April 29, 2025 • 53 mins
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Josh Harris, Roger Goodell on Returning to the RFK Campus.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
I want to welcome everybody this morning on a historic day.
My name is Brahm Weinstein. It is my honor to
welcome you all here to the National Press Club on
a historic moment for both the city of Washington, d C,
the region at large, and our beloved football team, the
Washington Commanders. Sometimes a long, very long, winding road will
(00:28):
bring you home, and RFK Stadium was home for a
very long time. There were legends that were made there
that are here with us today. Hall of famers like
John Riggins and Darryl Green, a second Super Bowl MVP
(00:50):
Doug Williams, of course our legendary Hall of Fame coach
Joe Gibbs. Today is not only about the past, it's
obviously about the future as well. So it's fitting that
(01:11):
next to Joe Gibbs is our head coach Dan Quinn
and our general manager Adam Peters. Timeless memories were made
at the RFK site, and that's what today is about,
repeating that timeless future memories for our city and for
(01:33):
our team. These individuals here in particular already and excited
to share a very special announcement with both the DC Residents,
Commanders fans in the region and of course around the
world as well. Washington d C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the
managing partner of the Washington Commanders, Josh Harris, and the
(02:02):
Commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell. They're waiting a long
time to say. This is Madam Mayor. It is time
for kickoff. So Mayor Bowser, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Thank you, brawn.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Promise made so I want to start by saying, welcome home.
Let's give our commanders a big Washington DC welcome.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
We are so happy to talk this.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Morning about bringing our team home to the sports capital,
back to our fk where they belong, and I couldn't
be more excited it for our city, our team, and
our fans. Josh and the entire team at the Commanders,
(03:09):
thank you. We want to say thank you for not
just buying our team, some would say saving our team,
getting the team to the NFC Championship for the first
time in thirty three years, but we want to thank
(03:36):
you for making a transformational investment Inward seven in our city,
especially now a time where we need it the most. Commissioner,
I know you can't have favorites, but we know where
(03:59):
you grew.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Up and this is a big deal.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I've been working on this for the ten years that
I've been there, and now we have the right partner
at the right time. And Josh is someone who cares
more than just about this franchise. He cares about doing
the right thing and he likes to win. You've heard
(04:26):
me say that before. He knows how to put together
a winning team. And throughout this process it's been a
cooperative one. We were joined in our goals to advance
a deal that we could be proud of, a development
that would serve the city for generations to come and
(04:48):
support the best professional sports franchise in the world.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
So when Josh talks about.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
This, he very elegantly says that he wonts to provide
and do for the city and give the city what
it deserves. And I agree, and I'd go a step
further and say that right now, as our economy is shifting,
it's something our city really needs because we need growth
(05:18):
and we need jobs. We have one hundred and eighty
acres of opportunity on the banks of the Anacostia River.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
And we have.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
And I have to pause to acknowledge our congresswoman and
congresswomen Congressman James Comer of Kentucky who advanced a bipartisan
effort to deliver that land to DC.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Thank you, Congresswoman Norton. This land has been blighted and.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Underutilized for too long, and what our deal with the
Washington Commanders provide is the fastest insurance route to developing
the RFK campus and not just delivering sports and entertainment,
but delivering housing, jobs, recreation, and economic development. We will
(06:22):
be able to deliver thousands of homes here. It will
deliver a world class, community focused sports plex for our kids.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
It will.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Creates park space and build out riverfront and trails. It's
about creating jobs for DC residents and revenue that will
support what all of our city needs, city services that
have made us a growing city. We're going to be
(06:59):
talking a lot about this project in the coming weeks
and months, and it will be clear that this is
a good deal for DC. It's a fantastic deal, a
win win win for the city, the team, and the fans.
So I want to say thank you, thank you for
everyone that has been involved at this point, and before
(07:22):
we take questions, I'll go through a quick list of
thank yous, but I first want to introduce.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
A person who has been a.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Great part of the DC community and the time that
he's joined, he has brought on local partners into the
Commander's ownership. That's meant a lot for us. And I
see Mark Ien and Mitch Riel's in the front row.
Give them a big round of applause. These guys bet
(07:55):
on DC a long time ago, and I am just
so grateful for your partnership.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Josh, and you have the floor.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Josh Harri is the owner of the Washington Commanders.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Well, everyone, what a great day.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
It's a great day in our process to bring the
Commanders home.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
And Mayor, thank you.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
I'm so appreciative for our partnership and everything you've done
through this process. And you know this day as a
testament to your leadership and the city's leadership. So thank you,
thank you, and thank you to the council members that
(08:40):
are here. We know you're going to be considering all
this and thank you for your partnership and helping us.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
Get to this historic moment.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
We know you have a bunch of work to do,
and we're going to be there transparently providing all the
information to you. Chairman Mendelssohn. I know you're not here
with us today, but and the entire group of DC
Council members so very much appreciative that you're here today
to listen.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
And Roger, I know you're busy. Thank you for being here.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
It's very meaningful to have the Commissioner of the NFL
sitting side by side with us today. So today I
am absolutely thrilled to announce that the Commanders are ready
to make the single and our partners are Committee are
committed to make the single largest private investment in DC history.
(09:46):
You know, one of my earliest members was walking down
East Capitol Street to RFK. I only knew one person,
my uncle Jerry Robbie Miller is sitting right there, who
had tickets because there was a twenty five year waiting
lists and I got to go once or twice a year.
But I watched every game intently, and I grew up
(10:07):
watching the greats, whether it be Sonny Jergens and Billy Kilmer,
Joe Thaisman, Mark Rippon, the Hogs, Joe Gibbs, Art Monk,
and three Super Bowls.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
In need one of those.
Speaker 5 (10:24):
And obviously we're so honored to have Darryll Doug and John,
thank you all for being here today, and you're.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Right there up there and Adam and Dan no pressure.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
That was the Washington that I remembered when on Sundays
everything stopped. Everyone was glued to their TV or in
the stadium. And we've already seen a reawakening of that spirit.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
But we want to bring it back.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
Now.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
We want to bring the Commanders home with a new
RFK that our fans will love, our opponents will fear.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
It'll be loud. We want to make it about football,
but also about the.
Speaker 5 (11:12):
City and the community, and we want to host the
biggest and best events in the world. When our ownership
group started on this journey two years ago, we laid
out three clear priorities. Build a championship caliber team, improve
fan experience, and make a positive impact on this community.
(11:32):
Today's announcement is a key part of that vision.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Let's come home.
Speaker 5 (11:38):
This project is about so much more than building a stadium.
It's about it once in a generation opportunity to create
a catalyst for long term, transformational economic growth here in DC.
That means thousands of new jobs, billions of new tax
(12:01):
thousands of new homes, partnerships with local businesses and the
creation of about ninety acres of mixed use development for
our community. And you know what, the City of Washington
and the DMB deserve it. Without exaggeration, this will be
(12:27):
the best stadium in the country when it's built in
front of the Anacostia River facing the Capitol and the
Washington minture of it.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
Show it up.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
And while today marks an exciting step towards bringing the
Commanders back to our spiritual home in DC, I also
want to recognize the incredible partnership we've built with Maryland
in Virginia, In Maryland where we currently play, and in
Virginia where we train. I just want to say that
(13:01):
I'm particularly grateful to Governor Moore and the Maryland leadership
for their support and shared belief and what we can
achieve together at our current stadium site as we move
where we play football games to new RFK.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Thank you, Governor Moore, Maryland Delegation.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
On a personal note, I am deeply humbled and grateful
that God has allowed me to be part of this
journey to help shape the next chapter for Commander's Football,
for DC and for the entire DMV community. I'm also
grateful to my family who's sitting here. Couldn't have done
it without you, my wife Marjorie Hannah, my brother Gay,
(13:50):
my mother Sylvia, Mama Commander. And I couldn't have done
it without my partners, Mitch rails mark On, mister Phallic,
and others that I'm not sure if they want to
be mentioned or not, so I'm not going to mention
them who are in the audience. I believe, and I
(14:14):
know that Mayor Bowser believes. I know that you believe
in the power of this project to bring our city
and this region together. We're excited to continue working with
the Council, the Mayor, and the DC leadership in this
community to shape the next chapter of RFK. RFK was
the site of some of my earliest and most meaningful memories.
(14:36):
I hope that many others will be able to create
incredible memories of their own for generations to come.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
The future is very, very bright. Thank you for.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
Being here today listening, and let's go get this done.
Speaker 7 (14:54):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
With all.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It will take quite an investment in infrastructure, because we're
going to make that stadium shake once again.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
You do it.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
They know all about that. This also could be a
crown jewel in making Washington the most powerful sports city
in the world. And with that in mind, let me
introduce NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who liked myself and like
many of us in this room, grew up going to
the old RFK stadium. Commissioner, good morning.
