DC begins demolishing historic RFK Stadium

Preliminary work has begun for a day many D.C. residents have waited for: The demolition of RFK Stadium. 

It’s been quite a few weeks for the District of Columbia and Commanders Fans.  

First, D.C. gets control of the site. Then, the Commanders make the playoffs and win their first postseason game in 19 years.     

Now — news that things are speeding up with the RFK Stadium demolition.  

RFK Stadium demolition begins            

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 22: The Robert F. Kennedy Stadium is seen on December 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act passed the U.S. Senate early December 21st. (Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Image

FOX 5 saw crews doing preliminary work Monday afternoon, marking the official beginning of an increase of activity at the site to begin demolition.

It’s an early step in the process, but a step nonetheless towards an actual teardown now that all the permitting and regulatory approvals needed have gotten the green light, according to Events D.C.             

What they're saying:

In a statement posted on Saturday, Events D.C. says the actual structural demolition will begin at the end of this month and will largely be confined to certain portions of the interior of the stadium as well as the exterior parts that are not responsible for holding up the structure.

Monday, Mayor Bowser called this a "selective demolition" indicating there won’t be a big explosion, but a methodical teardown happening over several months.

Related

Biden signs bill giving DC control of RFK Stadium, Bowser says: 'It's officially law'

President Joe Biden has signed the bill that gives D.C. control of the RFK Stadium site, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says, effectively opening up the opportunity for the District to lure the Commanders back to town.

FOX 5 talked to some neighbors who say they acknowledge the history of this building, but are ready to see it go.

"I love going on walks with my kids, and it’s just, sad to say, a big eyesore. I mean, it’s an impressive piece of architecture. I mean it was. Now it’s all run down and broken," said Homere Whyte.

Kristin Pearson also lives near the RFK site and, like Whyte, is excited for something new.

"It has very cool history, the legacy will be there. You can’t change that history. But it’s definitely time to move forward and do something meaningful with the space. It’s an amazing part of the city, there’s so much potential here, but there’s also a lot of other things in this area to focus on and develop and care about," Pearson said.

This demolition is happening as the conversation about what will go on the RFK site next heats up.  

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and some members of council are advocating for the Commanders to return to the site, while some neighbors and other council members don’t think a stadium belongs at the site.

Washington, D.C.