History of Northwest Stadium in Timeline

Northwest Stadium, located in Landover, Maryland, is a multi-purpose stadium that serves as the home of the Washington Commanders of the NFL. Originally opened in 1997 as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, it was renamed FedExField in 1999 and held that name until 2024. The stadium is situated approximately 2.5 miles east of Washington, D.C.

1962: Bobby Mitchell Joins the Team

In 1962, Bobby Mitchell joined the team as a running back, later becoming an executive, and remaining with the team until 2002. The Lower Level of the stadium is named after him.

1981: Joe Gibbs Becomes Head Coach

In 1981, Joe Gibbs became the team's head coach, serving until 1992 and later returning from 2004 to 2007. The Club Level of the stadium is named after him.

1992: Joe Gibbs' Initial Head Coaching Tenure Ends

In 1992, Joe Gibbs' initial tenure as the team's head coach concluded, though he later returned from 2004 to 2007. The Club Level of the stadium is named after him.

September 14, 1997: Jack Kent Cooke Stadium Opening Game

On September 14, 1997, Jack Kent Cooke Stadium officially opened, hosting its inaugural game between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals.

1997: Stadium Opens as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium

In 1997, the stadium opened as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, marking its initial establishment as a venue for sports and entertainment.

1998: Notre Dame vs. Navy College Football Game

In 1998, Northwest Stadium hosted a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Navy Midshipmen.

May 1999: Team and Stadium Purchased by Daniel Snyder

In May 1999, Daniel Snyder acquired the team and stadium from Cooke's estate, marking a change in ownership and management.

November 21, 1999: Stadium Renamed FedExField

On November 21, 1999, the stadium was officially renamed FedExField after a naming rights agreement with FedEx.

1999: Stadium Renamed FedExField

In 1999, Jack Kent Cooke Stadium was renamed FedExField, initiating a new era under the sponsorship of FedEx.

1999: FIFA Women's World Cup Matches

In 1999, Northwest Stadium hosted six matches of the FIFA Women's World Cup, including the United States' quarterfinal victory over Germany.

2002: NFL Home Attendance Leader

From 2002, the Redskins led the NFL in home attendance, reflecting strong fan support and interest.

2002: Bobby Mitchell's Tenure Ends

In 2002, Bobby Mitchell's tenure with the team ended after serving as a running back and executive since 1962. The Lower Level of the stadium is named after him.

2004: Joe Gibbs Returns as Head Coach

In 2004, Joe Gibbs returned as the team's head coach, after having served from 1981 to 1992, and remained until 2007. The Club Level of the stadium is named after him.

2004: NFL's Largest Capacity

In 2004, Northwest Stadium achieved the NFL's largest capacity at 91,000, marking a peak in its seating availability.

2004: USC vs. Virginia Tech College Football Game

In 2004, Northwest Stadium hosted a college football game between the USC Trojans and Virginia Tech Hokies.

2005: D.C. United vs. Chelsea F.C.

During the 2005 World Series of Soccer, D.C. United hosted Chelsea F.C. at Northwest Stadium. The game drew 31,473 spectators.

2005: Premium "dream seats" Added

In 2005, eight years after the stadium opened, 1,488 premium "dream seats" in three rows were added in front of what was the first row when the stadium was built.

2007: Discussions About a New Stadium

As early as 2007, former team owner Daniel Snyder had been in discussions about the possibility of building a new stadium to replace Northwest Stadium.

2007: Joe Gibbs' Second Head Coaching Tenure Ends

In 2007, Joe Gibbs' second tenure as the team's head coach came to an end, after previously coaching from 1981 to 1992 and returning in 2004. The Club Level of the stadium is named after him.

August 9, 2009: D.C. United vs. Real Madrid

On August 9, 2009, D.C. United hosted Real Madrid for an international friendly match at Northwest Stadium.

2010: End of NFL's Largest Capacity

In 2010, Northwest Stadium's reign as the NFL's largest capacity venue ended, with seating capacity subsequently reduced.

2010: End of NFL Home Attendance Leadership

In 2010, the Redskins' leadership in NFL home attendance ended, signaling a shift in fan engagement and attendance patterns.

July 30, 2011: Manchester United vs. F.C. Barcelona

On July 30, 2011, Manchester United defeated F.C. Barcelona 2-1 at Northwest Stadium in front of 81,807 fans.

2011: Army–Navy Game

In 2011, the Army–Navy Game was held at Northwest Stadium.

July 29, 2014: Manchester United vs. Inter Milan

On July 29, 2014, Manchester United played Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup at Northwest Stadium.

March 28, 2015: Argentina vs. El Salvador Soccer Match

On March 28, 2015, Argentina defeated El Salvador in a soccer match held at Northwest Stadium, with an attendance of 53,978.

2015: Seating Capacity Reduction

By 2015, another 4,000 seats had been removed from the stadium, resulting in a capacity of 62,000.

July 26, 2017: F.C. Barcelona vs. Manchester United

On July 26, 2017, F.C. Barcelona played Manchester United as part of the International Champions Cup, drawing 80,162 fans. F.C. Barcelona won 1-0 with a goal by Neymar.

August 4, 2018: Real Madrid vs. Juventus

On August 4, 2018, Real Madrid beat Juventus 3-1 during the 2018 International Champions Cup at Northwest Stadium.

July 23, 2019: Real Madrid vs. Arsenal

On July 23, 2019, Real Madrid defeated Arsenal on penalty kicks at Northwest Stadium.

October 23, 2021: Rugby Union Match: New Zealand vs. USA Eagles

On October 23, 2021, Northwest Stadium hosted a rugby union match between New Zealand and the USA Eagles, drawing 39,720 attendees.

2021: FIFA Rejects Bid

In 2021, Northwest Stadium's bid as a 2026 FIFA World Cup venue was rejected by FIFA.

2021: Water Leaks Near Fans

In 2021, three water leaks occurred near two fans at the stadium.

2022: Barrier Collapse During Eagles Game

In 2022, a barrier collapsed near Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as he walked down the away team tunnel, causing several people to fall.

2022: Seating Capacity

In 2022, the seating capacity of the stadium was 62,000.

July 2023: Team and Stadium Sold to Josh Harris Group

In July 2023, Daniel Snyder sold the team and stadium to a group headed by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion, marking a significant transition in ownership.

2023: Stadium Suites Count

As of 2023, Northwest Stadium has 257 suites for guests.

February 2024: FedEx Opts Out of Naming Rights Contract

In February 2024, FedEx announced its decision to opt out of its naming rights contract before its expiration in 2026, leading to a change in the stadium's name.

August 27, 2024: Stadium Renamed Northwest Stadium

On August 27, 2024, a sponsorship with Northwest Federal Credit Union was announced, renaming the stadium Northwest Stadium.

2024: Stadium known as FedExField

From 1999 to 2024, the stadium was known as FedExField

2024: Army-Navy Game

In 2024, the Army-Navy Game was held at Northwest Stadium.

2025: Seating Capacity Re-Addition

In 2025, 1,500 seats were re-added to the stadium, bringing the total capacity to 64,000.

2025: New Stadium Plans Announced

In 2025, the Commanders and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to construct a new stadium at the former site of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

2026: World Cup Venue Bid

In 2021, Northwest Stadium's bid as a 2026 FIFA World Cup venue was rejected by FIFA.

2026: FedEx Naming Rights Contract Expiration

In February 2024, FedEx announced its decision to opt out of its naming rights contract before its expiration in 2026.

2030: New Stadium Completion

In 2025, the Commanders and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to construct a new stadium at the former site of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. to house the team by 2030.