Speaker 8 (15:30):
Good morning everyone, and thanks Braham. This is a very
special day, one that many of us have been looking
forward to many years. I'm excited to join the Mayor
and Josh to help announce the intention of the Commanders
to return to their historical site, their home in Washington,
d C. Thank you to Mayor Bowser for your leadership
(15:54):
extraordinary and we're here and glad to support you, and
of course to Josh for your incredible leadership. Under Josh's leadership,
this team has become a playoff team in a very
short period of time. With this stadium, it will also
become a leader off the field too. The Commander's future
(16:15):
is clearly a bright one. Today would not be possible
without the help from Congress who in passing the RFK
bill late last year, and I want to thank Representatives
Comber and Norton for sponsoring the bill and for the
congressional leadership for passing the needed legislation to get us
here today. I grew up in this district, as was
(16:38):
mentioned before, attending games at old RFK Stadium.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
It was a special place.
Speaker 8 (16:45):
Many of our early memories as a football fan were
formed there, watching the great teams and sharing the experiences
with my family and the tremendous fans of this team.
A generation of fans growing up rooting for the team
did not have that experience, but the next ones will,
and I could not be more excited for them. The
(17:06):
stadium project announced today promises to be great for the fans,
the team, and the district and the NFL. It also
makes us better as a club, as a league and.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
All of our clubs.
Speaker 8 (17:21):
Playing in a world class stadium in front of passionate
fans is one of our big objectives. We've seen throughout
the country new stadiums transform communities. Since two thousand and one,
more than thirty two billion dollars has been invested in stadiums,
and there are at least eight more projects underway an
(17:42):
estimated cost of to twenty billion dollars. This will be
critical in revitalizing an area that has been dormant and undeveloped.
For nearly thirty years when the team first left here
in the district. There will be billions of dollars invested
in this area, an economic activity that lifts up this
(18:04):
city and generates jobs throughout the region. The NFL has
a long history of investing in stadiums projects along with
the home team, but all thirty one teams will contribute
along with Josh and his partners. This is an important
project that the league recognizes and we will be there
to support once again. I want to thank the mayor
(18:28):
and Josh for their incredible leadership. We look forward to
working with you both. This project is important to us
and we recognize we will be supporting you throughout the
city council process as well, and look forward to seeing
us all on opening day.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Thank you. Rogerick gives the commissioner a big rounds of
the clock.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
So let me just quickly mention some folks who who
at work really long and hard to get us to
this point. But I also want to emphasize that we
have more work to do. UH and my team will
stand ready to work with the members of the council,
(19:14):
providing all of the information that they need. I want
to recognize the Council's Chair for Business and Economic Development.
At Large Council Member Kenya McDuffie, the host council member
for RFK, and I told him he came in the door.
(19:37):
Winning Council Member Wendell Felder, the council member who has
been my partner throughout my tenure for housing and make
sure making sure we deliver it.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
At Large Council Member Anita Bonds, thank you for being
here very quickly.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I called them my big deal team because we do
big deals here. And I asked this lady to join
me when I became mayor ten years ago. She thought
she was retired and she told me she would stay
for a year, and ten years later she's here. And
I want to thank Beverly Perry. I want to acknowledge
(20:29):
our chief deal maker on this one.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
It's their roach.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Old Padwala, the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Nina Albert,
the City administrator for the district, Kevin Donahue, and.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Our budget director Jenny Reed, thank you.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
And I do also want to acknowledge our other partner
in this endeavor, the official Convention Center and Sports Authority
for the district, who will be our partner and Parking
and led by Angie Gates, the President's CEO, chaired by
(21:16):
Life Dorms Joe, Thank you, Lathe and any other members
or of the board members for Events d C. Thank
you for being here.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Thank you. I see Sherry Dogget over there.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
And I want to also acknowledge our expert partners who
helped us put together on this deal with the team
ASN Global, CSL Hyatt, Brown, Gainstler, Kutec, Rock Tiber Hudson, PFM,
Legendmen Legends, and Perkins Eastman.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Give them a round of applause.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Other members of the Congress who have been in the
front and behind the scenes, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine,
Senator Joe Manchin, Congressman Benny Thompson, and Congressman Clyburtnon please
give them a big round of a ball.
Speaker 5 (22:18):
Mayor man May also mentioned, Look, this thing came together
one hundred zero. I mean, there's been many parts of
this journey in the Senate. At the last at twelve
oh one, I learned a lot about the political process
and I just want to thank the you know, the
senators from Maryland, the senators from Virginia absolutely for being
(22:41):
there and for supporting this effort because we wouldn't be
here without them.
Speaker 4 (22:44):
So thank you, thank you.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
And final mentions to two of my predecessors who are here,
one who brought baseball home, former Mayor Anthony Williams, and
I know a very proud woman today, Mayor Sharon Pratt,
(23:13):
OH council member Pinto and Pink.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
I'm sorry we are I fail to.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Acknowledge our host council member for today and a very
very early and strong supporter of bringing the team home,
our War two council member, council Member Brooke.
Speaker 1 (23:36):
This is an exciting day and we do hope it
is the first of a few historic announcements along the
trail here. Our panel has agreed to take some a
few questions now, so why don't we do that? And
let's start with John Kyme from ESPN.
Speaker 4 (23:54):
Okay, I'm Roger the real quick.
Speaker 9 (23:57):
How much does this increase the chance of getting a
super in DC?
Speaker 8 (24:05):
Well, I didn't come here to announce that, but I
would say dramatically.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Our next question, Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, for
all of.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
You, when did this moment start to feel real?
Speaker 4 (24:26):
And what does it feel like right now? We'll start
I mean Obviously, this has been a vision.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
Of ours since we bought the team, bought the club.
Speaker 4 (24:36):
It was in our original plan.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
It's been a journey, it's been a process, I'd say
for me personally, it really started to get real in
the last few weeks, when you know, when the mayor
I think, shook me by and said we got to
get going, even though we're waiting around for some politics
to occur, and but it got then, and we're so
(25:01):
happy to be in partnership with the city in the
NFL announcing it today.
Speaker 3 (25:08):
For me, Sam, I knew once we got the land
that we needed to be ready. And when I sat
across the table from Josh and we kind of had
a time frame in mind that this had to get
done or we were both going to have to move on.
He was going to have to move on from us
and we were going to have to move on from
(25:30):
the team.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
And so once.
Speaker 3 (25:32):
We established that I knew, I already knew we had
the best site I did.
Speaker 2 (25:39):
I knew we had the.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Best site, and once I knew that he wanted to
be back home, that we we chartered our path to
get there.
Speaker 2 (25:46):
So we I.
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Would say, uh, when when the when we knew we
had the land, we had already been working on a
pretty good plan, and now we're here.
Speaker 8 (25:58):
Are we just add very quickly These projects are not
easy projects to take on their complex They involve a
lot of decisions made, the decision making along the way,
there are difficult periods. But I would fall back on
the leadership, the leadership of the mayor who had the
(26:18):
vision and the willingness to take this on. I think
you know that does not happen in cities or states
without that kind of a political leader standing up and
saying this is good for our community, which we obviously agree,
and of course Josh who understood not just the emotional
reason for coming back to the district, but also this
(26:42):
was really the right thing for this community. This will
be a tremendous economic driver. But more importantly, I think
it will be a send a signal to everyone in
the world, frankly, of this community and the way they're
going in the direction they're going.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Our next question, David Aldridge from The.
Speaker 7 (26:59):
Athletic, thank you for Josh and for Mayor Bowser. What
assurances can you provide to local residents that they will
not be overwhelmed by the new construction the new projects
that they will be able to stay in the area
(27:21):
and stay in the housing that they currently have. And
for Roger, I wonder if the SOFI project in la
is at all analogous to this in terms of the
partnership that the Kronkeys had with the city of Englewood.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
Well, thanks for that that question. And the good thing
about this site is it was at NFL Stadium there
the Washington football team played there for decades, and the
transportation infrastructure exists. It is served by Metro, is served
by the highway, is served by an expansive bus system.
(27:59):
The difference between when the team last played and now
is that there are many other modes that are available
for people to travel there as well.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
What we've heard from the.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
Community is they're tired of the blight and they want
the one hundred and eighty parcel one hundred and eighty
acre parcel to be brought.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Back to life.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
So one advantage is that we won't just have what's
there now a sea of parking and a stadium. We're
going to be able to have a wonderful mix of uses.
