About Commanders Field in Maryland
The vision for Commanders Field began in 1994 when Washington’s then-owner Jack Kent Cooke wanted to pursue a more profitable venue than the team’s previous home arena, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington D.C.
After deciding on a location just off the Capital Beltway, construction began and the stadium was ready for use in 1997, opening on September 14. Cooke passed away before stadium construction was complete, leading his sons to name the field in his honor. Washington won its first game at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 19-13.
From 2002 to 2008, FedEx Field was the most-attended stadium in the NFL, with attendance often exceeding the posted arena capacity. While the official capacity is listed at 67,617, a 2007 game against the rival Dallas Cowboys saw 90,910 fans in the building as Washington clinched a playoff spot.
Today, the stadium has become much-maligned for poor field conditions and fan accommodations. In 2022, a poll run by Bet For the Win (part of USA Today’s Sports Media Group) ranked all 30 NFL Stadiums and Commanders Stadium finished 30th; the poll cited deteriorating stadium conditions (including a burst pipe that poured questionable water on fans), traffic backups while getting to the stadium, and high concessions prices.
In 2024, an NFLPA report card also had Washington ranked last in players’ assessments of their own facilities, ownership, coaching staff, and team personnel. While the players acknowledged the blame for many of these issues falls on previous ownership, they expressed a dire need for improvements. The team is reportedly planning $75M in field upgrades during the 2024 offseason.
When not in use for football, FedEx Field has hosted the Prince George’s Classic (a college football game played annually between various historically black colleges and universities), international and exhibition men’s and women’s soccer matches (including the 1999 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals), rugby union matches, and many concert performances.
Is there sports betting at Commanders Field?
Yes, there is sports betting at Commanders Field. Fanatics Sportsbook at Commanders Field is located next to the team store and allows fans to make wagers through eight staffed betting windows and 21 self-service betting kiosks.
Additionally, fans can place wagers from their seats while attending games by using a Maryland mobile betting app or online web browser, though cellular service may experience interruptions due to the large number of people at the field.
Commanders Field and Fanatics Sportsbook partnership
The Washington Commanders forged a partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook MD in November 2022 and opened a sportsbook facility inside FedEx Field in January 2023. This made Fanatics the first legal retail sportsbook to open inside an NFL stadium.
Fanatics is also a sports merchandising giant and operates the team stores throughout the building.
History of Commanders Field
