last season) has now spoken about the changes he plans to make to renovate the current stadium, which had become a laughing stock in the league.

Feb 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris speaks during an
Feb 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris speaks during an / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“Well, I mean, look, this is a, I don't know, close to a 25 to 30-year-old stadium, right? So, when stadiums were built back then, they didn't have the kind of premium and fan experience that you do today,” Haitis said.  “A lot of the stadiums, the sight lines to the game are further away. Certainly, the ability to use device, there's been a digital transformation since then. The way fans watch games is a lot better. It's a lot closer. You can see better the premium experience is better. So obviously, the ingress and egress is more difficult than it has to be. So, there's a lot of things that are going to change if we build a new stadium for sure.”

Building a new stadium is something that many fans across the league were calling for after a railing collapsed back in 2022. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts narrowly avoided getting seriously injured by that event, and even before that, claims of sewage pouring on fans from pipe drainage also caused some outrage shrugs; it was later proven to be rainwater.

When Harris and his team bought the team from disgraced owner Dan Snyder, it was a celebratory occasion for fans tired of being associated with mediocrity. Perhaps these stadium improvements will be enough to improve the image surrounding the Commanders franchise, but only time will tell.