I love we can show a map that demonstrates all
of the different parcels that.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Will be engaged that include.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Entertainment, an entertainment district that has set aside park space,
including the area that can't be developed right along the
Anacostia River, and an entire recreation district that the district
will populate with the existing fields and our sports plex,
and what we're calling the King Park District, which will
(29:03):
be largely residential. So this is what we promise to deliver,
a mix of uses that includes an NFL stadium.
Speaker 5 (29:14):
Yeah, maybe the other thing I would add, and that's
well said, is just that only fifteen percent right now,
there's a crumbling I mean I walked around, We've walked
around there a bunch of times, and there's nothing there
right and it's just been that way since RFK closed
in the nineties.
Speaker 4 (29:30):
And so now we're bringing this area back to life.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
We're activating the area, and the stadium itself is only
fifteen percent of the overall land mass, so you know, obviously,
you know this is going to be a great thing
for that area in terms of activating you know, the
Anacostia River. You can actually ride your bike from National's Park.
It's a fifteen minute bike ride, activating you know, the
(29:54):
you know, enhancing the amenities for the neighborhoods there, grocery stores.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Other things, restaurant So that's a big part of what
we're doing.
Speaker 8 (30:05):
David, I think you asked about analogous to other stadiums.
I think Atlanta is a very interesting analogy also. I
think Los Angeles clearly is. I think Detroit is. I
think there are many cities where they have seen the
value of the reinvestment into that community. A stadium being
(30:27):
surrounded by a development such as this that I think
is very powerful. And they've all been successful both in
I think the community's mind most importantly, but also in
our mind. But I also think they've been successful from
an economic standpoint.
Speaker 1 (30:42):
Our next question is from Steven Wino of the Associated Press.
Speaker 10 (30:46):
Josh, my question for you, obviously, I know you guys
have been looking at sites in Maryland and Virginia in
the district. How much of sort of the grewer investment
was for you guys as at Mitch and your ownership
group nostalgia about how much you guys as a team
wanted to be back at the RF.
Speaker 5 (31:01):
Yeah, I mean obviously when you may, I mean, look,
we all grew up here, right, and we all were
certainly touched by our experiences, but I think it was
less nostalgia and more just a deep connection to understanding
how important the location was. It's in the middle of
You've got the DMV is obviously Virginia, Maryland and d
(31:22):
C DC happens to be in the middle. Obviously we
all experienced, you know, the rumbling of RFK and the
centrality of that location in terms of its proximity to
the seat of government and to businesses.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
And being in the middle, as well as you.
Speaker 5 (31:42):
Know, the experience of a city stadium right like walking there,
taking the metro, you know, you know, you know, kind
of the experience itself.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
So I think that all of those things contributed.
Speaker 5 (31:55):
But at the end of the day, it was the
right thing, you know, it was It was less nostalgia.
It was or just the fact that we had grown
up here gave us that vision to you know, not
look at the crumbling concrete that was there, but remember
in our minds the vivid nature of what Washington Football
was all about and how it really brought a city
(32:16):
that was socioeconomically, you know, distinct and challenged at that
point with lots of groups of people together, right, no
matter where you were from, who you were, your race, color, religion.
On Sundays, you were a Washington football fan. And so
that really did contribute to our focus on it, and
(32:37):
then you know, kind of brought it to life. And
then look, let's face it, Washington is amongst, if not
the most important city in the world.
Speaker 4 (32:46):
It's a gateway city for the United States of America.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
And you know, to have us a stadium and a site,
you know where you can see the Washington mon you
can see the Capinal. I remember watching on TV those
shots and having John Matten talk about we're here in
the Nation's capital and there's the Washington Monument, there's the
White House, there's the Nation's Capital, and then there's RFK
(33:10):
at that ball, right, and so all that stuff was
incredibly motivating to all of us.
Speaker 1 (33:15):
Our next question is from Chickernan is a WUSA.
Speaker 11 (33:22):
Alrighty, then you're gonna hold this, Okay, I am capable commissioner.
We've had two decades of darkness here with this franchise.
And then it turned around what's the league view of
this franchise and what's taking place right now with this
welcoming back home.
Speaker 8 (33:44):
Yeah, I would say that the league view is incredibly
positive one. Josh coming in and I think making a
commitment to this franchise that they were going to be
one that this community to be proud of. Obviously, every
owner that comes and hopes to have the winning tradition
re established quickly. I think Josh may have been ahead
(34:06):
of his timetable a little bit, but.
Speaker 4 (34:08):
Good for him, and I think it's good Jam and
coach and quarterback Tayden Helps.
Speaker 8 (34:16):
But he's got a great team over here. But I
would say that we look at this as a very
important football market. This has been one that we want
to have. Obviously, a sterling franchise in this community. We
feel that we have that now it's going in the
right direction. I think the commitment by Josh and the
(34:39):
city to bring the team back into DC is a
really important one, I think emotionally, but also I think
it signifies that they care about this community, they care
deeply about it, and they're going to do the right
things to make this franchise successful.
Speaker 1 (34:56):
Our next question is from Rebecca Turco of w j
LA seven.
Speaker 12 (35:00):
Hi, good morning.
Speaker 2 (35:01):
This is a question for the mayor.
Speaker 13 (35:03):
The two hundred two million for infrastructure and the eighty
nine million for the sportsplex. Can you explain why use
taxpayer money for this? Why not pursue creative options like
personal seat licenses for instance.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Okay, so I think you've asked me about the public
investment in the stadium. So what I hope has been
made clear is that this is a massive investment and
the largest private investment in the district's history. The commanders
will be committing two point seven billion dollars to building
(35:41):
the stadium two point seven billions, so the total investment
total investment will be three point six billion dollars. Our
part of the investment will be five hundred million to
(36:02):
support horizontal stadium construction and events DC. As I mentioned,
our partner is partnering for parking in the sum of
one hundred and eighty one million, and the district is
also partnering and parking for a total of one hundred
and seventy five million. At the end of the day,
(36:26):
we will own both of the parking garages and so
in addition to that is we would and as we
have done with all public parcel development, we contribute to
infrastructure development, and so we have the sum of two
hundred and two thousand dollars two hundred and two million
(36:47):
dollars listed there for roadways and transportation studies and the
like that support bringing RFK to life. Very similar to
what we're doing at McMillan or what we've done at
Saint Elizabeth's, or what we've done at Walter Reed or
what we've done at the adjacent Hill East, that the
(37:08):
district goes in and supports infrastructure and works with a
trusted development partner to build out. And that's how we
expect to proceed here as it relates to the sports Plex.
This is a long promise of mine. I think you
know three years ago I made my first investment in
the sports plex and our capital improvements plan, and we're
(37:29):
coming back as part of this package to.
Speaker 2 (37:32):
Make sure we deliver it.
Speaker 3 (37:34):
You may not know this, but our kids right now
leave school if they are indoor track athletes, for example,
and they travel out of DC to go do track.
Our gymnasts there go around the region. Our cheerleaders don't
have a place to cheer. So we need a world
(37:54):
class indoor sports facility and we will invest in it
at RFK.
Speaker 1 (38:09):
Our next question is from Sam Collins of the Washington Informer.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
Peace and Blessing Sam PK.
Speaker 14 (38:17):
Collins of the Washington Informer, Madam Mayer, and anybody else
who wants to answer, if you can just talk about
as it relates to the community benefits plan, what is
the timeline of stakeholder engagement, how much in funds are
we talking about being dispersed, and is this an arrangement
that's happening in perpetuity or for a limited time.
Speaker 3 (38:40):
Well, with all Economic Development park projects, I start with this,
and I've been involved with a lot over the years.
The number one community of benefit is what we will
deliver on the site. So we will be able to
deliver to deliver because of this catalytic anchor investment by
the commanders between five and six thousand units of housing.
(39:02):
We will be able to deliver more hotels, we will
be able to deliver more jobs. So those are the
chief economic benefits when we look at this. More than
sixteen thousand jobs will be created in more than twenty
billion dollars in tax revenue.
Speaker 2 (39:20):
Over the period of this commitment. Those are the benefits.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Additionally, we have laid out some pretty preliminary ideas with
the team about other ways that the community will want
to be involved in the site.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
I know I've had.
Speaker 3 (39:38):
Some preliminary conversations with members of the council. The team
has had preliminary conversations with members of the council, and
I expect those ideas will be fleshed out during the
council process.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Our next question is from Mark C. Graves of NBC four.
Speaker 9 (39:56):
Hey, good morning, thanks very much. A question for you,
Mayor Bowser, and question for you, mister Harris, Mayor Bouser.
I'm just wondering what you will say to residents at
a time you know you're faced with an enormous uphill
budget battle going for it, both in the twenty twenty
five and the upcoming twenty twenty six, with the prospects
of layoffs, cuts of services, and hundreds of millions of
(40:17):
dollars cut from the out years in the budget. How
do you justify what do you say to residents who
think this is not the right time to put hundreds
of millions of dollars into this development when you're having
to cut and furlough, cut services and possibly furlough workers.
And then, mister Harris, for you, you mentioned that through
this you've learned a lot about the political process with
(40:38):
the federal government. You're about to learn a lot about
the political process with the DC Council. And I only
see four council members here today. You're going to need
seven votes. I'm wondering if what your plan we saw
what happened with Monumental in Virginia. I'm wondering what your
Plan B is and how serious you've negotiated with Maryland
throughout this. If this deal falls through, if the DC
(41:01):
Council fails to approve this, well.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
First, Mark, I want to make sure you're not confusing viewers.
We're not talking about the cr caused f y twenty
five summer crisis.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
We're not talking about that.
Speaker 3 (41:18):
What we're talking about is our future. We're talking about
our f y twenty six budget, and I'm advancing a
FY to balance FY twenty six budget that is both
focused on right sizing spending for sure, but it is
(41:39):
also making some big, bold investments in growth. Now is
not the time where our economy is shifting.
Speaker 2 (41:49):
You know what our job is right now?
Speaker 3 (41:51):
Our job is to replace economic activity for forty thousand people.
If we don't make some change, they may not have
their jobs. If we don't make some change, they may
not live here. So our job is to advance a
(42:12):
budget that is bold and that invest in growth. And
I'm going to be talking a lot more about all
of that growth agenda, but it starts with a catalytic
investment at RFK. We cannot leave if you need to
(42:35):
add revenue as we do. You can't leave one hundred
and eighty acres vacant. If you need to add jobs,
as we do, you cannot wait for an anchor to
show up to start developing there. When you need to
(42:55):
attract business, you have to be about business. So we're
gonna be talking about f I twenty six. Now, the
Congress still has to fix f y twenty five because
(43:18):
if they don't, because your your question is a serious one.
I call it a fake budget crisis. Because we have
the money. So if we have to cut services because
they don't, they don't fix their snap food and that's
a problem. Well, you know, we're gonna keep pushing it.
But we can't stuck because no matter what happens with
f Y twenty five, FI twenty six is coming. And
(43:41):
so we're gonna have at the end of f y
thirty or the beginning of f y thirty A new stadium.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
I have it.
Speaker 5 (43:56):
I think that this is an incredible ROI for the
city of d C, the local community around the stadium.
Speaker 4 (44:03):
Literally if you, the mayor has done an.
Speaker 5 (44:06):
Amazing job at negotiat become negotiating on behalf of the city,
but also becoming a partner with us in an investment
that is going to create like billions of tax revenue,
thousands of jobs, a whole new community, uh and tie
together the city and and and look, I look forward
to begin it, continuing my engagement and intensifying my engagement
(44:29):
with the council both uh, you know, both Ward seven,
but also the broader d C UH communities UH and
the people that are representing the broader DC community and
being super transparent giving them the details they need. And
I think the project speaks for itself. And I think
the project will stand uh and and and and I
(44:52):
believe will convince the Council this is in the best
interest of dz.
Speaker 1 (45:01):
Our Next questions from Stephanie Ramirez a Fox Life.
Speaker 4 (45:05):
Can I just say one other thing?
Speaker 5 (45:06):
And we did have other alternatives, but we're really focused here,
of course, not.
Speaker 12 (45:17):
All right, A question for mister Harris. Well, first off,
we saw the photo right after the president signed the
bill of the two of you smiling. I'm over here, sorry,
right back here. Saw the photo of you both smiling
right after former President Joe Biden had signed the RFK
bill into law. So the question everybody had was was
(45:37):
this already a done deal? Can you talk about where
you guys were in that moment and was this what
you always wanted from the beginning and purchasing?
Speaker 2 (45:45):
And then I also have a follow question for you,
mayor Bauser.
Speaker 5 (45:47):
Yeah, the answer is, obviously that was a big step
in the process. Until DC had the land back, there
was no way you could consider doing this project at
the RFK site. So that was the first step in
the process. But we had not concluded or even it
was very early in the negotiations with DC, and so
(46:11):
after that moment, so yes, that was an amazing kind.
Speaker 4 (46:15):
Of part of the process.
Speaker 5 (46:16):
But after that moment, we get in, you know, as
the new year changed to twenty twenty five, we got
to work and really created all these details. And so
I was definitely smiling, but I was also I knew
there was a lot of work ahead. And listen, we've
been very transparent with the whole DMV community in terms
of what we thought was the right answer for the
(46:39):
location of the stadium. And sometimes when you have partners
in other jurisdictions, those conversations can be it's harder to
be honest and upfront about it. But we also didn't
know whether we would be able to achieve what we
thought was the best answer, and so you know, we
(46:59):
kept Ushians going and you know, obviously we've made commitments
in Maryland, you know, as to what as to making
that site a great site and not having what happened
to d C, which is RFK just literally sat there
and became a massive concrete that's not going to happen.
(47:19):
We've already committed it won't and we're engaging with the
state of Maryland as to what we're going to do
at that site to make it great for Maryland. And
we have fans obviously in Virginia. We have fans of Maryland.
We have fans in d C. DC happens to be
the center of it, but it's very important we like
having you know, we have our business offices in Maryland,
we have our training complex in Virginia. You know, if
(47:43):
we can accomplish our stadium in d C.
Speaker 4 (47:45):
We're engaging the whole area.
Speaker 12 (47:47):
And then Mayor Bowser a couple questions here. We know
that there are significant issues with business downtown and reviving
downtown d C. Does this project kind of replace anything
downtown or how do you balance what you're trying to
do here with reviving downtown? And then separately, will you
commit to working with the residents and kind of financial
agreement for those neighbors who are concerned that they may
(48:10):
be forced to move out because of rising property costs
with the new stadium that's going to be going there.
Speaker 2 (48:15):
Well, nobody will be forced to move out.
Speaker 3 (48:18):
What we're proposing is completely in the on the RFK parcels.
And the first part of your question was what we
think is entirely complementary and more than that, we kind
(48:38):
of got an early start on our growth agenda what
I'm now calling our growth agenda because of the work
that we were able to do downtown and it's particularly
around Chinatown and Gallery Place and our c our Gallery
Place Chinatown co chairs here give those ladies a big
roundup applause and Debbie, I see Jaron Price who helped
(49:05):
produce the Downtown Action Report, the council members at the
front who unanimously approved a five hundred and fifteen million
dollar investment in keeping the Capitol One Arena downtown. Might
I add a deal a structure that's very similar to
what we are proposing here, And so I think that
(49:30):
we have demonstrated that cities especially have to we're doubling
down on.
Speaker 2 (49:36):
That's what's working for us.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
We are a hospitality economy and a sports and entertainment economy.
You've heard me say a thousand times. You know this
is not just fun and games. It's dollars and cents
for the city, and what happens at these parcels helps
us invest in all eight wards, we.
Speaker 1 (49:58):
Have time for one final question.
Speaker 15 (50:00):
Ryan from WTOP, thank you so much once again. In
terms of having this team return here, what do you
envision in terms of people being able to afford it.
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Like they did in the old days.
Speaker 15 (50:18):
You know, you'd walk over from your backyard barbecue to
the games. What are the prices going to be like?
Speaker 5 (50:25):
Yes, actually, Mark Mark I pulled out a ticket I
hate to say, from nineteen seventy two.
Speaker 4 (50:30):
He kept it somehow, and it was twelve dollars face.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
But look, I think obviously for us, you know, affordability.
We sit down every year and you know, Mark Klaus,
our new president, is there. We sit down as a
business team and we set ticket prices, and we are
very focused every year on affordability and inclusion and the
(50:56):
ability of a I have a family, the ability of
everyone to bring their family to the game. And so
that's going to continue to be, you know, kind of
a priority for US. New Stadium, old stadium, pretty much everywhere.
Speaker 1 (51:12):
Thanks uh, We're going to give you an opportunity to
have a photo opportunity just a moment. We're going to
ask you all to stay seated as we're going to
call you up in groups. But first to commemorate what
is a historic day, we're going to take this commander's helmet.
Mayor Bowser, Josh Harris, Commissioner Goodell. Are all going to
sign this today?
Speaker 7 (51:40):
Thank you?
Speaker 16 (51:42):
Okay, colors, I guess it's real stay on the same side.
Speaker 6 (52:13):
Or yeah, up there, step back.
Speaker 1 (52:45):
Congratulations. Ali, you want to call up some for groups
or photo opportunities, please.
Speaker 11 (52:54):
And then call.
Speaker 6 (52:56):
For photos
Speaker 2 (53:01):
A pack o paplay such a
I want to welcome everybody this morning on a historic day.
My name is Brahm Weinstein. It is my honor to
welcome you all here to the National Press Club on
a historic moment for both the city of Washington, d C,
the region at large, and our beloved football team, the
Washington Commanders. Sometimes a long, very long, winding road will
(00:28):
bring you home, and RFK Stadium was home for a
very long time. There were legends that were made there
that are here with us today. Hall of famers like
John Riggins and Darryl Green, a second Super Bowl MVP
(00:50):
Doug Williams, of course our legendary Hall of Fame coach
Joe Gibbs. Today is not only about the past, it's
obviously about the future as well. So it's fitting that
(01:11):
next to Joe Gibbs is our head coach Dan Quinn
and our general manager Adam Peters. Timeless memories were made
at the RFK site, and that's what today is about,
repeating that timeless future memories for our city and for
(01:33):
our team. These individuals here in particular already and excited
to share a very special announcement with both the DC Residents,
Commanders fans in the region and of course around the
world as well. Washington d C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the
managing partner of the Washington Commanders, Josh Harris, and the
(02:02):
Commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell. They're waiting a long
time to say. This is Madam Mayor. It is time
for kickoff. So Mayor Bowser, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Thank you, brawn.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Promise made so I want to start by saying, welcome home.
Let's give our commanders a big Washington DC welcome.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
We are so happy to talk this.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Morning about bringing our team home to the sports capital,
back to our fk where they belong, and I couldn't
be more excited it for our city, our team, and
our fans. Josh and the entire team at the Commanders,
(03:09):
thank you. We want to say thank you for not
just buying our team, some would say saving our team,
getting the team to the NFC Championship for the first
time in thirty three years, but we want to thank
(03:36):
you for making a transformational investment Inward seven in our city,
especially now a time where we need it the most. Commissioner,
I know you can't have favorites, but we know where
(03:59):
you grew.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Up and this is a big deal.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I've been working on this for the ten years that
I've been there, and now we have the right partner
at the right time. And Josh is someone who cares
more than just about this franchise. He cares about doing
the right thing and he likes to win. You've heard
(04:26):
me say that before. He knows how to put together
a winning team. And throughout this process it's been a
cooperative one. We were joined in our goals to advance
a deal that we could be proud of, a development
that would serve the city for generations to come and
(04:48):
support the best professional sports franchise in the world.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
So when Josh talks about.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
This, he very elegantly says that he wonts to provide
and do for the city and give the city what
it deserves. And I agree, and I'd go a step
further and say that right now, as our economy is shifting,
it's something our city really needs because we need growth
(05:18):
and we need jobs. We have one hundred and eighty
acres of opportunity on the banks of the Anacostia River.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
And we have.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
And I have to pause to acknowledge our congresswoman and
congresswomen Congressman James Comer of Kentucky who advanced a bipartisan
effort to deliver that land to DC.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Thank you, Congresswoman Norton. This land has been blighted and.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
Underutilized for too long, and what our deal with the
Washington Commanders provide is the fastest insurance route to developing
the RFK campus and not just delivering sports and entertainment,
but delivering housing, jobs, recreation, and economic development. We will
(06:22):
be able to deliver thousands of homes here. It will
deliver a world class, community focused sports plex for our kids.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
It will.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Creates park space and build out riverfront and trails. It's
about creating jobs for DC residents and revenue that will
support what all of our city needs, city services that
have made us a growing city. We're going to be
(06:59):
talking a lot about this project in the coming weeks
and months, and it will be clear that this is
a good deal for DC. It's a fantastic deal, a
win win win for the city, the team, and the fans.
So I want to say thank you, thank you for
everyone that has been involved at this point, and before
(07:22):
we take questions, I'll go through a quick list of
thank yous, but I first want to introduce.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
A person who has been a.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Great part of the DC community and the time that
he's joined, he has brought on local partners into the
Commander's ownership. That's meant a lot for us. And I
see Mark Ien and Mitch Riel's in the front row.
Give them a big round of applause. These guys bet
(07:55):
on DC a long time ago, and I am just
so grateful for your partnership.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Josh, and you have the floor.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Josh Harri is the owner of the Washington Commanders.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Well, everyone, what a great day.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
It's a great day in our process to bring the
Commanders home.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
And Mayor, thank you.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
I'm so appreciative for our partnership and everything you've done
through this process. And you know this day as a
testament to your leadership and the city's leadership. So thank you,
thank you, and thank you to the council members that
(08:40):
are here. We know you're going to be considering all
this and thank you for your partnership and helping us.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
Get to this historic moment.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
We know you have a bunch of work to do,
and we're going to be there transparently providing all the
information to you. Chairman Mendelssohn. I know you're not here
with us today, but and the entire group of DC
Council members so very much appreciative that you're here today
to listen.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
And Roger, I know you're busy. Thank you for being here.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
It's very meaningful to have the Commissioner of the NFL
sitting side by side with us today. So today I
am absolutely thrilled to announce that the Commanders are ready
to make the single and our partners are Committee are
committed to make the single largest private investment in DC history.
(09:46):
You know, one of my earliest members was walking down
East Capitol Street to RFK. I only knew one person,
my uncle Jerry Robbie Miller is sitting right there, who
had tickets because there was a twenty five year waiting
lists and I got to go once or twice a year.
But I watched every game intently, and I grew up
(10:07):
watching the greats, whether it be Sonny Jergens and Billy Kilmer,
Joe Thaisman, Mark Rippon, the Hogs, Joe Gibbs, Art Monk,
and three Super Bowls.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
In need one of those.
Speaker 5 (10:24):
And obviously we're so honored to have Darryll Doug and John,
thank you all for being here today, and you're.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Right there up there and Adam and Dan no pressure.
Speaker 5 (10:41):
That was the Washington that I remembered when on Sundays
everything stopped. Everyone was glued to their TV or in
the stadium. And we've already seen a reawakening of that spirit.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
But we want to bring it back.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
Now.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
We want to bring the Commanders home with a new
RFK that our fans will love, our opponents will fear.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
It'll be loud. We want to make it about football,
but also about the.
Speaker 5 (11:12):
City and the community, and we want to host the
biggest and best events in the world. When our ownership
group started on this journey two years ago, we laid
out three clear priorities. Build a championship caliber team, improve
fan experience, and make a positive impact on this community.
(11:32):
Today's announcement is a key part of that vision.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
Let's come home.
Speaker 5 (11:38):
This project is about so much more than building a stadium.
It's about it once in a generation opportunity to create
a catalyst for long term, transformational economic growth here in DC.
That means thousands of new jobs, billions of new tax
(12:01):
thousands of new homes, partnerships with local businesses and the
creation of about ninety acres of mixed use development for
our community. And you know what, the City of Washington
and the DMB deserve it. Without exaggeration, this will be
(12:27):
the best stadium in the country when it's built in
front of the Anacostia River facing the Capitol and the
Washington minture of it.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
Show it up.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
And while today marks an exciting step towards bringing the
Commanders back to our spiritual home in DC, I also
want to recognize the incredible partnership we've built with Maryland
in Virginia, In Maryland where we currently play, and in
Virginia where we train. I just want to say that
(13:01):
I'm particularly grateful to Governor Moore and the Maryland leadership
for their support and shared belief and what we can
achieve together at our current stadium site as we move
where we play football games to new RFK.
Speaker 4 (13:16):
Thank you, Governor Moore, Maryland Delegation.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
On a personal note, I am deeply humbled and grateful
that God has allowed me to be part of this
journey to help shape the next chapter for Commander's Football,
for DC and for the entire DMV community. I'm also
grateful to my family who's sitting here. Couldn't have done
it without you, my wife Marjorie Hannah, my brother Gay,
(13:50):
my mother Sylvia, Mama Commander. And I couldn't have done
it without my partners, Mitch rails mark On, mister Phallic,
and others that I'm not sure if they want to
be mentioned or not, so I'm not going to mention
them who are in the audience. I believe, and I
(14:14):
know that Mayor Bowser believes. I know that you believe
in the power of this project to bring our city
and this region together. We're excited to continue working with
the Council, the Mayor, and the DC leadership in this
community to shape the next chapter of RFK. RFK was
the site of some of my earliest and most meaningful memories.
(14:36):
I hope that many others will be able to create
incredible memories of their own for generations to come.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
The future is very, very bright. Thank you for.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
Being here today listening, and let's go get this done.
Speaker 7 (14:54):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
With all.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It will take quite an investment in infrastructure, because we're
going to make that stadium shake once again.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
You do it.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
They know all about that. This also could be a
crown jewel in making Washington the most powerful sports city
in the world. And with that in mind, let me
introduce NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who liked myself and like
many of us in this room, grew up going to
the old RFK stadium. Commissioner, good morning.
Speaker 8 (15:30):
Good morning everyone, and thanks Braham. This is a very
special day, one that many of us have been looking
forward to many years. I'm excited to join the Mayor
and Josh to help announce the intention of the Commanders
to return to their historical site, their home in Washington,
d C. Thank you to Mayor Bowser for your leadership
(15:54):
extraordinary and we're here and glad to support you, and
of course to Josh for your incredible leadership. Under Josh's leadership,
this team has become a playoff team in a very
short period of time. With this stadium, it will also
become a leader off the field too. The Commander's future
(16:15):
is clearly a bright one. Today would not be possible
without the help from Congress who in passing the RFK
bill late last year, and I want to thank Representatives
Comber and Norton for sponsoring the bill and for the
congressional leadership for passing the needed legislation to get us
here today. I grew up in this district, as was
(16:38):
mentioned before, attending games at old RFK Stadium.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
It was a special place.
Speaker 8 (16:45):
Many of our early memories as a football fan were
formed there, watching the great teams and sharing the experiences
with my family and the tremendous fans of this team.
A generation of fans growing up rooting for the team
did not have that experience, but the next ones will,
and I could not be more excited for them. The
(17:06):
stadium project announced today promises to be great for the fans,
the team, and the district and the NFL. It also
makes us better as a club, as a league and.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
All of our clubs.
Speaker 8 (17:21):
Playing in a world class stadium in front of passionate
fans is one of our big objectives. We've seen throughout
the country new stadiums transform communities. Since two thousand and one,
more than thirty two billion dollars has been invested in stadiums,
and there are at least eight more projects underway an
(17:42):
estimated cost of to twenty billion dollars. This will be
critical in revitalizing an area that has been dormant and undeveloped.
For nearly thirty years when the team first left here
in the district. There will be billions of dollars invested
in this area, an economic activity that lifts up this
(18:04):
city and generates jobs throughout the region. The NFL has
a long history of investing in stadiums projects along with
the home team, but all thirty one teams will contribute
along with Josh and his partners. This is an important
project that the league recognizes and we will be there
to support once again. I want to thank the mayor
(18:28):
and Josh for their incredible leadership. We look forward to
working with you both. This project is important to us
and we recognize we will be supporting you throughout the
city council process as well, and look forward to seeing
us all on opening day.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Thank you. Rogerick gives the commissioner a big rounds of
the clock.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
So let me just quickly mention some folks who who
at work really long and hard to get us to
this point. But I also want to emphasize that we
have more work to do. UH and my team will
stand ready to work with the members of the council,
(19:14):
providing all of the information that they need. I want
to recognize the Council's Chair for Business and Economic Development.
At Large Council Member Kenya McDuffie, the host council member
for RFK, and I told him he came in the door.
(19:37):
Winning Council Member Wendell Felder, the council member who has
been my partner throughout my tenure for housing and make
sure making sure we deliver it.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
At Large Council Member Anita Bonds, thank you for being
here very quickly.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I called them my big deal team because we do
big deals here. And I asked this lady to join
me when I became mayor ten years ago. She thought
she was retired and she told me she would stay
for a year, and ten years later she's here. And
I want to thank Beverly Perry. I want to acknowledge
(20:29):
our chief deal maker on this one.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
It's their roach.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Old Padwala, the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Nina Albert,
the City administrator for the district, Kevin Donahue, and.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Our budget director Jenny Reed, thank you.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
And I do also want to acknowledge our other partner
in this endeavor, the official Convention Center and Sports Authority
for the district, who will be our partner and Parking
and led by Angie Gates, the President's CEO, chaired by
(21:16):
Life Dorms Joe, Thank you, Lathe and any other members
or of the board members for Events d C. Thank
you for being here.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Thank you. I see Sherry Dogget over there.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
And I want to also acknowledge our expert partners who
helped us put together on this deal with the team
ASN Global, CSL Hyatt, Brown, Gainstler, Kutec, Rock Tiber Hudson, PFM,
Legendmen Legends, and Perkins Eastman.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Give them a round of applause.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Other members of the Congress who have been in the
front and behind the scenes, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine,
Senator Joe Manchin, Congressman Benny Thompson, and Congressman Clyburtnon please
give them a big round of a ball.
Speaker 5 (22:18):
Mayor man May also mentioned, Look, this thing came together
one hundred zero. I mean, there's been many parts of
this journey in the Senate. At the last at twelve
oh one, I learned a lot about the political process
and I just want to thank the you know, the
senators from Maryland, the senators from Virginia absolutely for being
(22:41):
there and for supporting this effort because we wouldn't be
here without them.
Speaker 4 (22:44):
So thank you, thank you.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
And final mentions to two of my predecessors who are here,
one who brought baseball home, former Mayor Anthony Williams, and
I know a very proud woman today, Mayor Sharon Pratt,
(23:13):
OH council member Pinto and Pink.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
I'm sorry we are I fail to.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Acknowledge our host council member for today and a very
very early and strong supporter of bringing the team home,
our War two council member, council Member Brooke.
Speaker 1 (23:36):
This is an exciting day and we do hope it
is the first of a few historic announcements along the
trail here. Our panel has agreed to take some a
few questions now, so why don't we do that? And
let's start with John Kyme from ESPN.
Speaker 4 (23:54):
Okay, I'm Roger the real quick.
Speaker 9 (23:57):
How much does this increase the chance of getting a
super in DC?
Speaker 8 (24:05):
Well, I didn't come here to announce that, but I
would say dramatically.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Our next question, Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, for
all of.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
You, when did this moment start to feel real?
Speaker 4 (24:26):
And what does it feel like right now? We'll start
I mean Obviously, this has been a vision.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
Of ours since we bought the team, bought the club.
Speaker 4 (24:36):
It was in our original plan.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
It's been a journey, it's been a process, I'd say
for me personally, it really started to get real in
the last few weeks, when you know, when the mayor
I think, shook me by and said we got to
get going, even though we're waiting around for some politics
to occur, and but it got then, and we're so
(25:01):
happy to be in partnership with the city in the
NFL announcing it today.
Speaker 3 (25:08):
For me, Sam, I knew once we got the land
that we needed to be ready. And when I sat
across the table from Josh and we kind of had
a time frame in mind that this had to get
done or we were both going to have to move on.
He was going to have to move on from us
and we were going to have to move on from
(25:30):
the team.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
And so once.
Speaker 3 (25:32):
We established that I knew, I already knew we had
the best site I did.
Speaker 2 (25:39):
I knew we had the.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Best site, and once I knew that he wanted to
be back home, that we we chartered our path to
get there.
Speaker 2 (25:46):
So we I.
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Would say, uh, when when the when we knew we
had the land, we had already been working on a
pretty good plan, and now we're here.
Speaker 8 (25:58):
Are we just add very quickly These projects are not
easy projects to take on their complex They involve a
lot of decisions made, the decision making along the way,
there are difficult periods. But I would fall back on
the leadership, the leadership of the mayor who had the
(26:18):
vision and the willingness to take this on. I think
you know that does not happen in cities or states
without that kind of a political leader standing up and
saying this is good for our community, which we obviously agree,
and of course Josh who understood not just the emotional
reason for coming back to the district, but also this
(26:42):
was really the right thing for this community. This will
be a tremendous economic driver. But more importantly, I think
it will be a send a signal to everyone in
the world, frankly, of this community and the way they're
going in the direction they're going.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Our next question, David Aldridge from The.
Speaker 7 (26:59):
Athletic, thank you for Josh and for Mayor Bowser. What
assurances can you provide to local residents that they will
not be overwhelmed by the new construction the new projects
that they will be able to stay in the area
(27:21):
and stay in the housing that they currently have. And
for Roger, I wonder if the SOFI project in la
is at all analogous to this in terms of the
partnership that the Kronkeys had with the city of Englewood.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
Well, thanks for that that question. And the good thing
about this site is it was at NFL Stadium there
the Washington football team played there for decades, and the
transportation infrastructure exists. It is served by Metro, is served
by the highway, is served by an expansive bus system.
(27:59):
The difference between when the team last played and now
is that there are many other modes that are available
for people to travel there as well.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
What we've heard from the.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
Community is they're tired of the blight and they want
the one hundred and eighty parcel one hundred and eighty
acre parcel to be brought.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Back to life.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
So one advantage is that we won't just have what's
there now a sea of parking and a stadium. We're
going to be able to have a wonderful mix of uses.
I love we can show a map that demonstrates all
of the different parcels that.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Will be engaged that include.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Entertainment, an entertainment district that has set aside park space,
including the area that can't be developed right along the
Anacostia River, and an entire recreation district that the district
will populate with the existing fields and our sports plex,
and what we're calling the King Park District, which will
(29:03):
be largely residential. So this is what we promise to deliver,
a mix of uses that includes an NFL stadium.
Speaker 5 (29:14):
Yeah, maybe the other thing I would add, and that's
well said, is just that only fifteen percent right now,
there's a crumbling I mean I walked around, We've walked
around there a bunch of times, and there's nothing there
right and it's just been that way since RFK closed
in the nineties.
Speaker 4 (29:30):
And so now we're bringing this area back to life.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
We're activating the area, and the stadium itself is only
fifteen percent of the overall land mass, so you know, obviously,
you know this is going to be a great thing
for that area in terms of activating you know, the
Anacostia River. You can actually ride your bike from National's Park.
It's a fifteen minute bike ride, activating you know, the
(29:54):
you know, enhancing the amenities for the neighborhoods there, grocery stores.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Other things, restaurant So that's a big part of what
we're doing.
Speaker 8 (30:05):
David, I think you asked about analogous to other stadiums.
I think Atlanta is a very interesting analogy also. I
think Los Angeles clearly is. I think Detroit is. I
think there are many cities where they have seen the
value of the reinvestment into that community. A stadium being
(30:27):
surrounded by a development such as this that I think
is very powerful. And they've all been successful both in
I think the community's mind most importantly, but also in
our mind. But I also think they've been successful from
an economic standpoint.
Speaker 1 (30:42):
Our next question is from Steven Wino of the Associated Press.
Speaker 10 (30:46):
Josh, my question for you, obviously, I know you guys
have been looking at sites in Maryland and Virginia in
the district. How much of sort of the grewer investment
was for you guys as at Mitch and your ownership
group nostalgia about how much you guys as a team
wanted to be back at the RF.
Speaker 5 (31:01):
Yeah, I mean obviously when you may, I mean, look,
we all grew up here, right, and we all were
certainly touched by our experiences, but I think it was
less nostalgia and more just a deep connection to understanding
how important the location was. It's in the middle of
You've got the DMV is obviously Virginia, Maryland and d
(31:22):
C DC happens to be in the middle. Obviously we
all experienced, you know, the rumbling of RFK and the
centrality of that location in terms of its proximity to
the seat of government and to businesses.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
And being in the middle, as well as you.
Speaker 5 (31:42):
Know, the experience of a city stadium right like walking there,
taking the metro, you know, you know, you know, kind
of the experience itself.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
So I think that all of those things contributed.
Speaker 5 (31:55):
But at the end of the day, it was the
right thing, you know, it was It was less nostalgia.
It was or just the fact that we had grown
up here gave us that vision to you know, not
look at the crumbling concrete that was there, but remember
in our minds the vivid nature of what Washington Football
was all about and how it really brought a city
(32:16):
that was socioeconomically, you know, distinct and challenged at that
point with lots of groups of people together, right, no
matter where you were from, who you were, your race, color, religion.
On Sundays, you were a Washington football fan. And so
that really did contribute to our focus on it, and
(32:37):
then you know, kind of brought it to life. And
then look, let's face it, Washington is amongst, if not
the most important city in the world.
Speaker 4 (32:46):
It's a gateway city for the United States of America.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
And you know, to have us a stadium and a site,
you know where you can see the Washington mon you
can see the Capinal. I remember watching on TV those
shots and having John Matten talk about we're here in
the Nation's capital and there's the Washington Monument, there's the
White House, there's the Nation's Capital, and then there's RFK
(33:10):
at that ball, right, and so all that stuff was
incredibly motivating to all of us.
Speaker 1 (33:15):
Our next question is from Chickernan is a WUSA.
Speaker 11 (33:22):
Alrighty, then you're gonna hold this, Okay, I am capable commissioner.
We've had two decades of darkness here with this franchise.
And then it turned around what's the league view of
this franchise and what's taking place right now with this
welcoming back home.
Speaker 8 (33:44):
Yeah, I would say that the league view is incredibly
positive one. Josh coming in and I think making a
commitment to this franchise that they were going to be
one that this community to be proud of. Obviously, every
owner that comes and hopes to have the winning tradition
re established quickly. I think Josh may have been ahead
(34:06):
of his timetable a little bit, but.
Speaker 4 (34:08):
Good for him, and I think it's good Jam and
coach and quarterback Tayden Helps.
Speaker 8 (34:16):
But he's got a great team over here. But I
would say that we look at this as a very
important football market. This has been one that we want
to have. Obviously, a sterling franchise in this community. We
feel that we have that now it's going in the
right direction. I think the commitment by Josh and the
(34:39):
city to bring the team back into DC is a
really important one, I think emotionally, but also I think
it signifies that they care about this community, they care
deeply about it, and they're going to do the right
things to make this franchise successful.
Speaker 1 (34:56):
Our next question is from Rebecca Turco of w j
LA seven.
Speaker 12 (35:00):
Hi, good morning.
Speaker 2 (35:01):
This is a question for the mayor.
Speaker 13 (35:03):
The two hundred two million for infrastructure and the eighty
nine million for the sportsplex. Can you explain why use
taxpayer money for this? Why not pursue creative options like
personal seat licenses for instance.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Okay, so I think you've asked me about the public
investment in the stadium. So what I hope has been
made clear is that this is a massive investment and
the largest private investment in the district's history. The commanders
will be committing two point seven billion dollars to building
(35:41):
the stadium two point seven billions, so the total investment
total investment will be three point six billion dollars. Our
part of the investment will be five hundred million to
(36:02):
support horizontal stadium construction and events DC. As I mentioned,
our partner is partnering for parking in the sum of
one hundred and eighty one million, and the district is
also partnering and parking for a total of one hundred
and seventy five million. At the end of the day,
(36:26):
we will own both of the parking garages and so
in addition to that is we would and as we
have done with all public parcel development, we contribute to
infrastructure development, and so we have the sum of two
hundred and two thousand dollars two hundred and two million
(36:47):
dollars listed there for roadways and transportation studies and the
like that support bringing RFK to life. Very similar to
what we're doing at McMillan or what we've done at
Saint Elizabeth's, or what we've done at Walter Reed or
what we've done at the adjacent Hill East, that the
(37:08):
district goes in and supports infrastructure and works with a
trusted development partner to build out. And that's how we
expect to proceed here as it relates to the sports Plex.
This is a long promise of mine. I think you
know three years ago I made my first investment in
the sports plex and our capital improvements plan, and we're
(37:29):
coming back as part of this package to.
Speaker 2 (37:32):
Make sure we deliver it.
Speaker 3 (37:34):
You may not know this, but our kids right now
leave school if they are indoor track athletes, for example,
and they travel out of DC to go do track.
Our gymnasts there go around the region. Our cheerleaders don't
have a place to cheer. So we need a world
(37:54):
class indoor sports facility and we will invest in it
at RFK.
Speaker 1 (38:09):
Our next question is from Sam Collins of the Washington Informer.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
Peace and Blessing Sam PK.
Speaker 14 (38:17):
Collins of the Washington Informer, Madam Mayer, and anybody else
who wants to answer, if you can just talk about
as it relates to the community benefits plan, what is
the timeline of stakeholder engagement, how much in funds are
we talking about being dispersed, and is this an arrangement
that's happening in perpetuity or for a limited time.
Speaker 3 (38:40):
Well, with all Economic Development park projects, I start with this,
and I've been involved with a lot over the years.
The number one community of benefit is what we will
deliver on the site. So we will be able to
deliver to deliver because of this catalytic anchor investment by
the commanders between five and six thousand units of housing.
(39:02):
We will be able to deliver more hotels, we will
be able to deliver more jobs. So those are the
chief economic benefits when we look at this. More than
sixteen thousand jobs will be created in more than twenty
billion dollars in tax revenue.
Speaker 2 (39:20):
Over the period of this commitment. Those are the benefits.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
Additionally, we have laid out some pretty preliminary ideas with
the team about other ways that the community will want
to be involved in the site.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
I know I've had.
Speaker 3 (39:38):
Some preliminary conversations with members of the council. The team
has had preliminary conversations with members of the council, and
I expect those ideas will be fleshed out during the
council process.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
Our next question is from Mark C. Graves of NBC four.
Speaker 9 (39:56):
Hey, good morning, thanks very much. A question for you,
Mayor Bowser, and question for you, mister Harris, Mayor Bouser.
I'm just wondering what you will say to residents at
a time you know you're faced with an enormous uphill
budget battle going for it, both in the twenty twenty
five and the upcoming twenty twenty six, with the prospects
of layoffs, cuts of services, and hundreds of millions of
(40:17):
dollars cut from the out years in the budget. How
do you justify what do you say to residents who
think this is not the right time to put hundreds
of millions of dollars into this development when you're having
to cut and furlough, cut services and possibly furlough workers.
And then, mister Harris, for you, you mentioned that through
this you've learned a lot about the political process with
(40:38):
the federal government. You're about to learn a lot about
the political process with the DC Council. And I only
see four council members here today. You're going to need
seven votes. I'm wondering if what your plan we saw
what happened with Monumental in Virginia. I'm wondering what your
Plan B is and how serious you've negotiated with Maryland
throughout this. If this deal falls through, if the DC
(41:01):
Council fails to approve this, well.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
First, Mark, I want to make sure you're not confusing viewers.
We're not talking about the cr caused f y twenty
five summer crisis.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
We're not talking about that.
Speaker 3 (41:18):
What we're talking about is our future. We're talking about
our f y twenty six budget, and I'm advancing a
FY to balance FY twenty six budget that is both
focused on right sizing spending for sure, but it is
(41:39):
also making some big, bold investments in growth. Now is
not the time where our economy is shifting.
Speaker 2 (41:49):
You know what our job is right now?
Speaker 3 (41:51):
Our job is to replace economic activity for forty thousand people.
If we don't make some change, they may not have
their jobs. If we don't make some change, they may
not live here. So our job is to advance a
(42:12):
budget that is bold and that invest in growth. And
I'm going to be talking a lot more about all
of that growth agenda, but it starts with a catalytic
investment at RFK. We cannot leave if you need to
(42:35):
add revenue as we do. You can't leave one hundred
and eighty acres vacant. If you need to add jobs,
as we do, you cannot wait for an anchor to
show up to start developing there. When you need to
(42:55):
attract business, you have to be about business. So we're
gonna be talking about f I twenty six. Now, the
Congress still has to fix f y twenty five because
(43:18):
if they don't, because your your question is a serious one.
I call it a fake budget crisis. Because we have
the money. So if we have to cut services because
they don't, they don't fix their snap food and that's
a problem. Well, you know, we're gonna keep pushing it.
But we can't stuck because no matter what happens with
f Y twenty five, FI twenty six is coming. And
(43:41):
so we're gonna have at the end of f y
thirty or the beginning of f y thirty A new stadium.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
I have it.
Speaker 5 (43:56):
I think that this is an incredible ROI for the
city of d C, the local community around the stadium.
Speaker 4 (44:03):
Literally if you, the mayor has done an.
Speaker 5 (44:06):
Amazing job at negotiat become negotiating on behalf of the city,
but also becoming a partner with us in an investment
that is going to create like billions of tax revenue,
thousands of jobs, a whole new community, uh and tie
together the city and and and look, I look forward
to begin it, continuing my engagement and intensifying my engagement
(44:29):
with the council both uh, you know, both Ward seven,
but also the broader d C UH communities UH and
the people that are representing the broader DC community and
being super transparent giving them the details they need. And
I think the project speaks for itself. And I think
the project will stand uh and and and and I
(44:52):
believe will convince the Council this is in the best
interest of dz.
Speaker 1 (45:01):
Our Next questions from Stephanie Ramirez a Fox Life.
Speaker 4 (45:05):
Can I just say one other thing?
Speaker 5 (45:06):
And we did have other alternatives, but we're really focused here,
of course, not.
Speaker 12 (45:17):
All right, A question for mister Harris. Well, first off,
we saw the photo right after the president signed the
bill of the two of you smiling. I'm over here, sorry,
right back here. Saw the photo of you both smiling
right after former President Joe Biden had signed the RFK
bill into law. So the question everybody had was was
(45:37):
this already a done deal? Can you talk about where
you guys were in that moment and was this what
you always wanted from the beginning and purchasing?
Speaker 2 (45:45):
And then I also have a follow question for you,
mayor Bauser.
Speaker 5 (45:47):
Yeah, the answer is, obviously that was a big step
in the process. Until DC had the land back, there
was no way you could consider doing this project at
the RFK site. So that was the first step in
the process. But we had not concluded or even it
was very early in the negotiations with DC, and so
(46:11):
after that moment, so yes, that was an amazing kind.
Speaker 4 (46:15):
Of part of the process.
Speaker 5 (46:16):
But after that moment, we get in, you know, as
the new year changed to twenty twenty five, we got
to work and really created all these details. And so
I was definitely smiling, but I was also I knew
there was a lot of work ahead. And listen, we've
been very transparent with the whole DMV community in terms
of what we thought was the right answer for the
(46:39):
location of the stadium. And sometimes when you have partners
in other jurisdictions, those conversations can be it's harder to
be honest and upfront about it. But we also didn't
know whether we would be able to achieve what we
thought was the best answer, and so you know, we
(46:59):
kept Ushians going and you know, obviously we've made commitments
in Maryland, you know, as to what as to making
that site a great site and not having what happened
to d C, which is RFK just literally sat there
and became a massive concrete that's not going to happen.
(47:19):
We've already committed it won't and we're engaging with the
state of Maryland as to what we're going to do
at that site to make it great for Maryland. And
we have fans obviously in Virginia. We have fans of Maryland.
We have fans in d C. DC happens to be
the center of it, but it's very important we like
having you know, we have our business offices in Maryland,
we have our training complex in Virginia. You know, if
(47:43):
we can accomplish our stadium in d C.
Speaker 4 (47:45):
We're engaging the whole area.
Speaker 12 (47:47):
And then Mayor Bowser a couple questions here. We know
that there are significant issues with business downtown and reviving
downtown d C. Does this project kind of replace anything
downtown or how do you balance what you're trying to
do here with reviving downtown? And then separately, will you
commit to working with the residents and kind of financial
agreement for those neighbors who are concerned that they may
(48:10):
be forced to move out because of rising property costs
with the new stadium that's going to be going there.
Speaker 2 (48:15):
Well, nobody will be forced to move out.
Speaker 3 (48:18):
What we're proposing is completely in the on the RFK parcels.
And the first part of your question was what we
think is entirely complementary and more than that, we kind
(48:38):
of got an early start on our growth agenda what
I'm now calling our growth agenda because of the work
that we were able to do downtown and it's particularly
around Chinatown and Gallery Place and our c our Gallery
Place Chinatown co chairs here give those ladies a big
roundup applause and Debbie, I see Jaron Price who helped
(49:05):
produce the Downtown Action Report, the council members at the
front who unanimously approved a five hundred and fifteen million
dollar investment in keeping the Capitol One Arena downtown. Might
I add a deal a structure that's very similar to
what we are proposing here, And so I think that
(49:30):
we have demonstrated that cities especially have to we're doubling
down on.
Speaker 2 (49:36):
That's what's working for us.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
We are a hospitality economy and a sports and entertainment economy.
You've heard me say a thousand times. You know this
is not just fun and games. It's dollars and cents
for the city, and what happens at these parcels helps
us invest in all eight wards, we.
Speaker 1 (49:58):
Have time for one final question.
Speaker 15 (50:00):
Ryan from WTOP, thank you so much once again. In
terms of having this team return here, what do you
envision in terms of people being able to afford it.
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Like they did in the old days.
Speaker 15 (50:18):
You know, you'd walk over from your backyard barbecue to
the games. What are the prices going to be like?
Speaker 5 (50:25):
Yes, actually, Mark Mark I pulled out a ticket I
hate to say, from nineteen seventy two.
Speaker 4 (50:30):
He kept it somehow, and it was twelve dollars face.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
But look, I think obviously for us, you know, affordability.
We sit down every year and you know, Mark Klaus,
our new president, is there. We sit down as a
business team and we set ticket prices, and we are
very focused every year on affordability and inclusion and the
(50:56):
ability of a I have a family, the ability of
everyone to bring their family to the game. And so
that's going to continue to be, you know, kind of
a priority for US. New Stadium, old stadium, pretty much everywhere.
Speaker 1 (51:12):
Thanks uh, We're going to give you an opportunity to
have a photo opportunity just a moment. We're going to
ask you all to stay seated as we're going to
call you up in groups. But first to commemorate what
is a historic day, we're going to take this commander's helmet.
Mayor Bowser, Josh Harris, Commissioner Goodell. Are all going to
sign this today?
Speaker 7 (51:40):
Thank you?
Speaker 16 (51:42):
Okay, colors, I guess it's real stay on the same side.
Speaker 6 (52:13):
Or yeah, up there, step back.
Speaker 1 (52:45):
Congratulations. Ali, you want to call up some for groups
or photo opportunities, please.
Speaker 11 (52:54):
And then call.
Speaker 6 (52:56):
For photos
Speaker 2 (53:01):
A pack o paplay such a
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